Client: Domestic
Timberwise was called in to survey a semi-detached property in Sherborne. The client asked our technicians to assess an ongoing damp concern in both the interior and exterior of the property.
The property was made from a cavity brick construction, and the weather conditions were sunny at the time of the survey. The property was occupied at the time of inspection, and the inspection was restricted in several areas due to the presence of furniture. However, despite the setbacks, our surveyors were still able to discover several problems which were having a severe impact on the property.
Observations
During initial assessment of the exterior of the property, no visible damp proof course (DPC) was found. This is very common in a lot of the UK’s older housing stock, which relies on a breathable construction to prevent damp and condensation issues. When combined with more modern refurbishments or improvements, this can lead to damp issues becoming more prevalent due to the use of non-breathable materials.
Along the left and rear elevations of the property, it was also noted that the external render was in contact with the ground. With the absence of a DPC, this would allow ground moisture to not only ingress into the wall at ground level but potentially spread further into the wall above. This is a process known as rising damp and is exceedingly common in UK-based properties.
Moisture readings were taken from the internal walls of the ground floor using a non-destructive conductivity meter. These meters only give an indication of moisture content when used on masonry but give a true reading on timber. After taking several readings, rising damp was found in several ground floor locations, including the front reception room, kitchen, utility room and bathroom. Moisture readings were recorded on lower sections of plaster, but due to the presence of skirting boards it was not possible to determine if the render and plaster skim were in contact with the floor.
Solutions
Timberwise recommended the removal of the existing wall plaster in the affected areas. On the exterior walls, this would involve creating a render cut along the left-hand and rear wall of the property. The affected plaster would then be removed to a height of 250mm, after which bell cast would be installed. Finally, the walls would be re-rendered with Timberwise’s DryTek Finishing System, reducing the risk of damp issues reoccurring in future.
Our technicians also recommended the installation of our DryTek damp proof course system. This involves drilling holes in the mortar joints at several pre-determined points in the exterior wall and then injecting vertical barriers to prevent abridgement from adjoining masonry.
On the interior of the property, our technicians recommended the removal of affected plaster from walls at the front, side and rear. This would ensure the proper removal of all plaster affected by the rising damp issues. The walls would then have a new plaster skim applied to them.
The client was also advised of further requirements that would need to be conducted with other contractors (such as the removal of radiators and furniture) to ensure work could be completed to the best possible standard with minimal disruption.
Results
Thanks to our technicians work on the problems identified by the Timberwise surveyors, the property now features a properly functioning damp proof course that will protect the properties walls from recurring cases of rising damp.
In addition, after our team replastered, any sign of the old damp problem was remedied, leaving the property in pristine condition and ready to be redecorated.
We offer a guarantee of 20 years on all completed domestic damp proof coursing, so our client was left safe in the knowledge that their property was going to remain damp free for the long term.
Do You Want Help with a Rising Damp Solution?
Our dedicated and experienced team in Yeovil are ready to talk to you about your options for property preservation. Don’t hesitate to call us on 01935 608 137, or you can request a survey online.
