Damp Proofing in Barnstaple
Having damp proofing in Barnstaple carried out correctly is vital to ensuring that the damp problem is fixed and will not return again in the future.
At Timberwise, we are one of the leading damp proofing companies in the South West and we pride ourselves on carrying out the best service for all of our customers in Barnstaple.
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Importance Of Having a Damp Proof Specialist
Damp is a serious problem facing property owners in Barnstaple and there are a number of damp proofing solutions to rectify the problem.
The first step to treating the damp problem is to book a survey with a damp proof specialist who is fully qualified. Our specialists are PCA approved in both CRST and CTSB qualifications, which means they are qualified to treat both damp and timber problems and waterproofing issues.
It is important to have a qualified professional to inspect your property due to the fact if there is any wrong identification of damp e.g. penetrating damp confused with condensation, this can lead to expensive treatments having to be made to sort out the damp problem out.
Covering the following areas:
How can we help?
How Do We Treat Rising Damp?
Rising damp can affect any type of building but it tends to be most prominent in older properties. The process of rising damp occurs when the bricks at the base of the wall draw the moisture from the ground. This moisture then moves up the walls via capillary action.
A damp-proof course is used to stop this process from happening but, if it has not been installed correctly or has become damaged over time, this can lead to moisture breaching the damp proof course and for rising damp to then occur.
To rectify your rising damp problem our specialist will carry out a full in-depth survey and then outline in a detailed report whether the existing damp-proof course can be fixed or whether a new damp proofing system will need to be installed.
How Do We Treat Penetrating Damp?
Penetrating damp is a form of dampness caused by water finding its way through to the inside of the property from outside as a result of damage and property defects such as:
- Defective guttering and pipes
- Windows have not been sealed properly
- Faulty pointing
- Bricks no longer having the ability to stop moisture from penetrating them
If you believe that penetrating damp is causing damage to your property, our specialist will carry out a full inspection of the property and identify what defect, or defects, are the cause of the penetrating damp problem.
Depending on the cause of the problem you may require the services of a third party, for example, if new guttering is required. If it is found that the brickwork needs protection from damp, then the surveyor will suggest that waterproofing of your brickwork and masonry should be carried out.
This though should only be done once the structural integrity of the brickwork has been sorted and any cracks, faults or damaged mortar have been rectified.
Condensation Control Solutions
Condensation is the most common form of dampness and the most frequent root cause is poor ventilation within the property. It is though important to note that penetrating damp or rising damp can also lead to condensation issues if left unchecked.
If your property is suffering from dampness, then this increases the amount of moisture in the air within the property which results in condensation becoming a secondary problem.
When the cause of condensation is not identified and rectified early enough then black mould growth will start to occur which can cause health problems to people, especially those that are the most vulnerable such as the young and the elderly.
To prevent condensation, a survey carried out by one of our specialists will identify how severe the condensation problem is and what action should be taken to get rid of the problem.
Our specialist will also provide advice and guidance on preventing it from occurring again in the future.
Woodworm Treatment
If you suspect that there is woodworm in your property, we recommend booking a survey with one of our experts. A Timberwise surveyor will always make sure that the survey process is carried out properly, and that the beetles are correctly identified.
The beetles must be identified correctly because there are several different types of woodworm beetle; the most common being the Common Furniture Beetle, which attacks softwood.
The Death Watch Beetle is the 2nd most common type of woodworm beetle. The Death Watch beetle affects hardwood, and is largely found in older stuctures, like old church buildings.
Our surveyors will check for exit holes, frass (the waste product of wood), and the type of timber that has been affected. Once these checks have been completed, our surveyor will provide you with a report outlining what the most effective woodworm treatment to be used will be to get rid of the particular woodworm from your property.
Dry Rot Treatment
Dry rot is a common problem and can cause serious damage to your property if not dealt with earlier enough. Dry rot can affect any type of property from small terraced housing through to large commercial buildings.
Dry rot causes damage to timber when the moisture content within the wood is over 20%. To treat dry rot, you should first have a qualified surveyor carry out an inspection at the property to identify where the damp problem has come from, only when the source of the dampness has been rectified can the dry rot problem be tackled effectively.
Once the surveyor has correctly identified the source of the damp problem and the type of damp, the surveyor will then instruct that the dampness will need to be treated first before any dry rot treatments can be carried out.
Once the damp problem has been treated, then the dry rot treatment process can start. This involves a number of steps which include: removing any affected timber from the property, applying dry rot treatment to the timber and finally, the replacement of the timbers.
If you would like further information or a detailed explanation of how dry rot treatments are carried out or would like to book a survey with your local specialist, then contact our team online.
Damp Survey in Barnstaple
Once you have booked a survey from one of our specialists in Barnstaple, they will conduct a full damp inspection at the property. This will entail assessing all areas of the property from the basement to the loft.
The surveyor will check if there is any damp proofing already in place and if there is, they will check to see if it is working sufficiently. For example, if the damp proof course (DPC) has become damaged then the surveyor will explain that a new DPC will need to be installed into the walls to stop the risk of rising damp causing damage.
The Bristol damp proofing surveyor will also assess what the causes of the damp problem are. Once the cause of the damp problem has been found then the specialist can advise, in a detailed report, what the best treatment is.
Damp Proofing Solutions in Barnstaple
Every damp problem is different and there are a variety of damp proofing solutions that can be carried out to fix the problem. Condensation can affect any type of property, whether it is a new build or property built before the 1950s. The main solution to fixing this type of damp issue is to improve the airflow in and out of the property. This can be from simply opening doors and windows to installing extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen of your house.
To resolving penetrating damp. involves diagnosing where the damp problem has originated from. Predominately, penetrating damp issues occur from the building having external defects (damaged gutters or roofs) that need fixing.
Rising damp, the most complicated damp issue to fix and will need a damp specialist to explain what the best option is. Having a damp proof course or damp proof membrane are the most efficient methods of treating rising damp.
What Our Customers Say
Speak to our Damp Proofing Specialists in Barnstaple
If you believe your property in Barnstaple might be suffering from either damp or timber problems then it is always best to contact a timber and damp specialist. You can get in touch with our team by calling 01271 308043 or you can request a survey online and the team at Timberwise will be in touch with you to talk through your problems and arrange a convenient time for us to pay a visit.
All calls to this location are answered by the Regional Office that covers that area.
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- PCA Registered
- Checkatrade Approved
- Which? Trusted Trader
- No Obligation Quotes
- Reliable Property Surveys
- Local To You
- Fast Service
