Mould
By Paul Mclaughlin Damp • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Dampness Types

Dampness Types

Rising Damp

MouldDampness is an ever present risk in London buildings. Rising damp usually happens in old homes and occurs when the water from the ground rises into and through the capillaries of bricks and mortar of buildings. Over time, a musty smell will develop as more plaster is exposed to water. How high the water rises depends on the type of plaster used and the rate of evaporation.

What you see on buildings walls when rising damp happens is due to the contents present in the ground water, such as soluble salts, chlorides, nitrates, and sulphates. When the ground water rises through the capillaries, the contents will follow along. However, the water would evaporate, leaving those salt contents behind. When rising damp occurs often, this allows more water to enter and then leave more of their salts behind, becoming even more concentrated over time. Furthermore, since chlorides and nitrates are hygroscopic, meaning that they can absorb moisture from the surrounding, a greater salt concentration will attract a greater amount of moisture. This can be worsened if the weather in your area is often humid. And blocking the dampness with decorations is not a solution as they can be contaminated by the salts too.

Penetration damp

Penetration dampness occurs when your external walls let in moisture. The moisture then penetrates into the inner walls. It can be responsible for cracking and peeling off of paint as well as the growth of mould and mildew. It is important to understand that unless you deal with the problem, water will continuously seep into the walls causing dampness that will in-turn cause the structure of your home to rot.

Condensation

Condensation is also known to cause dampness. If you have leaking pipes or poor ventilation, you are likely to get condensation dampness. If the skirting boards in your house are decaying, the walls are staining and discolouring the paint is peeling and the timber floor is rotting, there is a very good chance you have rising dampness.

How to deal with dampness

Dealing with dampness is not rocket science. You simply need to identify and address the root cause. If it is leaking pipes and old gutters, you need to replace them. This will help dry and help you ascertain that the problem will not recur. Nonetheless, if this is not your forte, you can hire an expert. the process which is called damp proofing solves the dampness problem once and for all.

There are loads of individuals and firms that provide tanking services. Understand that not all are credible. Before hiring an expert, enquire about credentials and level of experience. Do also make a point of talking to some of their previous clients.

What happens next?

Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7458 4864.

Alternatively, you can book a survey online by completing your details below.

Once you have submitted the form, one of our surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems within 24 hours.

Your free, no obligation damp survey will typically only take between 15 to 30 minutes.

30 year guarantee We also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Free damp survey No obligation survey with detailed reports and quotations

Experienced & qualified Team qualified to industry standards (CSRT & CSSW)

Fully insured Public liability limit of indemnity £5million

Federation of Master Builders
Trust Mark
GPI
Registered Fairtrades
Certified Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

Request a free survey

Dry rot
By Paul Mclaughlin Condensation • Damp • Maintenance • Water Damage • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Rot Problems?

A Lot of Rot?

Dry rotDry rot, wet rot, penetrating damp, rising damp, condensation: all water-damage problems faced by home owners and all problems that need to be fixed sooner rather than later. But each is a different issue with a variety of effects and treatment methods. One quick call to London Damp Specialists is all it takes to diagnose your damp or rot problem and here’s a quick guide to spot your rot.

Dry Rot

When damp is combined with poor ventilation you have the perfect feeding ground for fungus. The fungus is highly invasive and can affect any type or age of property. It feeds off timbers and quickly spreads into plaster through cracks and cavities. Common signs of dry rot are damaged timbers (often out of sight below floors or in lofts) and visible orange/brown dust before it manifests itself in fluffy white spores and mushrooming spores – the latter stages show an advanced case of dry rot.

How is Dry Rot Treated?

Dry rot needs to be treated professionally and quickly in order to halt any further spread and eradicate it fully. It can be a disruptive process as it involves plaster and timber removal and replacement as well as treatment with a dry rot-resistant solution.

Wet Rot

If there is a constant source of water ingress or a leak from somewhere in the property, wet rot will develop – it could be from leaky plumbing, damaged gutters, downpipes or deteriorated pointing. Whatever the cause, it needs to be sorted! Wet rot isn’t as destructive as dry rot but left unchecked can badly affect timbers, leading to structural damage. If you notice a musty smell, spot fungal growth or distorted or discoloured timbers, you could be suffering from wet rot. It’s important to get it diagnosed professionally, not least to make sure it’s not dry rot, and make sure it is treated effectively and correctly.

How is Wet Rot Treated?

First and foremost, the source of the water ingress needs to be found and stopped. Following that, it must be determined how much wet rot has affected the area and timbers treated accordingly – probably removed and replaced, and new timbers, as well as the surrounding remaining wood, treated with fungicidal solution.

We would always recommend you seek professional help if you suspect your property is suffering from any kind of rot-related damage. Treat it before it becomes a major problem.

What happens next?

Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7458 4864.

Alternatively, you can book a survey online by completing your details below.

Once you have submitted the form, one of our surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems within 24 hours.

Your free, no obligation damp survey will typically only take between 15 to 30 minutes.

30 year guarantee We also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Free damp survey No obligation survey with detailed reports and quotations

Experienced & qualified Team qualified to industry standards (CSRT & CSSW)

Fully insured Public liability limit of indemnity £5million

Federation of Master Builders
Trust Mark
GPI
Registered Fairtrades
Certified Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

Request a free survey

Condensation on window
By Paul Mclaughlin Condensation • Damp • Maintenance • Water Damage • • 0 Comments

Condensation Control

Condensation Control in Homes and Buildings

Condensation on windowAs we emerge from winter hibernation, it’s a good time to take a look at our homes and properties and assess any effects the wintry weather may have had. Even if it hasn’t been a harsh winter temperature-wise, there are still many factors that may have taken their toll on your property. Deal with them now and avoid nasty surprises later in the year!

Clean gutters

Unless you live in a completely tree-free zone, the chances are there will be leaves and debris in your gutters. Clogged gutters and downpipes can lead to ineffective water drainage, damp and mould penetrating walls, or broken guttering. Get rid of the debris and check all water drainage is clear and free of holes or damage. A leaky downpipe can push water into the outer skin of your property which in turn will penetrate the inner walls and cause an unpleasant and potentially expensive problem. A little bit of routine maintenance will allow any rainwater to be carried away effectively. Check also for any signs of water damage around the drainpipes and have any pointing or render repaired to prevent water ingress.

Roof repair

High winds take their toll on roofs – make sure you replace any missing, broken or damaged tiles as soon as you can to avoid water seeping in and causing damage to timbers. Have any debris removed too to prevent rotting and damage in the future.

Fix drips

Beyond the obvious dripping taps, check pipes under sinks and pipes and hoses around appliances – any drip left unattended can cause mould, and damp problems will quickly follow. Clogged sinks and ‘sweaty’ pipes near sinks can be easily remedied to avoid future damp or condensation.

Don’t forget to look up and look down

Take a look around any attic space for signs of water ingress from chimneys, roofs, Velux windows. Also for insect infestation – if they have got in somewhere, there will be gaps through which water can enter. Basements too may be neglected over the winter so give them a once-over for and check for damp penetration, particularly if it’s been a wet winter.

Your home is your refuge during winter so make sure you give it some TLC and keep it that way. Tackle any small jobs before they snowball into big, expensive problems and always seek professional advice.

What happens next?

Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7458 4864.

Alternatively, you can book a survey online by completing your details below.

Once you have submitted the form, one of our surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems within 24 hours.

Your free, no obligation damp survey will typically only take between 15 to 30 minutes.

30 year guarantee We also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Free damp survey No obligation survey with detailed reports and quotations

Experienced & qualified Team qualified to industry standards (CSRT & CSSW)

Fully insured Public liability limit of indemnity £5million

Federation of Master Builders
Trust Mark
GPI
Registered Fairtrades
Certified Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

Request a free survey

Kensington houses
By Paul Mclaughlin Damp • Maintenance • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Damp in Kensington Homes

Kensington housesDamp Home Repair in Kensington

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is synonymous with historic and grand architecture, generous and elegant living spaces and is probably the most exclusive London borough with its exclusive shops, world-class museums and stunning parks. It is the smallest borough but the most densely populated, despite its accompanying price tag.

Kensington’s exclusivity is perhaps rooted in its royal links – Henry VIII built a home where some of his wives lived and Queen Victoria was born and continued to reside here. Many of its buildings bear the signs of the Victorian building styles still favoured today: stuccoed fronts, impressive mansion blocks, and terraced rows filled with Victorian features such as high ceilings, beautiful fireplaces and well-proportioned rooms.

Although the buildings themselves stand strong, they are susceptible to structural failings, age-related problems and general wear and tear. They deserve to be kept in as good a state of repair as possible to ensure they retain their value and longevity. Many issues faced by today’s property owners stem from the actual materials the Victorians and their predecessors used to construct many of Kensington’s buildings: London clay bricks, lime mortar, cast iron, leadwork and slate.

Damp proof courses fail because they were constructed from slate and glass or were non-existent; many basements and cellars, which are now hugely popular, are highly susceptible to penetrating and rising damp because they were built without tanking or any similar protection from the surrounding damp earth; and building repairs carried out with modern supplies sometimes compromise the original materials, causing water ingress and damage.

No matter how big or small your concern, it will pay in the long term to seek professional advice and conserve your home or property for the long term. Call London Damp Specialist for a complete professional survey.

What happens next?

Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7458 4864.

Alternatively, you can book a survey online by completing your details below.

Once you have submitted the form, one of our surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems within 24 hours.

Your free, no obligation damp survey will typically only take between 15 to 30 minutes.

30 year guarantee We also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Free damp survey No obligation survey with detailed reports and quotations

Experienced & qualified Team qualified to industry standards (CSRT & CSSW)

Fully insured Public liability limit of indemnity £5million

Federation of Master Builders
Trust Mark
GPI
Registered Fairtrades
Certified Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

Request a free survey

London Damp Specialists
By Paul Mclaughlin Condensation • Damp • Water Damage • • • • 0 Comments

Damp House Problems

How to identify a damp problem in the house

Living in a damp house can be very dangerous and can cause you a lot serious health issues. As such, a little leak is something that should not be ignored. Although you might not be able to notice the immediate water damage, bacteria and mould growth can start within a short time of water intrusion. Damp homes have been found to be the cause of respiratory illnesses. A damp house is a conducive place for breeding of parasites and bacteria.

It is, therefore, important to ensure that your property is well kept and regularly inspected to prevent you and your family members from getting sick. The following are different ways to help you know whether your home is damp:

Condensation

Condensation on the window is an indication of a damp house. Excessive condensation may be a sign of too much water vapour in the home. Condensation is an indication of a damp problem and poor ventilation. It is essential to ensure that you check your house regularly so to avoid exposing your family to diseases.

Black mould

Black moulds are another thing that you will notice in a damp house. Moulds are usually life threatening since the can cause severe diseases especially to those people with a lung condition. Make sure that you check the entire isolated ceiling, walls, door frame and window carefully to avoid causing more problems.

Tide marks and stains on the wall

Leaking pipes and overflowing gutter are usually the cause of damp patches on the wall. The wet patches can appear at any point or place on the wall. The tide marks are often caused by salts and evaporation from the ground. You will likely notice the tide up to one meter above the skirting board.

If you fail to see the tide marks, then another very common sign is staining. Typically the stain is usually yellowish or brownish in colour and is also seen up to one meter above the skirting board. Stains make the wall to appear untidy and unattractive. Make sure to call a technician to come and examine your home so that to avoid getting more damage.

Salts within plaster

White fluffy deposits in the form of salt are a sign of a rising damp in your house. These salts can cause a lot of blistering patches on your walls. These white patches can destroy your wall leaving you with a financial burden.

Peeling of the wallpaper

If you notice that the wallpaper is coming off or is peeling from the wall, then that is an indication of damp. The wallpaper also starts becoming loose starting from the corner. Due to the moisture in the wall, the wallpaper becomes loose from the skirting board making the wallpaper turn or curve up.

Decayed skirting boards

When timber comes into contact with water, it is capable of decaying. The dampness causes the skirting boards to rot making them crack. Check out if the skirting board is easily crumbled, cracked or has localised fungus that is growing on. Ensure that you also check whether the boards have flaky or damaged paint.

Musty odour

Musty smells are often caused by damp conditions or mould spores. Any home that has dampness problem is typically affected by mould or mildew. A home develops a musty odour once it becomes damp. It is usually easier to notice the smell since it is very strong and uncomfortable.

Musty odour can also cause health issues especially if the person is allergic to smell.

 

What happens next?

Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7458 4864.

Alternatively, you can book a survey online by completing your details below.

Once you have submitted the form, one of our surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems within 24 hours.

Your free, no obligation damp survey will typically only take between 15 to 30 minutes.

30 year guarantee We also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Free damp survey No obligation survey with detailed reports and quotations

Experienced & qualified Team qualified to industry standards (CSRT & CSSW)

Fully insured Public liability limit of indemnity £5million

Federation of Master Builders
Trust Mark
GPI
Registered Fairtrades
Certified Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

Request a free survey

Penetrative damp
By Paul Mclaughlin Condensation • Damp • Maintenance • Water Damage • • • 0 Comments

Water Damage Specialist

Water, Water, Everywhere...

Penetrative dampWater damage to a property can be distressing and expensive. Whether the damage is a result of a leaking pipe, either from your house or from an adjoining property, or a leaky appliance, or there’s been a slow ingress of external water; the damage can be extensive.

The first thing to do is isolate the cause. If it is from within your property, turn off the water at the mains to prevent any further water entering. If it is from a neighbour, let them know and advise them to turn off their water. Take photographs of any visible damage – you will need these in the event of an insurance claim.

Remove any damaged or affected soft furnishings to prevent the spread of damp and mould – carpets, curtains, sofas, mattresses, whatever is in the immediate vicinity – and leave them to dry. Call your insurance company as soon as you can. Hopefully you will be covered but bear in mind they may not pay out if the damage is deemed to have been caused by a design flaw in any building work that’s been done.

Your insurance company will probably either send out a surveyor to assess the damage, refer you to their preferred supplier of damp solutions or ask you to contact a damp expert yourself – someone like London Damp Specialist. We would survey the damage and send a report which would include readings from a damp meter and images of affected areas. Subject to their approval, work would begin to restore your home to its habitable, dry and safe condition.

What is the likely course of remedial action? It will depend on the extent and cause of the damage but typically work would include: removal of any damp plaster and floorboards; using a humidifier to dry out affected areas; adding a salt neutraliser to remaining walls to dissolve any salts present from water penetration; applying waterproof sand and cement interior – and if appropriate, external – render.

Whatever the cause of the problem, the main point to remember is not to panic and act as quickly as you can to stop any more water damage. If you own a home or property that has previously suffered water damage and are worried about any long term affects, seek professional advice.

What happens next?

Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7458 4864.

Alternatively, you can book a survey online by completing your details below.

Once you have submitted the form, one of our surveyors will be in touch with you to discuss your problems within 24 hours.

Your free, no obligation damp survey will typically only take between 15 to 30 minutes.

30 year guarantee We also offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee.

Free damp survey No obligation survey with detailed reports and quotations

Experienced & qualified Team qualified to industry standards (CSRT & CSSW)

Fully insured Public liability limit of indemnity £5million

Federation of Master Builders
Trust Mark
GPI
Registered Fairtrades
Certified Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

Request a free survey