We Specialise in Damp-Proofing London Homes
London Damp Proofing is a family-run business that has been damp-proofing London homes for more than 40 years; we have an excellent reputation within the industry and we issue a full 30-year guarantee on all damp-proofing work. There isn’t anything we haven’t seen and our qualified and experienced damp-proofing teams work in a structured and orderly manner, always leaving the site spotlessly clean.
Damp Repair & Proofing Services
London Sits on a Clay Base
The Thames Valley Basin is comprised of a thick bed of clay and that causes water retention all across the capital city, making rising damp a very real threat to London properties. Add to this the damp and wet climate and you have the ideal environment for damp, mould and timber rot. Older buildings would have a basic damp proof course, typically a thin strip of black bitumen material that acts as a barrier to prevent ground moisture from attacking the external walls. There are a number of ways that a DPC could be damaged; ground subsidence or simply wear and tear over many years, while weather erosion can also lead to a breach in the DPC membrane.
Common Damp Issues That Impact London Homes
The list of damp issues that are a threat to London homes includes the following:
- Rising Damp – Ground moisture is drawn up by building materials using capillary action, which a damp proof course should prevent, however, should the DPC membrane be damaged in any way, damp will attack the external walls and eventually penetrate the interior. One long-term solution is to inject a chemical foam into the lower walls, which provides a waterproof barrier to prevent damp rising from the ground.
- Penetrating Damp – This refers to moisture that enters a building through the roof or external walls, which can cause serious damage to brickwork, masonry, mortar, plaster and timber. Leaking water pipes are another common cause of penetrating damp and if you suspect that your home might be under attack from damp, contact London Damp Proofing and arrange for one of our PCA-certified surveyors to inspect the property and provide you with a detailed report the day after the survey is completed.
- Condensation – A common problem for many London homeowners, condensation is primarily a winter issue and can be caused by a number of conditions. When warmth meets cold, droplets of water naturally form, especially on windows, while the presence of damp is another major cause of condensation. Poor heating and inadequate ventilation can make condensation worse, while lack of air movement enables condensation to form.
- Timber decay – Both wet and dry rot are common issues for London properties; dry rot requires a minimum of 20% moisture in order to survive and it is able to spread across masonry and brickwork, affecting timber in other areas. Wet rot, on the other hand, needs at least 50% moisture to thrive and is generally localised to damp patches. Signs include a musty smell in the house and brittle timber that is soft to the touch, while yellowish brown growth might also be present.
- Woodworm – This destructive insect burrows into wood and lays its eggs within the holes and when the eggs hatch, the larvae consume wood pulp, which compromises the integrity of the material. Unless action is taken, the cycle will continue and eventually, affected timber will have to be replaced.
Cutting-Edge Digital Equipment We Use to Assess London Properties
Our PCA-certified damp surveyors use the following tools to assess and determine the presence of damp in London properties:
Damp Meters
Infrared Cameras
Humidity Tester
Borescope Cameras
Ventilation Flow Test
Drone Imagery
These devices empower surveyors to present accurate assessments of the presence of damp, mould and timber rot in London properties.
Contact London Damp Proofing today, book a free damp survey and put your mind at ease.
The Importance of Regular Damp Inspections
Typically, there are no visible signs when damp starts to impact a building and the longer it is allowed to expand, the more damage it will do. At London Damp Proofing, we offer a free, no obligation independent damp survey to accurately determine the presence of damp, mould and timber rot. We are happy to quote for any recommended damp-proofing work and such is our confidence, we issue an unconditional 30-year guarantee on all damp-proofing work we undertake.
There are no visible signs when damp is present, which is all the more reason to schedule regular damp inspections; if there is damp, mould or timber rot present, we will find it. Take advantage of our free, no obligation independent damp survey and have peace of mind, knowing your home is free from all forms of damp. Should there be any issues, we can quote for the best long-term solution and we guarantee our damp-proofing work for a full 30 years.