Ascot Damp Proofing are highly experienced damp proofing and timber preservation specialists. Damp can manifest itself in a number of ways and our professional surveyors are able to diagnose correctly whether damp is present; the type, the cause and the best course of remedial action.
Rising Damp
Rising damp rises up from the ground and can be found in buildings where there is either no damp course present, or the damp course has become ineffective for any number of reasons. The damp course may have simply deteriorated, or it may have been bridged by the external ground level being built up-for example if a new patio has been laid or through debris collecting in the wall cavity.
Rising damp can be seen as tide marks appearing on a wall normally to a height of 1m. The tide mark or stain is generally caused by the chloride and nitrate deposits, known as hygroscopic salts, which are left in the wall and plaster when the dampness in the wall evaporates. The hygroscopic salts have the ability to attract ambient moisture and will therefore remain damp until removed and the wall replastered with a specialist replastering formula.
Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp is caused usually as a result of poor property maintenance for example defective and blocked guttering, defective plumbing causing overflows as well as environmental factors such as wind-driven rain. Such damp can penetrate the structure of the building and can be the cause of internal adjacent timbers becoming damp and as a result degrading through dry rot and wet rot infestations.
To protect solid walls from penetrating damp we offer a service which involves applying a specialist coating called Thermability Pro.
Condensation Damp
Condensation is caused where there is a lack of airflow and ventilation in a property. Walls can become damp causing damage to the plaster and black mould and a musty smell is likely to be present. Ascot Damp Proofing’ solution to this problem is to install Positive Pressure Units and Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) systems.
Leaving damp problems untreated
Left untreated, dampness can and will spread throughout a property, becoming progressively worse in the form of timber decay, damage to brickwork and plaster and increasing the risk of dry rot and insect infestations.
Our experienced and professional surveyors are specialists in their field and will always give accurate, impartial advice and will only ever specify a particular course of action if they believe it is necessary to remedy the problem.
If your property is showing signs of damp, please contact one of Ascot Damp Proofing’s local offices who will talk through the problem and arrange a survey.
