Rising damp is an all too common form of moisture that affects building walls. Groundwater is drawn up the walls by capillary action, the same way a series of straws would draw liquid. This water brings with it salts, which are also transported up the wall.
Penetrating damp, commonly referred to as “rain penetration”, occurs when a home is exposed to excessive water entering its external walls. This can be via walls, roofs, windows or door surrounds at any level, usually due to roof tiles being defective, defective pointing, blocked weep holes or seals that are not working.
When hot air meets cold surfaces or has high humidity in the house, condensation occurs. This is especially noticeable in winter when the central heating system is on during the morning and evening.
A cavity drain system is a waterproofing system comprising a cuspated membrane applied to walls and floors and a channel at the wall-floor junction. Such water that penetrates the membrane filters down to the slab and into the perimeter channel. It is then directed via the track to a sump pump beneath the slab.
Installing a cavity drain membrane requires precise skill and technique, best done by professionals and specialists.
Generally, it can be outlined as follows:
1. Identify
2. Analyse
3. Design
4. Implement
5. Monitor
This can be summarised in five steps:
1. Recognise
2. Examine
3. Construct
4. Execute
5. Observe
London Damp Treatments offers a comprehensive design and installation service for basement structural waterproofing that meets the requirements of the British Standard BS8102, which is described as “protecting structures from groundwater”.
We utilise polyurethane plastic sheets with dimples for use in cavity drain membrane systems. These are fastened to the walls to form a hollow between the substrate and the internal wall plaster finish, where any water entering is then collected and drained away from the building. Sump and pump systems can also be installed in the floor if necessary.
In order to increase the UV value of the wall structure, insulation-backed plasterboard can be applied over the cavity drain membrane system, if required. This system was developed by the knowledgeable surveyors of London Damp Treatments and complies with Property Care Association standards. The standard guarantees of London Damp Treatments apply to these systems.
Whatever type of waterproofing is employed for retrofitting a basement, it must be able to withstand groundwater pressure and the product must be certified by the British Board of Agreement (BBA) or other similar independent technical body. Our design complies with British Standard 8102:2009’s ‘Code of Practice for Protection of Below Ground Structures Against Water from the Ground’ and can be easily cared for in the future.
Once the structure is complete and ready for the Type C system to be installed, a cavity drain membrane system should be installed, extending to the vaulted spaces and recess walkways.
We can install advanced monitoring systems which detect excessive water in pump sump chambers and scrutinise pump station performance. These regular health checks on pump stations are non-invasive and allow us to monitor and identify electrical/mechanical problems prior to them occurring, thus supporting the drainage system.
Basement conversions offer a great way to acquire extra space that can be used for a multitude of possibilities – from an extra bedroom to a gym or a playroom for the kids – the options are endless and the days of dreary, moist basements are a thing of the past.
Transforming wet basements and other subterranean areas into dry areas can be a financially savvy and enjoyable method of increasing one’s residence or taking full advantage of existing space. London Damp Treatments is an expert in upgrading old basement spaces, waterproofing new constructions, and transforming damp, unoccupied spaces beneath the ground into dry living areas.
A range of elements affect the cost of treatment, repair and damp proofing, including the size of the residence, its design, the dampness and the materials used to name a few.
Our friendly team are available to call at **XX** to arrange a survey of your property, looking into damp and timber problems, and determining the most suitable solutions. They will take the time to gain a complete understanding of the issue at hand, before providing you with the best quote. Request a quote today to receive a free price estimate. Secure a free pricing estimate by requesting a quote now.
London Damp Treatments upholds stringent standards and is comprehensively insured for damp-proofing treatments, expert re-plastering, wood preservation, and damp assessments.
Individuals, local authorities, small enterprises and commercial building owners/managers are provided with highly unique, well-informed and reliable damp-proofing treatment and repair services. We consider communication with our team as paramount.
Give PHONEXXX a ring now to chat with one of our amiable staff members about your needs. We provide free, no obligation site damp surveys. Our surveyors are experienced and knowledgeable and can offer advice on the best damp treatments for your property. We are available to come to your property and inspect any areas that may be wet or damp. We can then advise on the best course of action to take and provide a free quotation for any treatments that may be necessary. Our site damp surveys are entirely free and without obligation.
Contact London Damp Treatments now to speak to an expert. Get advice from a professional in the field. For help or enquiries, please call 0208 0162508. Alternatively, you can email us at info@example.com.
Max and his team have been at our property all week and I really can’t thank them enough for the fantastic job they’ve done on plastering both our walls and ceilings. They have literally transformed the appearance of our house! Not only has Ma…
From start to finish Max has been incredable. His knowledge lin damp proofing is second to none and his team where very clean and polite. The plastered finish was like glass so happy we choose Max Plastering for job.
Lovely bunch of lads left a very neat and clean job. Problem was solved.
Perfect Finnish and all left clean and tidy and no mess. Used Max previously and would not hesitate to ask him carry out more work.
Max, Harvey and Stuart arrived promptly as arranged. Done a great job on our outside rear wall. Work completed to a high standard, removal of all old material and cleaned up after themselves. I am so pleased with the standard of their work they ar…
They turned up on time and carried out the works in a very professional manor leaving the front of the house clean and tidy. Very impressed would definitely recommend.
I have to say that on every level Max (with Stuart and Harvey) did an extremely professional job! They explained what they were going to do, they were polite and courteous and respected that they were coming into our home. The plastering is of the…
I called max and he managed to come around the same day to do a survey. The next day I received an extremely detailed survey compared to any other damp proofer which made me feel very at ease that he was going to do the right job. Max and team tur…