Damp Proofing Dunstable Bedfordshire (LU5): Damp problems in your home in Dunstable may not just look unattractive, but they can also lead to major structural and health problems as well. Peeling wallpaper, flaking paintwork and patches of damp can hide far more serious problems, which could easily cost thousands of pounds to repair if they aren't fairly quickly resolved. If you think you may have such problems you need to call in an experienced Dunstable damp proofing company to check your property, and suggest the most beneficial damp proofing solution for your home or business premises.
In Dunstable homes there are three primary problem areas of how damp can affect your property:
• Penetrating Damp
• Condensation
• Rising Damp
These three key kinds of damp are described in greater detail below, along with tips on prevention and resolution, should you find them in your home in Dunstable.
PENETRATING DAMP
Common external factors that may lead to penetrating damp include: cracks in brickwork, loose or broken roof tiles, damaged downpipes or gutters and blocked cavity walls. Inside a structure, it can be triggered by damaged shower trays, burst or leaky water pipes and overflowing sinks or bathtubs. If left unresolved, flaking paintwork, blistered or broken plaster and dark, damp patches on walls, will be the obvious upshot of water soaking into the woodwork and walls.
Roofing timbers that are constantly damp due to a leaking roof, can develop wet rot if this isn't dealt with. This could prove very pricey, because in the worst case scenario your roof timbers become structurally unsound, meaning that you are going to need a whole new roof. There are various indications of wet rot that aren't difficult to spot, the principle ones being; a musty smell, a "spongy" feel to the timber and the presence of black fungus on woodwork. It is essential to immediately deal with any signs of wet rot to prevent further damage and the potential need for costly roof replacement.
Some elementary preventative measures can help in preventing this, such as: repointing brickwork, cleaning and checking your guttering & roof for leaks and examining water pipes for leaks. If you use the services of a knowledgeable Dunstable damp proofing specialist, they'll check all these elements as part of your complete damp proofing service.
CONDENSATION
There are lots of things that cause dampness, however condensation is one of the most common and easiest to spot. Tiny droplets of water form on cold surfaces when they come into contact with warm, humid air. If there is not enough ventilation in areas of high humidity, such as bathrooms, boiler rooms and kitchens, condensation can often be the result.
Wiping away any droplets of water that appear, and making certain that there is adequate ventilation in the main trouble spots, are among the most basic solutions to such problems. You can reduce the volume of humid and moist air that's present in your property by upgrading or fitting extractor fans, cooker hoods and air bricks.
By conducting a detailed damp proofing survey, an established Dunstable company will find any areas where damp air is sucked in from the outside, simply making matters worse. To adequately minimise condensation problems, air circulation must be regulated properly. A reliable Dunstable damp proofing technician will gladly offer advice and solutions to accomplish this in your home.
RISING DAMP
A damp proof course or membrane has been installed as standard on homes constructed in the UK since 1875. It's quite possible that you may not have one installed if your property or home in Dunstable was built before this time. It is possible that your DPM may have been damaged if you are suffering with rising damp issues in a home built after this date.
It can be difficult to distinguish rising damp, however some giveaway indications are; tide marks on walls, white powdery deposits appearing on walls or being discovered on floor surfaces and crumbling or rotten skirting boards. If you see or think you might have any of these signs, it's possible that you've got a rising damp problem.
The first step towards resolving your rising damp problems should be to simply check whether you have in fact got a DPM on the outside walls of your home in Dunstable. For adequate protection it ought to be 150mm (about 6 inches) above the level of the ground. If you discover this space does not exist, you can dig the ground away to increase it, or if this process isn't feasible, a higher damp proof membrane will have to be put in.
If your damp proof membrane (DPM) is installed and in order and the gap isn't the cause of the problem, moisture could be coming up through your flooring and into your walls, which could be a more challenging issue.
Using a variety of techniques, damp proofing experts in Dunstable will quickly detect and solve your rising damp problems. A damp proof cream (such as Dryzone or Permaguard) can be carefully injected into your walls if you've got an older house with no damp proof membrane, or one that's damaged over a wide area. This entails the drilling of holes at intervals along the wall's mortar course and the cream injected with a special nozzle to fill up the gaps behind the brickwork down to beneath ground level.
If the damage to the membrane is too extensive, or if damp proofing cream is not an appropriate solution, you might have to put in a brand new damp proof course. Regrettably this is taking repair work to the extreme, however it might be the only solution to your rising damp issues.
The application of a waterproof (bitumen based) latex emulsion, is yet another possible solution for smaller areas of membrane damage. Tiles, wood flooring or carpeting must be lifted before any work can be done, as it's applied under your floor coverings. In basements this is an especially effectual solution, and will form part of the "tanking" procedure that's used to make spaces watertight. For additional protection in those trouble spots, your Dunstable damp proofing specialist may recommend laying building paper (a specialist foil backed membrane) before the bitumen coating has dried completely.
Tanking: In basements and below ground areas of a house, tanking is the process where surfaces that are exposed are covered in a watertight coating. This must be applied on the base surface of floors and walls, therefore all plaster and wall covering must be removed and the appropriate surfaces properly prepared before work commences. You can replaster and decorate over the top of it, as soon as the paint has thoroughly dried out. Because it has to be applied to an entire ground floor or basement level of a building, this is a highly disruptive job. It's therefore advisable to bring in at least two or three damp proofing companies to make sure that this is really the only solution.
SOLVING DAMP PROBLEMS WITH DEHUMIDIFIERS
To help ease condensation problems, you could try using dehumidifiers, which for removing moisture from the air, are pretty effectual. The main downside with dehumidifier use in seeking to eliminate damp is that they primarily hide the cause of the damp, not get rid of it. A professional damp proofing company in Dunstable will be happy to give you advice on possible solutions if you're experiencing dampness in any area of your property.
FINDING A REPUTABLE DAMP PROOF COMPANY IN DUNSTABLE
As with pretty much any home improvement project, the best recommendations for a local professional can be gleaned from friends and relations. Always obtain at least 3 or 4 different quotes from a variety of companies, and if you've got any doubts you can ask to see professional memberships and accreditations, before hiring any damp proof services.
Keep an eye out for qualifications and membership from trade bodies such as the PCA (Property Care Association) or the DPA (Damp Proofing Association), or contractors holding the Certificated Surveyor of Timber and Dampness or the Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatments (CSRT) professional qualifications.
If your Dunstable damp proofing providers are in fact members of either the DPA or PCA they will be properly qualified and have acquired the appropriate experience to provide you with a top notch service for all your damp proofing needs. Such professional memberships also means that there are certain guarantees for any remedial work performed.
Damp proofing can be undertaken in Dunstable and also nearby in: Caddington, Hockliffe, Sewell, Slip End, Battlesden, Kensworth, Tebworth, Whipsnade, Beecroft, Leagrave, Toddington, Sundon, Skimpot, Totternhoe, Chalton, Eaton Bray, Lewsey Farm, Markyate, Edlesborough, Downside, Chaul End, Stanbridge, and in these postcodes LU5 4PR, LU5 4QJ, LU5 4LB, LU5 4NP, LU5 4EB, LU5 4NF, LU5 4LP, LU5 4LR, LU5 4AG, and LU5 4GX. Local Dunstable damp proof specialists will probably have the postcode LU5 and the phone code 01582. Verifying this can confirm that you access local providers of damp proofing. Dunstable property owners are able to utilise these and many other similar services. Click on the "Quote" banner to make enquiries and get damp proofing price quotes.
PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) Dunstable
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) could be the ideal solution for eliminating problems with damp in your home in Dunstable. If you've noticed mould and damp in your property or condensation on the windows then Positive Input Ventilation can help by reducing the humidity. It achieves this by continuously circulating fresh air. This continual refresh and replacement of the air inside your house reduces odours and pollutants, increases air quality and has been demonstrated to enhance the day to day life of asthma and allergy sufferers by reducing dust mite allergens in the air. One thing about PIV systems is that they work better when installed in an attic space, and your property does need to be relatively airtight. Air, just like water, will take the path of least resistance, and any gaps and spaces in doors or windows will let the fresh air out, whilst bringing potentially contaminated air in.
Cementitious Tanking Dunstable
The prevention of moisture penetration in basements and underground spaces is commonly achieved through cementitious tanking. Applying a cement-based waterproofing system to the floors and walls of the room is a crucial part of this procedure. Tanking material can be mixed in-situ or pre-manufactured, with a range of grades suitable for various substrates being available.
For maximum effectiveness, cementitious tanking must be applied correctly, as it can provide a long-lasting and durable barrier against water ingress. Before application, it is crucial to make certain that the surface is free from any contaminants or loose material and is dry and clean.
The best way to achieve a long-lasting, high-quality result is through professional installation by a competent damp proofing specialist. For waterproofing underground spaces and cellars in Dunstable, cementitious tanking can provide an effective and reliable solution with proper installation. Routine maintenance is necessary to extend the long-term effectiveness of cementitious tanking.
Issues With Black Mould in Dunstable
Black mould is a common problem in homes in Dunstable, particularly those made of timber. This fungus is often considered to be toxic. It produces conidia and slime heads, which are a sign of its presence. If you find this sort of mould in your house in Dunstable, it's vital to remove it immediately. If you think you might have black mould, it's important to have it checked by a professional. Qualified damp proofing specialists in Dunstable can conduct free tests and provide you with a free estimate. If you're concerned that the mould is impacting your health, a damp proofing expert will carry out a survey to ascertain the severity of the issue.
Fortunately, there are quite a few strategies for eliminating black mould. The first strategy uses white vinegar, which is an environmentally-friendly solution. You can apply the vinegar neat to large areas, or mix it fifty, fifty with water for smaller patches. After it has been applied, the vinegar solution should sit on the mould for at least 1 hour before scrubbing off.
Another procedure involves increasing airflow inside your home. It is thought that mould is more likely to thrive in areas of the house that lack sufficient ventilation. Even though this won't completely eliminate the risk, it's still crucial to make sure that the air is getting out of the house as much as possible. Open the windows so that air can flow in and out.
Another alternative is the use of a baking soda and water paste to treat the mould. This solution has a pH of 2.5, making it an effective antibacterial. Hydrogen peroxide is another solution that can be beneficial for removing black mould. It's a natural, three-in-one solution which is safe to use, especially on porous surfaces. (Tags: Black Mould Prevention Dunstable, Black Mould Treatment Dunstable, Black Mold Dunstable, Black Mould Dunstable)
Damp Proofing Near Dunstable
Also find: Markyate damp proofing, Whipsnade damp proofing, Sewell damp proofing, Downside damp proofing, Kensworth damp proofing, Leagrave damp proofing, Edlesborough damp proofing, Chaul End damp proofing, Chalton damp proofing, Eaton Bray damp proofing, Toddington damp proofing, Hockliffe damp proofing, Totternhoe damp proofing, Sundon damp proofing, Tebworth damp proofing, Beecroft damp proofing, Caddington damp proofing, Slip End damp proofing, Lewsey Farm damp proofing, Stanbridge damp proofing, Battlesden damp proofing, Skimpot damp proofing and more. Damp proofing services are widely available in all these villages and towns. In addition to comprehending the region's weather-related challenges, these local specialists offer bespoke solutions to safeguard your home's longevity and safety. Damp problems can lead to health issues and structural damage, making it crucial to address them effectively and promptly. By simply clicking here, damp proofing quotes are available to local business and home owners.
Dunstable Damp Proofing Tasks
There is a variety of work that can be accomplished by your local Dunstable damp proof specialist including damp proofing a garage, faulty DPC replacement in Dunstable, damp proof sealing in Dunstable, vapour barriers, damp proofing solutions in bathrooms, commercial tanking, black mould treatment in Dunstable, cellar waterproofing in Dunstable, dry rot treatments, foundation damp proofing, damp proofing price quotes, dampcourse installations, plaster replacement, resolving mould problems, damp proofing inspections Dunstable, condensation treatment, efflorescence solutions, damp proofing concrete floors, wet rot treatment in Dunstable, damp proof tanking, concrete damp proofing Dunstable, industrial damp proofing Dunstable, structural waterproofing Dunstable, damp treatments in Dunstable, brick damp proofing, floor damp proofing Dunstable, timber surveys Dunstable, landlord damp proofing services, injection damp proofing, garage damp proofing Dunstable, dehumidifier installation, damp proofing floors in Dunstable, retaining wall damp proofing Dunstable, damp proof paint application, treatments for penetrating damp Dunstable, and more. Listed are just a few of the duties that are accomplished by those doing damp proofing. Dunstable specialists will keep you informed about their full range of damp proofing services.
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