Damp Proofing Reading

Damp Proofing Reading Berkshire (RG1): It's not simply the fact that damp problems look terrible, they can also cause health issues and lead to major structural damages. Flaking paintwork, damp patches and peeling wallpaper can hide much more serious issues, which could cost a lot of money to repair if they are not fairly quickly resolved. If you think you may have such issues you need to call in an experienced Reading damp proofing company to check your property, and suggest the most suitable damp proofing treatment for your house.

In Reading dwellings there are 3 main problem areas of how damp can affect your property:

PENETRATING DAMP

Penetrating damp can be the result of different external factors for example: cracked or loose roof tiles, blocked cavities, unsound brickwork and defective drainpipes or guttering. Inside a building, the causes can be damaged shower trays, burst or dripping pipes and overflowing basins or baths. If water continues to seep into the walls and woodwork, the obvious signs with time will be broken or blistered plaster, flaking paintwork and dark, damp patches on walls.

Roofing timbers which are constantly damp due to a leaking roof, can develop wet rot if this isn't treated. Despite the fact that bricks and brickwork are not affected by wet rot, the timbers of your roof can be seriously damaged, and the whole roof may need to be replaced if it becomes structurally unsound. If any of the timbers on your roof feel "spongy" to touch, and a black fungus forms on the wood, you could have wet rot in your roof. Should you encounter any of these wet rot signs, it's imperative to deal with the problem promptly to obviate further structural damage and the potential for a expensive roof replacement.

Some basic preventative measures can help in preventing this, such as: examining water pipes for leaks, cleaning your rain gutters & roof and checking for leaks and repointing brickwork. As an integral part of resolving your dampness issues, a competent Reading damp proofing service provider will check all these things, in order to help reduce the chances of any further issues.

CONDENSATION

One of the most common forms of damp within many homes in Reading, condensation is super easy to spot. When moist, warm air makes contact with a cool surface, water collects as tiny droplets. Where a high level of humidity is present, as in kitchens, boiler rooms and bathrooms, condensation is often caused by poor ventilation.

To lower the impact of this there are two steps that you can take. You can mop up any droplets as soon as they form, and you can ensure that there's plenty of ventilation in areas that suffer most from condensation. You can reduce the volume of damp air that's present in your dwelling by installing or updating cooker hoods, extractor fans and air bricks.

There might be issues with sucking in moist air from outside, and by performing a detailed damp proofing survey a specialist in Reading will find things that contribute to the situation. In order to minimise condensation problems, it is vital that airflow and circulation within the home is regulated properly, and by speaking with an expert in this field, you can get advice and guidance for fixing these problems.

RISING DAMP

Houses constructed since 1875 in the UK have required a damp proof course or membrane to be fitted as standard. It is possible that you might not have one installed if your property in Reading was constructed before this year. If you're experiencing rising damp in a house constructed after this period it may be that your damp proof course or membrane has been damaged somehow.

Rising damp can be notoriously difficult to identify, but some things to watch out for are; white powdery deposits forming on walls or being found on floor surfaces, rotten or crumbling skirting boards and tide marks on walls. If you notice or think that you might have any of these, it is possible that you've got a problem with rising damp.

The initial step towards managing your rising damp should be to simply check whether you've actually got a damp course on the exterior walls of your property in Reading. It should be 150mm (about six inches) above ground level for satisfactory protection. Where you find that this space does not exist, you can dig the soil away to increase it, or if this approach is not possible, a higher damp course will need to be installed.

If your DPM (damp proof membrane) is in order and the gap from the ground is not the explanation for the problem, dampness could be coming up through your floors and into your walls, which might be a much more problematic issue.

Using a variety of techniques, damp proofing technicians in Reading can quickly identify and remedy rising damp issues. If you've got a somewhat older home with no damp proof membrane or it is damaged over a wide area, a damp proofing cream can be injected into your external walls. Holes are drilled at intervals in the brickwork, and a nozzle is used to inject the special cream, which then penetrates into the surrounding brickwork before curing to form an effective, horizontal water-repellent barrier.

If the damage to the membrane is too severe, or if damp proofing injection cream is not an appropriate solution, you might have to install a brand new damp proof course. Though this is naturally a fairly drastic plan of action, it could be the best way to remedy your rising damp problems successfully.

Painting with a bitumen based, waterproof latex emulsion, is another potential remedy for smaller areas of damp course damage. Since this is applied beneath any floor coverings, tiles, carpets and laminate flooring will need to be lifted and moved before this procedure can commence. Also used as part of the tanking process to make a room watertight, this is an especially efficacious treatment in basement areas. Your Reading damp proof expert may recommend applying building paper (a specialist foil backed membrane) before the bitumen paint has has dried out completely, further protection in such problem areas.

Tanking: Tanking an area, like a cellar or part below ground space, is the process of covering any exposed surfaces with a waterproof paint. Any wall covering and plaster must be removed and the surfaces in question correctly prepared before the commencement of any work, because this coating has to be applied on the base surface of floors and walls. When this paint has been applied and is dry, it is then possible to replaster and decorate over the top of it. You must invariably get more than one specialist's opinion on whether this really is the only solution to your damp problems, as this is a really disruptive job since it needs to be applied to a whole basement level or ground floor of a property.

SOLVING DAMP WITH DEHUMIDIFIERS

Condensation issues can definitely be helped by the use of dehumidifiers, which are an effective way of reducing the moisture content in the air. The fact that these products basically hide the cause of the damp and don't get rid of it, is the main downside with the use of dehumidifiers. If you're suffering with damp in any part of your home in Reading, you can get in touch with a certified damp proofing company for the most reliable advice.

Benefits of Using Dehumidifiers

The following points outline some significant benefits derived from using dehumidifiers:

1. Odour Reduction: The reduction of musty smells, a consequence of high levels of humidity, leads to a more pleasant and fresher living space.
2. Protects Structure and Belongings: Lower levels of humidity protect the structural soundness of the dwelling by preventing damp-related issues and protect belongings from moisture damage.
3. Health Improvements: Dehumidifiers, by controlling humidity levels, play a significant part in inhibiting the growth of allergens like mould and dust mites, which can trigger respiratory problems and amplify the effects of asthma and allergies.
4. Energy Efficiency: Some dehumidifiers can help in making heating systems more efficient as air that is drier is easier to heat, potentially leading to energy savings.
5. Comfort: By lowering humidity levels, the indoor atmosphere becomes cooler and more pleasant, thus improving the living conditions for residents.
6. Prevention of Corrosion and Rust: Where there is excessive amounts of moisture they help to minimise the corrosion and rusting of metal tools and appliances.

FINDING A DEPENDABLE DAMP PROOF COMPANY IN READING

The most reliable recommendations for professionals with regards to home improvements are normally neighbours and friends. Before signing up to any damp proofing services, always try to get at least three price quotes from a variety of Reading companies. If you've got any doubts about any specific damp proofing company you could ask to see evidence of qualifications and professional membership certificates.

Look out for contractors holding the Certificated Surveyor of Timber and Dampness or the CSRT (Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatments) professional qualifications, or local companies who are members of the PCA (Property Care Association) or the Damp Proofing Association.

If your chosen Reading damp proofing specialists are in fact members of either the DPA or PCA they will be properly qualified and have the necessary experience to offer you a first class service for your damp proofing needs. Such memberships also means that there are certain guarantees for any work undertaken.

Damp proofing services are available in in Reading and also in nearby places like: Play Hatch, Sulham, Shinfield, Pingewood, Theale, Tidmarsh, Sonning, Lower Earley, Caversham Heights, Tokers Green, West Reading, Norcot, Emmer Green, Caversham, Trench Green, Southcote, Earley, Purley on Thames, Binfield Heath, Whitley, Calcot, Englefield, Pangbourne, Chazey Heath, Dunsden Green, Mapledurham, as well as in these postcodes RG1 2GW, RG1 2AT, RG1 2FG, RG1 2AF, RG1 2AS, RG1 1HX, RG1 2BE, RG1 1JX, RG1 2DE, and RG1 2BL. Local Reading damp proofers will probably have the postcode RG1 and the dialling code 0118. Checking this out will make sure that you are accessing locally based providers of damp proofing. Reading property owners are able to utilise these and lots of other damp proofing services. By simply clicking on the "Quote" banner you can get damp proofing estimates from local providers.

PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) Reading

If you're looking to alleviate damp problems within your home or business premises in Reading, Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) may be the ideal solution. By reducing the humidity, Positive Input Ventilation can alleviate damp and mould in your property or condensation around your windows. Achieving this is possible through the constant supply of fresh air. Improved air quality, reduced pollutants and odours, and decreased dust mite allergens can be achieved by constantly refreshing and replacing the air inside your property. Some considerations for PIV systems is that it works better when installed in a roof space, and your premises does need to be fairly airtight. Air, like water, follows the path of least resistance, and any spaces and gaps in doors or windows can allow fresh air to escape while letting contaminated air in.

Black Mould

Basements, kitchens and bathrooms, with their humid, damp conditions, are prime locations for black mould to develop. It manifests as slimy, dark patches and can spread rapidly if left untreated. Not only does this mould appear unsightly, but it can also lead to serious health issues, especially for those with allergies or respiratory problems.

To prevent black mould, it's essential to keep your home well-ventilated and dry. Ensure leaks are fixed promptly and dehumidifiers are used in areas that tend to be damp. Regular cleaning with products designed to kill mould can help maintain a mould-free and healthy home.

When you come across black mould in your Reading home, it is vital to remove it safely. Protect yourself by wearing a mask and gloves, then clean affected areas with mould remover or a water and bleach solution. In cases of severe mould infestation, professional help is recommended to ensure thorough removal and prevent reoccurrence. (Black Mould)

Cementitious Tanking

The prevention of the penetration of moisture in underground spaces and cellars is commonly achieved through cementitious tanking. This process involves the application of a cement-based waterproofing system to the walls and floors of the space. A range of grades suitable for various substrates and the option of being pre-manufactured or mixed at the work site are features of the tanking material.

For maximum effectiveness, cementitious tanking must be applied correctly, as it can provide a long-lasting and durable barrier against water penetration. Before application, the surface must be devoid of any contaminants or loose material and must be clean and dry to ensure effectiveness.

To attain a long-lasting and high-quality outcome, the ideal choice is professional installation by a competent damp proofing specialist. A reliable and effective solution for waterproofing basements and cellars in Reading can be achieved with proper installation of cementitious tanking.

DPC Replacement Reading

Maintaining the visual appearance and structural integrity of your property in Reading necessitates timely replacement of the Damp Proof Course (DPC). The existing DPC, over time, can deteriorate due to wear and tear, potentially leading to rising damp. Vigilant observation for signs such as damp spots, crumbling plaster or deteriorating brickwork is crucial. DPC replacement involves removing the old, ineffective barrier and installing a new, robust one. This process typically requires professional expertise, as it demands thoroughness and precision to ensure a reliable seal against moisture intrusion.

The selection of materials for the new Damp Proof Course can vary, from time-tested methods like slate or bitumen to more innovative options such as chemical injections. A properly implemented DPC replacement not only averts further moisture-related damage but also helps maintain a healthy indoor environment and safeguards the value of your Reading home. Frequent inspections and timely DPC replacement can play a pivotal role in ensuring your property remains structurally sound and dry. (64887 DPC Replacement Reading)

Reading Damp Proofing Tasks

There are a number of different tasks that can be conducted by your local Reading damp proofing specialist including commercial tanking, property surveys, woodworm eradication in Reading, mould treatment, concrete repair, replacement of faulty flashingsdamp proof course in Reading, dehumidifier installation, flood defence, injection damp proofing, chemical DPC injection, cellar tanking in Reading, damp proof coursing, condensation control, rising damp prevention, resolving mould problems, missing damp proof course installations, dampcourse installation, domestic damp proofing, floor damp proofing in Reading, rising damp solutions, treatments for black mould, positive input ventilation (PIV), industrial damp proofing, home damp proofing, cementitious tanking, damp proofing services, condensation solutions, japanese knotweed control, damp proofing brickwork, dry rot treatment in Reading, and lots more. Listed are just a selection of the activities that are handled by those specialising in damp proofing. Reading providers will be delighted to keep you abreast of their entire range of services.

More Reading Tradesmen: Not surprisingly, when you're doing home improvements in Reading, you'll probably be in need of all sorts of different tradespeople and as well as a damp proofer in Reading, you might additionally need a painter & decorator in Reading, garage conversion in Reading, plasterers in Reading, a builder in Reading, stone & brick cleaning in Reading, floor sanding in Reading, SKIP HIRE in Reading, a stonemason in Reading, cavity wall insulation in Reading, an electrician in Reading, concrete flooring in Reading, a carpenter in Reading, a handyman in Reading, and various different Reading craftsmen.

Damp Proofing Near Reading

Also find: Dunsden Green damp proofing, Whitley damp proofing, Earley damp proofing, Pangbourne damp proofing, Lower Earley damp proofing, Pingewood damp proofing, Sulham damp proofing, Theale damp proofing, Caversham damp proofing, West Reading damp proofing, Binfield Heath damp proofing, Shinfield damp proofing, Purley on Thames damp proofing, Southcote damp proofing, Tokers Green damp proofing, Chazey Heath damp proofing, Englefield damp proofing, Mapledurham damp proofing, Calcot damp proofing, Tidmarsh damp proofing, Sonning damp proofing, Caversham Heights damp proofing, Play Hatch damp proofing, Emmer Green damp proofing, Trench Green damp proofing, Norcot damp proofing and more. Damp proofing services are available in pretty much all of these towns and villages. By comprehending the challenges presented by the local weather conditions, these professionals devise bespoke solutions to protect your property and guarantee its safety and longevity. Health issues and structural damage stemming from damp problems necessitate their immediate and effective resolution. If you're a local property owner looking to obtain competitive and accurate damp proofing quotes tailored to your specific needs, simply click here. Today is the ideal time to kick-start your damp proofing project.

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