Property Care & Preservation
Damp in Buildings
All properties are different which is why we offere a range of damp proofing solutions to suit different property types.
There are many sources of damp in buildings, it is important to get a reliable and properly trained surveyor to check out the problem fully before arriving at any conclusions. Penetrating damp can be from driving rain, leaking gutters, defective adjoining roof coverings, defective seals to windows doors etc, dampness can also penetrate through ‘bridging’ when a high ground level is above the level of the existing damp proof course (such as flower beds etc) or when internal plaster is carried below the damp proof course level. Rising damp is where dampness from the ground travels up the wall by a capillary action and there is either a defective, failed or no damp proof course installed to stop the progress of the moisture. An inexperienced or untrained surveyor may mistake condensation or penetrating damp for rising damp and reccommend a course of action which will be unnecessarily disruptive and possibly expensive treatment that is not required and will simply disguise the true cause.
Our surveyors will take the time to fully check out the symptoms of every damp problem to arrive at a fully informed and considered diagnosis, often we reccommend alternative courses of action and monitor the situation to ensure that a damp course insertion is definately required.
Our most senior surveyor comments:-
Of all of the calls I have made for damp problems over 50% will have been already treated by another firm, who have usually gone out of business and/or are not there to honour their guarantee. Correct diagnosis is essential to effectively treat damp problems, thoroughly and in one go. Some customers tell me that these contractors were only at the house for 15 minutes and in that time they did the survey, had a coffee and worked the price out! In my opinion on an average size house a thorough damp survey will take at least an hour. As a result these poor people are having to pay twice before they get the problem properly dealt with.
One of the most environmentally friendly and cost effective but often overlooked systems is the Electro Osmotic System.
Electro Osmotic damp proofing is nothing new, whilst it may appear to be the most high tech system available, surprisingly it can be traced back to the 18th century. The principal was discovered by a physicist called Reuss. Reuss discovered that applied voltage affected capillary action of moisture. Later in the 19th century it was further discovered that water was moved from a positive anode to a negative cathode when an electrical potential was applied. Moisture rises from the earth by capillary action. An electrical potential is therefore developed between the wall and the earth. Manipulation of this naturally generated electric current will depress the rise of moisture. By using natural principles and utilising the effects of electrical osmosis we are able to treat damp problems without the use of chemicals and in an environomentally friendly way.
The system operates well in all types of masonry (brick,stone composite walls and concrete) and despite being in permanent operation the energy consumption remains negligibly low.
This damp proof system comprises of:
- Control unit: A power unit that automatically adapts to the dampness in the wall. The constant electrical voltage promotes a steady and continuous repulsion of moisture.
- Titanium Anodes: The use of commercially pure titanium coated with a platinum group element, this ensures outstanding reliability and good resistance to physical and chemical attack.
- Earth Rods: These are installed to the ground.
And now for the science bit...
By scientifically reversing the natural process, dampness can be controlled. To acheive this holes are drilled into the walls (from the outside wherever possible) just above ground level. Titanium anodes are then inserted into those holes, The anodes are then linked by a special connecting wire that is 'pointed' into the wall. A very small but perfectly safe electrical current is passed through this system and into the wall. The effect of this current is to reverse the rising moisture down the walls and back into the ground.
Benefits of an Electro Osmotic damp proofing system...
- Works in most types of building structure – regardless of age
- Installation quick and tidy.
- This damp proofing system is totally chemical free and is safer for the environment with no health risks.
- It uses a similar amount of electricity as an electric door bell.
- The commercially pure titanium element of the system gives long trouble-free life.
We are also able to offer traditional injection systems and modern transfusion paste systems, details are be available from your surveyor who will be able to explain the best solution for your circumstances once he has fully assessed your damp problem.
For solutions to your damp problems, use our contact page for more information.
