Damp Proofing Services in London

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At Elite Builders London we offer a comprehensive range of damp proofing treatments, using proven techniques to resolve damp issues by targeting the root cause in a manner that is convenient for you and is best for your property. Our damp proofing services are for commercial, industrial and domestic buildings and structures. We take pride in the work we do, providing our clients with accurate diagnosis and the right damp proofing solution.

What is damp proofing?

Damp proofing is the installation of moisture control barriers to a structure (typically flooring or wall) to stop moisture from rising past the damp proof layer into the interior space. An example of damp proofing treatment involves a damp proof injection being applied to a property, which fills up space where the moisture occurs, soaks it up and prevents it from recurring.

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What are the types of Damp?

There are three types of damp: condensation, penetrating damp and rising damp. Each type of damp requires a different method of damp proofing control and treatment. To ensure the right approach is taken to solve your damp problem, we recommend you only work with an experienced damp proofing company. Elite Builders London is an experienced damp proofing company you can count on.

Damp cases are never identical. This makes the diagnosis of a damp specialist surveyor essential. A damp survey this will prevent you from spending unnecessarily on a damp solution that doesn’t solve the underlying damp issue. A lot of the time all that is necessary is a proper survey to ascertain that the solution to the damp problem is inexpensive and doesn’t require an expensive damp proof course to be installed.

What causes damp?

Your property can develop a damp problem if there are channels for moisture to get into your property and/or there isn’t enough ventilation. The combination of these two factors will mean when moisture comes in, it doesn’t evaporate, which leads to the damp issue.

Damp can also occur when:

  • There is condensation – for example, water droplets that cover your bathroom mirror after a hot shower.
  • By penetration – moisture comes in from outside
  • By rising damp – water that goes up brick walls from the ground.
  • Damp penetration can be brought on by high ground levels, where exterior ground levels are built up at the same level or higher than the internal floor.
  • Cracked chimney stacks or broken roof tiles -this should be obvious but it is often overlooked but damp on internal walls or ceiling is usually a sign of a cracked chimney stack or a broken roof tiles.
  • Moss and vegetation – Climbing plants and moss on roofing soak up water. They also force the water away from drainage points like downpipes and guttering and prevent it from drying.
  • Other sources of damp include – watering fish tanks, washing the bathtub, doing the laundry, individual gas/ heating units without extraction, shower oil stoves and so on.

It’s as simple as this – if the air isn’t properly circulating inside a home, then moisture will not evaporate and this turns into a damp problem.

To get help for your damp problem, please contact us at Elite Builders London today on 020 8987 8071. A member of our team of highly trained surveyors will identify the cause of damp in your property and conduct repairs in a manner that ensures the solution provided is lasting.

What are the symptoms of a damp problem?

It may not always be easy for you to spot a damp problem at your property. Symptoms of a damp problem can be slow to emerge. In some cases, it could take a couple of years before the damp issue becomes visible while in other cases, it can rapidly appear after an event such as flash flooding. Regardless of the case, damp can pose a health risk.
Be on the lookout for the following signs inside a home as it usually means there is a damp problem:

  • Peeling wallpaper and paints.
  • Staining and discolouration
  • Excessive condensation on windows
  • Decayed timber floors
  • Salt-stained or crumbling plaster
  • Decayed skirting boards

Our damp proofing services

Rising damp, condensation or penetrating damp? Regardless of what kind of damp issue you are dealing with, Elite Builders London has a comprehensive list of damp proofing service that is sure to solve the issue.

These services include:

Why should you damp proof your home?

Damp-proofing your home will ensure it remains structurally sound. Your wallpaper and painted walls will also be protected from water damage. Damp proofing is also good for keeping your home in top shape, keeping mildew and bacteria at bay, and ensuring that you are safe and healthy in your home.

Damp-proof course (DPC)

A damp proof course (DPC) is a long-term barrier designed to safeguard your property from rising damp. Damp-proof courses are typically installed during the construction stage at low levels thus providing the necessary barrier between ground levels and internal floor levels.

The installation of a damp proofing course is a dusty and noisy job. But when working on your site, we take care to ensure that it is installed with minimal disturbance to your neighbours and you.

Our team of specialists at Elite Builders will ensure the damp proof course you get will prevent damp from occurring in your home for many years.

To get started, book free damp survey today. One of our experts will come on to your property and take a look at your damp situation, then offer recommendations based on what is discovered.

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Damp proofing concrete floors

Due to the porous nature of concrete, it is pretty common for damp from the ground to make its way into your concrete floor. Damp can quickly travel through concrete, which causes issues in the flooring above. Another thing which leads to damp in concrete flooring is changes to the surrounding environment, which can affect the moisture levels in the concrete slab.

Elite Builders has over 10 years of experience in the damp-proofing industry, we have the relevant experience to provide you with concrete damp proofing treatments, so your concrete flooring stays dry. Do you have questions regarding our concrete damp proofing treatments? Please contact us today.

Damp proofing walls

When excess moisture builds up in a building it can lead to damp walls, which is never a good thing. Whenever you notice signs of damp on your walls within your property, it is best you act quickly to get the issue resolved. Not only are damp patches on internal walls unsightly, but they are also unhealthy and are one of the major causes of wood decay in a  building. Damp on the wall also puts your property at risk of structural damage.

The appropriate damp proof course and damp prevention barriers should be applied to your property. To get started, schedule an appointment today on 020 8987 8071.

Penetrating damp treatments

If there is water ingress problem in your home, it can be quickly identified and resolved by our experienced damp proofing team at Elite Builders London with the use of cost-effective treatments. In the event that more serious property maintenance is necessary for the protection of your property, we would provide you with an action plan and give you recommendations regarding the options available to you.

Rising damp treatments

Rising damp is probably one of the most common forms of damp issues, it is probably what you are most likely to have heard about. Rising damp occurs when cracks, holes and damages to a building’s brickwork draw water upwards; this is also known as capillary action.

Materials like brick are quick to absorb moisture from the ground. This moisture is then redistributed to other areas, which is why rising damp issues can damage large areas including the internal surfaces of floors and walls.

Like other types of damp problems, rising damp is best addressed as quickly as it is discovered to prevent its spread and reduce the cost of repairs. One of our in-house team of experienced surveyors at Elite Builders London will be more than happy to carry out a damp proofing survey of your property. We will identify the course of the damp and recommend the best course of treatment to address it for good.

Following this, the Elite Builders London damp control team will run checks to ensure your property is insulated properly. If it is not, we will install the necessary products such as thermal plaster boarding, terminal insulation or any other specialist membrane.

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Damp proofing survey

Elite Builders London has been providing damp surveys, dry rot surveys, woodworm, surveys specialist damp and timber reports for a lot of years. We are recognised as one of London most respected and established damp specialists.

We can survey and diagnose problems in the property relating to rising damp penetration, dry rods, damp condensation, wood rotting and fungi wood rot. Our experts can deliver professional damp proofing surveyor and specialist damp proofing treatments, after an extensive assessment of the damage is noted and the recommendation for specific treatment is provided.

Why choose Elite Builders London for your damp proofing?

High-quality service

For us at Elite Builders London, only the best is good enough for our clients. Over the years we have built a reputation based on the quality of the damp proofing service we provide and our willingness to go the extra mile for our clients.

All the work we carry out is fully guaranteed by us and we have insurance coverage, so you can entrust your property to Elite Builders London without fear or worry. Safeguard your commercial or domestic property against damp by working with one of London leading damp companies.

Highly qualified damp proofing experts

Elite Builders London is one of the leading experts in the treatment of all kinds of damp issues, we can eradicate and control unwanted damp or moisture in properties. The team at Elite Builders London is made up of highly experienced and qualified tradesmen who are committed to providing you with a damp-free home.

Elite Builders has a reputation for high-quality workmanship and excellent customer service. 

10 year guarantee

All the dampproofing service we provide at Elite Builders London is backed by an 10 years company guarantee which is supported by our insurance coverage. So, you only get value for your money when you work with us.

Every single one of our damp proofing project is carried out to match the highest industry standards. Our specialist works are undertaken in compliance with BS6576:2005 + A1:2012 code of practice for the diagnosis and installation of chemical damp proof courses for rising damp in walls.

Detailed and transparent quote

Before we undertake any job, we provide you with a free consultation and a detailed and comprehensive quote afterwards. We offer property preservation, full reporting within 72 hours, transparent and itemised quotes and on-site diagnosis. We do this so you know what exactly we are charging for. We also carry comprehensive employer and public liability insurance, as well as professional indemnity insurance.

Get in touch

Elite Builders London has carried out numerous inspections for dry and woodworm rot and rising damp for a lot of clients in London, saving them thousands of pounds in unnecessary timber treatments work

If you are experiencing damp, wood or timber decay in your property in London and would like the free impartial recommendations of a damp specialist, please get in touch with us via email at info@elitebuilderslondon.co.uk or by filling out the contact form on our Contact Us page. Alternatively, call us to discuss your damp problem on 020 8987 8071.

Information about London

FAQ’s

Should I be worried about rising damp affecting my health?

If the rising damp is mild, for most individuals, there is no need to worry. Although it may look unsightly and smells, the health risk won't be high. In cases where rising damp is extreme, it could lead to the growth of the little black mould, which causes allergic reactions and health issues, particularly for the elderly, children and those in poor health and with respiratory issues.

What is a cavity drain membrane?

A cavity drain membrane is an updated membrane applied to floors and walls with a channel at the floor/wall junction. Cavity drain membranes allow water to run down a slab and find its way to the perimeter channel - the channel then redirects the water to a pump located just below the slab.

How long will damp proofing take?

The amount of time it will take to damp proof your property will depend on the nature of the job. For example, small areas of coverage could take an average of 1 to 2 days. For large areas, it could be up to a week. On average, a full-time damp course for a two-bed semi would be around 3 to 4 days.

Why is a damp survey necessary?

Damp surveys are usually is done during the homebuying process or when a homeowner is concerned about the safety of their property. Regardless of the reason for a damp survey being scheduled, a damp survey provides an in-depth look into the property to determine if the property has a damp issue and recommendations given off the findings.

What is a damp proof course?

Damp-proof courses (DPC) are barriers installed on the structure to stop moisture from rising by capillary action up the wall of a building.

What is the sign that I have a damp problem?

Damp problems usually happen on properties without any prior warning and can cause serious structural damage to your property. To identify damp in your property, there are a number of signs you can look out for, such as if there is it damp musty smell, blackspots with mould growth, if your wallpapers appear discoloured and detached or your skirting boards are brittle and broken. These are common signs that your home has a damp problem.

Will I need a dehumidifier?

Not necessarily. Dehumidifiers work by drawing excess moisture from the air, which helps prevents mould growth and reduce damp in walls and condensation. But it doesn't completely eradicate damp because the root cause is not treated.

What is the process of a damp course?

During a damp course, a plastic damp proofing material or sheet is laid between bricks close to the ground level, which prevents damp from rising from the ground up through your walls. To complete the wall and ensure it is dry both on the inside and on the outside, specialist plasterwork is done.

What is the difference between dampproofing and waterproofing?

The major difference between waterproofing and damp proofing is that damp proofing is designed to keep out moisture from the soil, while waterproofing keeps out liquid water and moisture. The confusion stems from the fact that dampproofed buildings are often referred to as being waterproof. However, regardless of the differences, waterproofing requires the same care as damp proofing when it comes to drains, pipes, and surface treatments.

What is a Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)

A damp proof membrane (DPM) is used to protect walls and floors. The Elite Builders damp proof membranes come in a range of widths and thicknesses. A DPM can be used to keep rot and water away from concrete floors. For cavity walls, damp proof courses like Hyload's are a high-performance solution.

What is a Cavity Drain Membrane

A cavity drain membrane is used to keep unwanted water and moisture out. Cavity drain membranes are installed internally to prevent moisture from affecting a structure. These systems can be used as a single unit or alongside other waterproofing methods. With the current popularity of dual system waterproofing, cavity dream membranes are often used as a secondary system, installed after the structure is built. Our trained damp specialist at Elite Builders have the relevant expertise and experience to install cavity drain systems in all types of property. With our cavity systems, you get the option of being able to render directly into the cavity or to dry-line, while still being able to maintain it for many years.

What Is The Cost Of Your Damp Proofing Treatments?

Elite Builders London has engineers across London and we can readily send one of our surveyors to you for a damp survey at a time most convenient for you, so a specific damp proofing quote can be provided to you. If you would just like to know the average cost of what damp repairs can be, please contact us on 020 8987 8071 to get instant damp proofing price estimates. Please note that to produce your instant damp proofing price quotes, we will need the measurement/estimation of the damp affected area and use this information to produce a quote. To get a more tailored cost for the damp proofing solution then ask for a free damp survey.

What is Condensation Control?

Condensation is not just something that plagues old buildings, a lot of new homes also experience condensation problems if it is not managed properly. Condensation is a very unsightly form of damp, it is also a health risk for sufferers of asthma and other similar respiratory issues. One of the very first things we do to remove condensation from the home is to increase the ventilation and airflow in the building by creating ventilation point at specific points.
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