Damp Proofing in Ipswich: Complimentary Damp Surveys for Suffolk, Norfolk, and Essex

Damp Proofing Specialists specialise in damp proofing, timber preservation, and basement waterproofing, effectively servicing private, commercial, housing association, and public sector properties.

We offer damp proofing solutions throughout the Anglia and London region.

Please refer to our services pages and contact us to explore how we can assist you.

What Causes Damp?

Damp problems typically stem from three main conditions: condensation, rising damp, and penetrating damp. These conditions are the result of environmental factors impacting your home’s structure. For instance, original, unmodified Victorian houses in Ipswich are well-ventilated, but attempts to insulate them can lead to condensation issues.

Another significant concern, especially in Ipswich, is the fluctuating weather conditions experienced each year. Rising groundwater levels can overwhelm your property’s existing damp proofing, and unusually heavy rainfall contributes to both penetrating and rising damp. Your damp issue may be a combination of these factors, making it essential to consult a damp proofing specialist for a swift resolution.

How Can You Detect a Damp Problem?

Identifying a damp problem isn’t always straightforward. Condensation problems are usually evident when you notice water droplets on painted walls and misted-up windows, particularly after keeping them closed for a while. A condensation specialist can help pinpoint the source of the issue and offer condensation management advice.

Signs of other types of dampness include peeling wallpaper, blistering plaster, patches of black mould, and a persistent musty smell. If your skirting boards appear damaged or there’s a tidemark along the wall, you might have rising damp. In such cases, consulting a rising damp specialist to conduct a damp survey is recommended.

Why Is Damp Proofing Important?

Damp proofing involves materials integrated into your property’s structure to prevent moisture intrusion. This differs from simple waterproofing.

Damp proofing can be achieved through damp proof courses (DPCs) or damp proof membranes, preventing moisture from rising through walls via capillary action. Cavity walls also provide damp proofing by creating an air gap between interior and exterior walls, acting as a barrier to rainwater and preventing condensation.

Damp proofing is crucial because damp homes lead to aesthetic, structural, and health issues. Black mould thrives in damp environments, affecting your respiratory health and making you more susceptible to illnesses. Dampness not only detracts from your property’s appearance but also compromises its structural integrity and reduces its value.

Does My Ipswich Home Already Have Damp Proofing?

Houses constructed after 1870 likely incorporate some form of damp proofing, such as cavity walls, DPCs, or damp proof membranes. Well-constructed Victorian and Edwardian houses often feature multiple layers of slate as damp proofing. However, from the Georgian era onward, various periods of home construction saw developers using less durable damp proofing materials like bitumen-impregnated hessian.

While most damp proofing measures were effective when installed, they can deteriorate over time. Cavity walls may fill with debris, bitumen and hessian may degrade, and slate can crack under the constant stress from underlying clay. If your home predates the late 20th century, its damp proofing might require an upgrade.

What Is Basement Tanking, and What Are Its Benefits?

Basement or cellar tanking addresses ongoing damp and water penetration concerns in below-ground spaces. This process can transform your basement from a damp, neglected area into a cozy additional room. Even if you don’t need extra space now, tanking is a valuable investment as it increases your property’s value, offering future owners this option.

Basement tanking involves coating walls with waterproof products like cementitious coatings, membranes, or sealants, or installing a cavity drainage system. The latter uses the air space between walls to help the inner wall dry out. Each method has its advantages.

My Home Has a Damp Smell. How Can I Eliminate It?

Instead of masking the smell, it’s best to identify the source of the damp. Start by checking for visible leaks, such as overflowing gutters or rainwater penetration. For hidden leaks, consider using a leak detection service to ensure no concealed moisture sources are missed.

Simultaneously, address condensation, which is a prevalent issue, particularly during colder months. Improved ventilation can significantly reduce condensation, especially when engaging in moisture-producing activities like showering, cooking, or tumble-drying clothes.

How Much Will Damp Proofing Cost?

Providing an exact cost for damp proofing your property without a survey is challenging because the required treatment depends on the nature and extent of the issue. However, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality, cost-effective solutions. We calculate project costs per metre, with larger treated areas resulting in lower unit costs.

Can I Get a Damp Proofing Quote Over the Phone?

While a phone quote is possible, various factors influence the cost of a damp proof course, such as property size and the severity of the damp problem. To receive an accurate quote, scheduling a property survey is recommended. However, we can offer a rough estimate and provide advice based on photos if provided.

Will Sound Plaster Need to Be Removed for Damp Treatment?

Determining whether sound plaster needs removal isn’t always straightforward. Even seemingly unaffected plaster may contain enough salts to attract moisture from the air, perpetuating damp problems. Recognizing such issues typically requires a plastering expert’s expertise. Removing plaster may not always be necessary, especially if preserving existing plaster is a priority.

Are Your Damp Treatments Guaranteed?

Yes, we offer a 100% diagnosis and cure rate for all damp problems, no matter how complex. Our damp proofing products, timber treatments, and waterproof plastering come with guarantees of up to 30 years.

Will My Property Experience Disruption During Damp Proofing?

We always aim to minimise disruption to your property during damp treatments. Whenever possible, we install damp proof courses from the exterior. In cases like ground-level or access walls, our specialists may need to work from the interior. When working indoors, our specialists take care to protect carpets and flooring.

I’m Unsure About the Difference Between Rising Damp and Condensation. Can You Explain?

Rising damp primarily affects ground floors, often appearing on exterior walls but potentially affecting interior walls as well. It can rise up to approximately 1 metre above ground level. In contrast, condensation can occur anywhere within a property under suitable conditions. In some cases, inexperienced surveyors might misdiagnose condensation as rising damp, particularly if it appears on ground-level walls. Therefore, it’s essential to consult a trained surveyor for an accurate diagnosis.

I Have a Damp Problem Next to a Chimney Breast, Despite Previous Damp Treatment 10 Years Ago. What Can I Do?

The issue may stem from past problems with rising damp, either from the fireplace hearth or moisture penetration from the chimney breast. If the original plaster was left in place, it’s possible that the hygroscopic salts within the plaster attracted moisture from the atmosphere. On-site inspection by specialists is necessary to determine whether rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation, or leaking pipework is the cause.

I Have a Very Old House, and There’s Damp on the Adjoining Wall of My Neighbours. The Wall Isn’t an Exterior Wall. Can It Be Treated Without Lifting My Laminate Flooring?

It’s possible to treat a party wall successfully, depending on a site inspection. It may not be necessary to lift your laminate flooring as long as effective protection can be applied.