Damp Proofing in Stone Built Properties
Damp is one of the most frequent problems found in homes in the UK. Here in Gwynedd, North Wales and especially Snowdonia, one of the wettest areas of the UK with many old stone-built properties, damp is an even more common problem. Curing damp problems is a matter of identifying where the water is getting into the building and then applying the correct solution to damp proof the building
Causes & Solutions of Damp Problems
Damp Upstairs or in Ceilings or Lofts
Damp upstairs is usually caused by a problem with the roof which can be as simple as a slipped slate or it can be a failure of flashing on a roof join or around a chimney. Exposed chimneys with cracked render allow damp into the heart of the home via the chimney. We are experienced in chimney work for damp proofing.
Damp Entering Through the Walls
Old rendering with cracks will allow water to penetrate into the wall. Badly done rendering, perhaps applied in one thick coat rather than a number of thinner coats, can appear OK to the layman but if it has pulled away from the wall it can actually trap damp, forcing it into the house. We can check the existing render and if need be undertake re-rendering to damp proof the property.
Rising Damp Solutions
Rising damp is very common in old properties without the benefit of a damp proof course. Chemical injection is a common damp proofing solution for brick built properties but more difficult to apply and often less effective on stone-built properties.
French Drains to Cure Rising Damp
A more effective solution for curing rising damp in old properties is to trench by the affected wall and construct a French drain to remove excess water before it has chance to penetrate the foundation. A French drain, also known as a rubble drain, rock drain, blind drain or subsoil drain, is simply a trench filled with stones and a perforated pipe that drains the water away.
Properly constructed French drains will not require attention for decades.
Curing Wet Rot & Dry Rot
Damp is the usual cause of both Dry & Wet Rot. Both are actually fungal infections. Once timber has dried out it is safe from attack but drying out can take months in which it is vulnerable to dry rot.
We can replace damaged timbers as necessary and treat the remaining timbers chemically to prevent further attack
For free estimates and advice just contact us
We undertake damp proofing and curing damp problems in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Llyn Peninsula including Criccieth, Pwllheli, Abersoch, Aberdaron, Nefyn etc.
Caernarfon, Bangor, Tremadog, Porthmadog, Dolbenmaen, Penygroes, Talysarn, Waunfawr, Llanberis, Y Felinheli, Snowdonia, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Bethesda, Llanfairfechan, Gaerwen, Beaumaris, Llangefni, Valley, Holyhead,Benllech, Amlwch