Damp Proofing and Timber Treatment Experts in Cornwall
For reliable damp proofing services in Cornwall, contact us today. We provide a free 30-year insurance-backed guarantee with all our services.
Is your property suffering from damp issues?
Damp proofing technique
- Installation of a physical PVC membrane damp proof course together with blue engineering bricks
- A structural waterproofing system incorporating a damp proof membrane and possible sump pump
- Installation of a chemical injected damp proof course together with associated re-plastering
- The use of a conventional cementing tanking system
Providing Damp Solutions Throughout Cornwall
With over 25 years of experience, J R Damp Proofing and Wood Treatment specialises in all types of damp proofing for properties of any age and size, including walls, basements, and cellars across Cornwall. We offer 30-year insurance-backed guarantees on our treatments for both penetrating and rising damp. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you and your property in Cornwall.
Are you experiencing penetrating damp in Cornwall?
Receive a Complimentary Penetrating Damp Site Survey
Before J R Damp Proofing & Wood Treatments begins any work on your property, a surveyor will conduct an inspection to determine the necessity and scope of the waterproofing system needed. They will also design a customised waterproofing solution tailored to your requirements, ensuring the most cost-effective approach to your damp issue while checking for any decay caused by moisture.
Identify penetrating damp
- Damaged internal decoration – damp, discoloured tidemarks in line with external ground level on internal surfaces
- Damaged plaster – blistering, salting and disintegration
- Rotting skirting boards, floor timbers – wet rot decay
- Localised dampness – random damp patches at high and low levels that do not dry out
- Mould growth – musty smell, spoilt decoration
- Condensation and penetrating damp issues
What Treatments Do You Require?
If your damp issue stems from building defects, we can often handle the repairs. For more extensive work, you can rest assured that we are also qualified in the building trade. We offer two primary solutions for lateral penetrating damp: single membrane and tanking systems. Both options will create a dry internal wall surface, making your cellar or basement rooms usable once again. After the affected area or wall has dried out and there is no damage to the plaster or decay in the timber, you can proceed with redecorating.
What Causes Rising Damp in Your Property?
Schedule Your Free Rising Damp Survey Today
Given the complex nature of rising damp, identifying it requires a qualified industry surveyor. Our survey will include:
- External Inspection: We will check for any defects that could be related to the current problem or lead to damp issues in the future.
- Floorboard Examination: If your ground floor is timber, we may request permission to lift the floorboards to inspect for timber decay affecting the wall plate and joists beneath the surface.
- Visual Inspection of Internal Ground Floor Walls: We will use a resistance moisture meter to scan all internal ground floor walls. If we detect visible damage to decorations or higher moisture levels in the plaster, a more thorough inspection will follow.
- Calcium Carbide Tests: These may be conducted to establish a dampness profile, which could involve drilling into the wall to collect mortar samples for on-site testing, subject to the client’s approval.
Spot rising damp in Cornwall
- Localised dampness – dampness on walls rarely exceeds one metre above ground level, but may go much higher in extreme cases
- Damaged internal decoration – damp, discoloured “tidemarks” on internal decoration
- Damaged plaster – blistering, salting and disintegration
- Rotting skirting boards, floor timbers – wet rot decay
Effective Damp Treatments
Once dampness has been assessed, the surveyor will provide recommendations for treating rising damp, penetrating damp, and basements.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how we can assist you and your home, feel free to contact us today. We’re always happy to offer advice and provide free quotes when needed.
Timber Treatment Services in Cornwall
Some key things to look for:
- Woodworm causes small round holes in your woodwork, similar to the holes in a dart board. Fine, powdery dust around these holes (this is known as frass) and even if you can’t see any holes, you might also find frass escaping from the back or underside of old furniture. Again this suggests active woodworm.
- Wet rot can be a white or brown rot, which does not refer to the colour of the mould, but the shade that the timber turns when affected. Brown rot will darken the wood, and will break in small cracks, whereas white rot lightens the wood and the damage is visible across the grain.
- Dry rot is different from wet rot in the sense that it can travel through a building taking its own moisture supply, and can travel between plaster and brick work as well as wood. Dry rot can cause severe damage if it is not treated.
Check your home doesn’t need timber treatments today
If you have any concerns regarding woodworm, wet rot or dry rot, contact J R Damp Proofing and Wood Treatment today. We are here for you, call us today to find out further information on any of our services available throughout Cornwall.
Woodworm control treatment in Cornwall
Professional Woodworm Treatments
Misidentifying the insect can result in expensive and unnecessary treatments. With us, you can trust that we will deliver the correct woodworm control solution to eliminate your infestation in Penzance, Cornwall, saving you both time and money.
Our surveyor will identify:
- The type of insect and extent of the woodworm infestation
- Whether the infestation is active or inactive
- How much structural damage, if any, has been caused
- What woodworm treatment is best for your property
Check your home doesn’t need timber treatments today
We shall draw up the correct specification for the elimination of the woodworm infestation, the solution of woodworm treatment, and state any special requirements for difficult pests, for example the death watch beetle or house longhorn. Whatever you problem, we can help ensure your property is kept structurally sound and free from woodworm infestation.
Free Wet and Dry Rot Surveys in Cornwall
The Difference Between Wet and Dry Rot
Wet rot is a general term for various fungal species that cause timber decay in damp conditions, leading to significant damage if not addressed. Dry rot, however, occurs when building timbers are exposed to damp, poorly ventilated environments or come into contact with damp masonry. The dry rot fungus (Serpula lacrymans) can cause severe damage and decay to your property if left untreated.
Our surveyor will identify:
- Check for associated problems such as other types of rot or damp
- Inspect other areas that may be at risk
- Provide a cost-effective solution to your problem
Solve Your Wet Rot or Dry Rot Issues in Penzance, Cornwall
Our expert technicians have the skills, craftsmanship, and solutions to eliminate both dry and wet rot. Each property is unique, so various factors must be considered. The key steps in treating dry rot and wet rot include:
- Identifying and removing the source of moisture sustaining the rot. This may involve repairing defects like damaged or overflowing gutters, missing slates, or blocked air bricks.
- Ensuring the cause of damp or water ingress is resolved, allowing the timber’s moisture content to drop to a safe level (below 20%).
- Removing all decayed wood, damaged linings, panelling, skirting boards, ceilings, and plaster to prevent the fungus from spreading further.
- Eliminating visible and accessible fungal growth.
- Applying fungicidal treatments to the remaining timber and brickwork to create protective chemical barriers.
- Replacing all removed timber with preservative-treated wood.
Basement Waterproofing and Tanking Systems in Cornwall
Protect Your Property from Damp with Basement Tanking
Worried your basement is too small to be functional? It could still be useful for storage or even add value to your property for future buyers. Even if you don’t plan to use your basement or cellar, tanking will make it fully waterproof, preventing damp from rising and affecting the upper floors of your home.
What Solutions Are Available for Your Home?
Cement tanking involves applying cement-based waterproof coatings to prevent penetrating damp caused by water moving through earth-retaining walls via capillary action.
These tanking coatings can be plastered over to create a smooth, decorative surface.
Cement tanking is ideal for situations without free-flowing water or flood risk, as well as for small areas with isolated damp issues.
Benefits of cement tanking include:
- Suitable for small areas and uneven surfaces.
- No need for a drainage system, sump, or pump.
Solutions and Advice for Condensation Control in Cornwall
Why Does Condensation Occur?
The lack of ventilation caused by improving insulation and double glazing can result in high levels of humid air becoming trapped inside a building, which can become condensation and eventually lead to mould growth.
What Problems Does Condensation Cause in Our Properties in Cornwall?
Condensation is typically a seasonal issue, most noticeable during the colder winter months. It can appear not only on windows but also on cold walls and floors. Occasionally, it can develop in hidden areas, such as roof voids or suspended floors, where timbers may become vulnerable to rot.
Many homes will experience condensation dampness over time, but it becomes problematic when persistent, leading to other tell-tale signs such as:
- Damp walls with blistering paint
- Damaged and peeling wallpaper
- Musty odours
- Black mould growth
We can supply and install 2020 positive air pressure systems to prevent condensation buildup and address this issue, effectively stopping mould growth and musty smells.
Some Tips for Preventing Condensation
Keeping your windows open for proper ventilation isn’t always practical, especially at night when staying warm is a priority, and it can also pose a security risk. Our recommendations include:
- When cooking: Cover pans, avoid leaving kettles boiling, and use an extractor fan if possible.
- Ventilate bathrooms and kitchens: Keep doors closed while these areas are in use.
- Avoid drying clothes indoors: Don’t place wet clothes on radiators or in front of fires.
- Maintain a consistent low-level background heating: This helps minimise rapid temperature fluctuations and keeps wall surfaces warm.