Everyone wants to feel comfortable in their own home, which is why when a situation like damp or rot arises, it can be a stressful experience. Caused by excessive moisture buildup in the property, damp is a serious and wide-reaching problem here in the UK, with around 4% of the total housing stock suffering from some form damp problem. If left untreated, excess damp can cause serious effects to both your home and to those living within it.
According to the NHS, living in damp conditions can have adverse effects on your health, leading to respiratory issues, especially for older individuals and small children. Damp and rot also have an extremely detrimental effect on your home’s property value and can scare away potential buyers who don’t want to deal with such an irritating problem – it’s also not a particularly nice thing for you to have to look at either!
If you’re struggling with damp or rot problems, you may think that doing a bit of DIY proofing will be enough to counteract the problems you’re experiencing without having to spend any money. Yet, damp and rot treatments can become extremely complicated if not carried out by a professional and, if you don’t manage to completely clear the issue, you’ll find it returning again and again.
With this in mind, hiring a specialist to treat damp and rot can save you a huge amount of time and give you the peace of mind you need in knowing that your damp and rot problems are finally over. Read on to discover just some of the reasons why a damp specialist is the best way to go.
Surveys can pinpoint damp problems
One of the main ways a damp proofing expert can help treat your damp problem is by undertaking a damp proofing survey. You may be surprised to learn that not all damp is created equal and there actually three different types: rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation. Acting differently and causing different problems, these three types of damp usually require various processes in order to properly treat them.
Luckily, many damp proofing companies can offer a bespoke survey of your property. A qualified damp surveyor will be able to decipher the type of damp you’re dealing with and will likely find the source of the problem. Most importantly, once they have found the root of the issue, your chosen damp proofer can begin formulating a plan of how to best deal with the situation.
A damp survey is an essential step towards ridding your home of rot and damp for good and, with many companies offering their surveying services for free, it’s now easier than ever to begin the damp proofing process.
Quality damp proofing
Although the act of damp proofing walls, floors and ceilings may seem relatively straightforward, it actually covers a wide range of specialist treatments and procedures to ensure your home is comprehensively damp free. As we’ve mentioned, there are three main types of damp problems that a house can suffer from and each has a specific procedure.
These procedures fall under the term Damp Proof Courses or DPC’s and all require the skills and resources of a qualified damp proof specialist to carry them out out effectively. For example, in the case of rising damp, a technician may utilise what is known as Electro-osmotic damp proofing which uses an electric charge to push the water back to where it came from.
On the other hand, a damp specialist may utilise a chemical mixture, pressure grouting, cavity or any of the host of other damp proof courses on offer for your property. Whatever the case, your specialist will have the perfect answer for your individual damp problem.
Understanding types of rot
Excess damp can cause a variety of problems, aside from the initial moisture buildup; one such concern is the issue of rot. Primarily growing around the timbers of your home, rot covers the species’ of fungus that can significantly affect the structural integrity of your property if left unchecked.
Rot can be split into two main categories: wet and dry, with both having their own specific needs in order to grow. Wet rot occurs in spaces with more than 50% moisture content, meaning it is a very common form found here in the UK. Dry rot, on the other hand, relies on a moisture content of around 20-30% and is the more serious of the two.
Whichever you might be suffering from, rot can cause real damage to your property and potentially
Luckily, many damp control specialists are qualified to tackle rot issues as the two usually go hand in hand with one another. Chemicals are usually used to clear out the problem and ensure your property is both safe and clean from this unwanted visitor.
What to look for in a rot and damp control company
Although enlisting the help of a damp control company is essential if you’re suffering from damp or rot problems, it is equally imperative to employ a true specialist to ensure the job is done right first time. Yet, what is it that actually makes a quality damp control company?
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Reputable: Like all trades, damp proofers should be able to provide you with references of their previous work. Established and professional companies will have a long list of satisfied customers that they will be more than happy to share with you. If they seem cagey about your request and don’t offer you any substantial references, it’s time to look elsewhere.
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Properly qualified: Damp proofing is a complex job that, if done incorrectly, can cause more problems than solutions. With this in mind, ensure that your chosen damp proofer is recognised as a Certificated Surveyor of Timber & Dampness in Buildings and have all of the relevant qualifications to ensure that the work is done to the highest standard.
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Experience: Although qualifications are essential, experience is something you can’t study or licence. On average, one in five companies will fail in their first year and this is no different when it comes to damp proofers. With this in mind, look for companies that have stood the test of time; this is a sure sign of a damp specialists quality within the industry.
Work with the damp proofing specialists at North Yorkshire Remedials
As you can see, hiring a quality damp control specialist has a variety of significant benefits, not only to your home but to you and your family. However, it’s important you can work with a name you can trust. Here at North Yorkshire Remedials, we have been supplying customers with comprehensive damp and rot treatments and repairs for over 35 years.
Operating throughout the Yorkshire area, we have plenty of experience, working on a huge variety of homes. Whether it’s dry rot, rising damp or even a nasty case of woodworm, our team of highly qualified specialists are on-hand to ensure the job gets done first time every time.
Also, because of our specialist skills in damp and rot control, we are also able to offer our customers other services such as basement tanking and plastering.
If you’re in the Yorkshire area looking for the best in damp and rot control then look no further than North Yorkshire Remedials. For more information on our extensive range of services, visit our website or get in touch with our team on 01765 692 154.