Homeguard Damp & Timber Ltd - Damp Proofing, Rising Damp, Wet Rot, Dry Rot

Our Services

We specialise in diagnosing and carrying out high quality works in the following areas:

Rising dampness and penetrating dampness

There can be many reasons why dampness appears on both internal and external walls of a property. Sometimes it can be visual, but often it will not be seen by the naked eye or disguised by decorations.
Using the latest electronic moisture meters and non-invasive testing methods, we are able to profile dampness patterns in properties which form the basis of a detailed report supplied to the client with recommendations and where necessary, quotations for remedial works.
Additional invasive testing can be arranged in the form of:

Opening up works
Salts analysis of wall plasters or coverings
Laboratory testing of samples

These methods of testing will often require written consent from the property owner prior to being carried out and attract additional costs. We advise you contact us for more details before considering these options.

Chemical damp proof course installs to BS6576 2005

There are a number of different approaches to installing an effective damp proof course into a building, but which one is best? Our preference is to install a cream based chemical into small diameter holes under low pressure. This method is clean and relatively quick to install over other options available, indeed it is widely used throughout the industry. Ultimately the success of any chemical DPC is about installing it correctly. It should be noted however that once installed its purpose is to stop more moisture rising into the property, it will not dry out the wall plasters overnight or eradicate salts contamination, specialist wall plaster renewals are still likely to be required.

Condensation and mould growths

Condensation is a term many homeowners will be familiar with, even relatively new homes can suffer with the effects. An average family of 4-5 people living a normal life can generate around 15 litres of water vapour a day! Cooking, bathing, drying clothes, even breathing all add to our daily output. So when the moisture laden air begins to cool down, this causes the air to saturate. When any surface temperature reaches the dew point then moisture is condensed from the air forming water droplets. This can then develop into mould growths causing decorations to spoil and soft furnishings and clothing to be ruined, usually accompanied by an unpleasant 'musty' or 'damp' smell. During our inspection of your property we look at ways to improve air quality in your home, heating habits and ways to insulate. We look to advise the client with the most appropriate treatment or product available that will deliver the best results, reducing the effects of condensation and mould growths.

Basement waterproofing systems (renders and cavity drain membrane)

A Multi layered rendered system (tanking) or a cavity drain membrane system, which is best? The answer will more than likely depend on the end use of the basement. Whether it be for storing non-perishables or for important archived files. We can design a system to suit your needs and keep you dry.

Timber Infestations

There are many wood destroying insects in this world but fortunately there are just a handful to be found in this country.
The two most common infestations are:
Common furniture beetle (CFB) – Anobium punctatum Adult beetles are approximately 4-5mm in length with a life cycle of approximately 3-5 year. The majority of damage caused to timber is during the larval period. Exit holes are slightly oval and approximately 1.5 – 2mm in diameter. Common furniture beetle will attack both hardwoods and softwoods with a preference for softwood. Treatments are generally carried out using a water based chemical sprayed under low pressure to the accessible timbers. Following treatments, it is normally safe to return to the home the same day.
Deathwatch beetle – Xestobium rufovillosum The life cycle was believed to be 5-7 years although there is now evidence suggesting 12 years or more is possible. Adult beetles grow to approximately 7mm in length and attack mainly hardwoods, particularly oak. Treating deathwatch beetle can be more challenging as it generally inhabits large section timbers limiting the penetration of water based chemical treatments. A solvent or boron based chemical is generally used to treat any infestation and is usually for containment rather than eradication, as the beetle has the ability to live deep within large timbers beyond the reach of the treatments.

Timber Decays

Timber decays can come in many forms with different appearances. Some can be fibrous, others cause distortion and discolouring of the timber and cuboidal cracking to varying degrees. In the vast majority of cases timber decays are caused by prolonged contact with damp masonry or in high humidity areas with poor ventilation. Depending on the severity if decay and structural integrity of the timber, either renewals of the affected areas or preservation of existing timbers can be carried out.

Dry Rot - In the case of dry rot (serpula lacrymans) remedial treatments can be extensive, not just to timbers but the surrounding environment.

In the right conditions this fungal growth has the ability to grow rapidly through most mediums (brickwork, plasters, damp oversites etc.) and can be damaging to anything in contact. In well-established outbreaks ‘red dust’ can be found on furnishings and flooring which are billions of spores being released by a fruiting body.
On diagnosis of a true dry rot attack, the client is encouraged to carry out remedial works as soon as possible to minimize the damage that can be caused.

Ventilation Systems

One of the key elements in controlling condensation issues is good ventilation and air quality, whether its reducing excess humidity at source, through extraction in kitchen and bathrooms or whole house ventilation systems that gently expel moisture laden air though natural ventilation, even a combination of both! We are able to assess the conditions and advise on the best method to improve your environment. Installations can be arranged and are carried out by a qualified electrician.

Epoxy resin and bituminous damp proof membranes

Where damp concrete floors with no physical damp proof membrane exist, we are able to apply either epoxy resin coatings or bituminous coatings to form a dry surface for the installation of new floor coverings or screeds. The coatings form a vapour proof membrane when cured and are an economical alternative to renewing concrete floors.