WE CAN HELP YOU PRESERVE YOUR FUTURE INVESTMENT. FOR A PROFESSIONAL EFFICIENT SERVICE LOOK FOR BRITISH DAMP PROOFING

Wood Rotting Fungi

    

The most dreaded and feared form of household timber rot, feared because of its rapid rate of spread and breakdown of timbers using enzymes.

The most notable feature being the white strands and cotton like growths (Mycelium) which are found on the surface close to where the fungus is growing. The fruiting body (Sporophore) usually occurs on or close to wood.

The development of the growth of the fungus is controlled largely by its surroundings. It is sensitive to high temperatures (over 25°C) and drying, therefore rarely found on exposed timbers or where conditions fluctuate.

Wet Rot Fungi

There are many fungal species of wet rot, numbering hundreds of thousands. Fortunately only a small number will survive in a domestic situation and of these, treatment is generally the same; reduce the moisture source and the fungus in most cases will die.

There are two types of rot and these can be separated into White Rot and Brown Rot. The most common of these being Coniphoria Puteana (Brown Rot) common name cellar fungus and Fibroporia Vaillantii (Brown Rot) common name mining fungus.

Woodworm - Common Furniture Beetle (anobium punctatum)

   

Woodworm are really the larvae of wood beetles who thrive on the natural food they find in wood. Generally, all species behave in a similar manner; they lay their eggs on rough timber, the larvae/grub/worm hatch and burrow into the wood.

After around three years of eating and gnawing at the timber, they pupate into adult beetles and fly away to start the new life cycle. The holes that we see in the wood and identify as woodworm are the holes that the beetle has migrated from.

The damage has already been done by the larvae. What of the adult beetle? They simply lay more eggs, approximately forty, hatch more larvae and destroy more timber.

Treatment for Woodworm Infestation carries a Guarantee for Twenty Years.

Beetle Timber Infestation (Other than Common Furniture Beetle)

Timber is susceptible to attack from less common wood beetle/larvae and this will result in different types of timber i.e. Hardwood, Softwood and Semi-Hardwood being damaged.

All timber infestations need to be identified prior to treatment so as to be sure the correct application rate and chemicals are used to eradicate the problem.

Knowledge of timber, the environment and the larvae is all important in correctly identifying the infestation. It is for this reason we advise the use of our qualified consultants.

Treatment for some Beetle Timber Infestation carries a Guarantee for Twenty Years.

The Environment & C.O.S.H.H

   

As a chemical using company we are aware of our responsibilities to the environment and as such are constantly monitoring our methods of use and materials.

We will update our methods and materials and upgrade our equipment as and when better methods / equipment / materials are available.

Our waste is disposed of as per government guidelines on waste disposal. This means a minimum of waste goes to land fill sites with up to 90% of all our waste being re-used.

Wall Tie Replacement

Problems with corroded metal wall ties are becoming increasingly apparent. Recent reports state more than ten million homes could be affected by serious corrosion of cavity wall ties. At the worst, this could cause outside walls to collapse or gable ends to be pulled away by high winds.

The remedial works required consist of removal/isolation of existing ties and installation of new stainless steel ties. The methods used will depend on the material of the building.

Rising damp (Capillarity)

   

The definition of capillarity is the action of water rising through capillaries or pores against the force of gravity. This is regulated by the following factors: Gravity, Water, Size of Pores, Air Pressure and Evaporation. All of these must be taken into account when designing a Damp Course for a structure which is affected by this problem.

To gain the required results and for the issue of our guarantee, the consultant must have sound knowledge of the material within the structure, its position in relation to its surroundings and to know the buildings future use. All of this will influence our decision as to the type of chemical used and the installation method.

Insertion of a Chemical Damp Proof Course carries a Guarantee for Twenty Years.

Condensation

   

The two requirements for visible surface condensation are high humidity and walls with a cooler surface than the air temperature.

A second condition will occur when the walls suffer a rapid heat loss to the outside. This is Interstitial Condensation that takes place within the structure.

To prevent structural damage, condensation must occur on the outer leaf of a wall.

We can eradicate condensation and condensation mould using technology, chemicals and materials. We will be happy to advise solely on this problem.

Some condensation fungi can cause illness and in some cases death.

Membrane systems

 

These systems will give protection in all situations against penetrating and residual moisture migration.

They are particularly effective against salt damage and high external ground levels creating a barrier between the affected area and the finished product.

Being 100% effective where installation is carried out as all joints are sealed with the material being bolted to the brickwork.

Installation of a Membrane System carries a Guarantee for Twenty Years.

Cellar Conversion

   

Using membrane systems with water seals, sump pumps and internal specially designed drains, it is possible to turn a non-useable cellar into a plastered and painted room that can be used the same as any other normal room above ground level.

Salt Attack to Brickwork, Finished Plaster and Stonework

   

Salt are made up of three types, these are Nitrates, Sulphates and Chlorides. These salts will only migrate when dissolved in water.

The three main types of migration are:

Wet brickwork with high levels of salt content, normally sulphates.
Penetrating water allowing salts to move, normally sulphates.
Rising Damp water movement with salt contaminates, normally nitrates or chlorides.

Stone salt contamination is almost always due to absorption from surroundings, i.e. backing, jointing or high ground levels.

These salts can persist over very long periods of time. Some salts will expand up to 270 times when wet causing severe cracking to plaster and movement away from the wall.

Call us on:
Head Office: 01507 463 687
Doncaster: 01302 799 367
Grimsby: 01472 309 464
Scunthorpe: 01724 388 226
Peterborough: 01733 286 584
Boston: 01205 449 122
Lincoln: 01522 899 786
Hull: 01482 407 092