07977 635 190
Cornwall
Damp Proofing
Damp Proofing, Woodworm & Dry Rot Specialist in Cornwall
We are a highly experienced and qualified company specialising in the causes and treatment of:
Rising and Penetrating Damp, Dry Rot and Woodboring beetle,
All covered by a 30 year guarantee. 🙂
Damp
Structural dampness is the presence of unwanted moisture in the structure of a building, either the result of intrusion from outside or condensation from within the structure.
A high proportion of damp problems in buildings are caused by condensation, rain penetration or rising damp.
Dampness tends to cause secondary damage to a building. The unwanted moisture enables the growth of various fungi in wood, causing rot or mould health issues.
Plaster and paint deteriorate and wallpaper loosens. Stains from water, salts and mould damage surfaces.
Rising & Penetrating
The highest airborne mould concentrations are found in buildings where significant mould infestation has occurred, usually as a result of severe water intrusion or flood damage.
Moulds can grow on almost any surface and occur where there is a lot of moisture from structural problems such as leaky roofs or high humidity levels.
Airborne mould concentrations have the potential to be inhaled and can have health effects.
Externally, mortar may crumble and salt stains may appear on the walls. Steel and iron fasteners rust.
It may also cause a poor indoor air quality and respiratory illness in occupants. In extreme cases, mortar or plaster may fall away from the affected wall…more>
We also specialise in all internal and external remedial building work such as tanking, plastering, pointing, sub floor ventilation, wet rot and associated joinery work, condensation and whole home ventilation systems.
Dry Rot
Dry rot is wood decay caused by certain species of fungi that digest parts of the wood which give the wood strength and stiffness.
The life-cycle of dry rot can be broken down into four main stages.
Dry rot begins as a microscopic spore which, in high enough concentrations, can resemble a fine orange dust. If the spores are subjected to sufficient moisture they will begin to grow fine white strands known as hyphae.
As the hyphae germinate they will eventually form a large mass known as mycelium.
The final stage is a fruiting body which pumps new spores out into the surrounding air…more>
Wet Rot
Wet rot is a generic term used to define a variety of fungal species such as Coniophora puteana (otherwise known as cellar fungus).
Wet rot fungi obtain their food by breaking down the cell walls of wood cells resulting in a loss of strength of the wood.
This can cause problems in the structural integrity of structures.
In order to grow, wet rot requires a regular source of moisture.
This often comes from sources like defective plumbing, gutters, downpipes or stone pointing.
When excess moisture infiltrates timber it can allow fungal spores to germinate and grow, this eventually leads to the timber losing its strength…more>
We have over forty years’ experience in the building trade and are one of the most knowledgeable and competent specialists in our field, serving the whole of Cornwall.
Condensation
Condensation comes from water vapour within the building.
Common sources may include cooking, bathing, dishwashers, etc.
The moisture in the air condenses on cold surfaces, sometimes inside the walls. Buildings with poorly insulated walls are very prone to this problem.
It often causes damage similar to damp in a building and often appears in similar places.
This is because it occurs in the “dead air” pockets that accumulate in both horizontal and vertical corners (i.e. out of circulating air patterns).
Moisture condenses on the interiors of buildings due to specific interactions between the roof and wall. Leaks most commonly occur on flat-roofed buildings.
Certain building materials and mechanisms can be used to prevent condensation from occurring in these areas, therefore reducing structural dampness and potential mold infestation. In many cases, the insulation between the roof and wall is compressed, leading to a decrease in thermal resistance.
Due to the lack of thermal resistance, condensation occurs, which leads to water damage in the indoor environment.
In most cases where moisture is not addressed quickly enough, mold and mildew develop.
Another issue is that wind washing up into the crevice where the roof and wall intersect reduces the efficiency of the insulation. This results in condensation and risk for mold growth….more>
We extend our services to all properties from single dwellings to schools, offices shops etc. All customers receive the same excellence of professional service with any proposals clearly and concisely reported and quoted on no obligation terms.
Woodworm
Woodworm is the wood-eating larvae of many species of beetle.
It is also a generic description given to the infestation of a wooden item (normally part of a dwelling or the furniture in it) by these larvae.
The moisture in the air condenses on cold surfaces, sometimes inside the walls. Buildings with poorly insulated walls are very prone to this problem.
It often causes damage similar to damp in a building and often appears in similar places.
This is because it occurs in the “dead air” pockets that accumulate in both horizontal and vertical corners (i.e. out of circulating air patterns).
Woodboring beetles with larvae commonly known as woodworms include:
Woodboring beetles with larvae commonly known as woodworms include: