Damp control and structural repairs
Preston, Leyland, Chorley, Kirkham & The Fylde
Article by David Kerry BSc CSRT ICIOB – Damp and timber expert
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Current project – Damp control – roof repairs – electrical upgrade – Refurbishment – chimney repairs
Dryabode were contacted by an elderly lady who complained of dampness and black mould in her home together with other defects which were allowing water to ingress into her home and dampness / black mould to take hold.
Our surveyor attended and carried out a full technical survey. The client was encouraged to accompany our surveyor as the survey was carried out so that the issues could be explained and the instrument readings shown to her first hand.
We ensure that our technical equipment gathers and stores data which can be downloaded to computer and if required be incorporated into our reports to ensure our surveys and proposals are transparent and easy to understand.
Our surveyor produced a comprehensive technical report including a schedule of works, specification, scheme drawings and costs which were accepted the following day.
We recently commenced works on this project. When wall paper was stripped off, it was clear that a damp proofing scheme had been installed some years ago which had failed. Poor construction details and workmanship were evident including:
• Absorbent plasterboard and plaster bonding being applied directly onto a damp chimney breast causing dampness to a high level.
• No vertical damp proof courses anywhere.
• External Accrington bricks had apparently been injected, which practically speaking, will not absorb damp proofing fluid making it a pointless costly exercise.
• Decaying timber corner plaster beads had been left in prior to re-plastering.
• Brickwork left revealed below the plaster line had not been treated appropriately allowing skirting boards to decay.
We are in the process of installing a new damp control scheme which will include plastic cavity membrane around the more vulnerable areas such as the chimney breasts to provide a long term guaranteed solution.
Defective loose brickwork in the chimney breasts will be re-built and the voids behind vented appropriately.
We also specialise in roofing projects and have been instructed to carry out repairs to the roof to prevent further water ingress and damage to roof timbers.
Electrical sockets had incorrectly been installed back into the skirting boards and were rusting. Their position was causing difficulties with access and will be re-sited at higher level and in more convenient locations to allow easier and safer access for our elderly client.
Furniture and carpets could not be removed by our client so we have taken responsibility for this, and are taking appropriate measures to ensure our client’s home is left clean and tidy at the end of every working day.
DRYabode – Setting professional standards.
