Damp surveys and renovation works – Dryabode property care.
I popped over to Euxton near Chorley early this week to carry out a damp survey in the front porch area of a beautifully kept home built in the 1970’s.
Part of the skirting board was badly decayed in the porch area despite damp proof courses seemingly in place. Insects had been spotted at times and there was a strong smell of decay.
On this occasion I was given permission for an invasive inspection, not only using an array of technical equipment but getting my hands dirty, taking out the skirting boards, floor coverings and part of the concrete floor. Further investigation revealed the porch to have been added several years ago but after the house was originally constructed.
The inspection revealed that the damp proof membrane under the concrete porch floor at its junction with the house did not meet current standards and incomplete in places particularly at the junction with the main house external wall. It seems that the original front door had been removed along with the damp proof course underneath and when the new porch concrete floor had been laid the new damp proof membrane had not been extended to replace the old damp proof course. This allowed damp to pass freely from the lower foundation brickwork to the floor and hence to the timber studding and affected skirting board.
Images show our invasive inspection, badly decayed skirting board and timber stud wall. I have also attached a picture of the little critter who had made his / her home in the damp timber.
The floor will be removed and replaced with new incorporating under-floor insulation and the appropriate damp proof membrane and damp proof courses.
If you have suspicions of damp, condensation, decaying timber, mould, water leaks, structural defects or roof problems, please contact us to arrange a survey. Dryabode will accurately identify the cause of the problem and carry out the necessary renovation works to give you peace of mind and make your home warm and dry.
