Rising Damp Treatment for a Property in Bradpole Road, Bournemouth

THE BRIEF

In May 2023, a property owner on Bradpole Road in Bournemouth called the team at Croft Preservation. They were worried about signs of damp in their semi-detached house and asked us to perform a full survey to determine the scope of the issue.

During our inspection of the property, our surveyors came across some higher-than-expected moisture readings at the lower portions of several walls – a clear indicator of rising damp. Upon closer examination of the plaster and paint layers, we realised that this was due to the original slate damp proof course breaking down. Moisture had managed to seep through the weakened damp proofing and make its way into the interior of the property.

Damp is unfortunately a common problem, impacting over a fifth of homes in the UK. If not properly taken care of, it can lead to weakened walls, ruined decor, and the unwelcome growth of mould. Mould is particularly troublesome as it can seriously affect the health of everyone living in the property, especially children, older people, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

After surveying the property, we came up with a course of action to tackle the damp problem. We planned to remove the old, defective render and plaster to reveal the masonry underneath. Then, we would put in a new chemical damp proof course to keep any moisture at bay. To add extra protection, we would then use a waterproof render system on the masonry, and finish it off with a special breathable plaster. This step-by-step approach would not only bring the flat back to a safe and clean state, but also significantly lower the chances of damp causing trouble again in the future.

THE METHOD

As always, we began by taking care of some important initial tasks. We made sure to protect the client's flooring with a special cover. We also covered up any furniture that couldn't be moved with sheets to keep everything safe.

Next, we removed the defective plaster from the walls, leaving it bare. We then drilled a series of evenly spaced holes into the masonry, and filled them with a chemical damp proof course. This would prevent further rising dampness.

Once we finished the injection works, we took the extra step of applying a lightweight waterproof render system to the walls. To give the walls the best protection, we then carefully applied a specialised breathable plaster. Before we left, we gave the room a final clean.

The property owner was happy to have clean and dry walls once more, giving them the confidence that their space would stay free from dampness for years to come.

EXPERIENCED DAMP PROOFING SPECIALISTS

The team at Croft Preservation have over four decades of experience in tackling damp, mould, and rot in properties throughout the South. Not only can we effectively fix and prevent various damp problems in your home, but we can also provide you with a professional level of customer service experience throughout the entire process, as well as a solid 20-year guarantee, depending on the treatment.

Ready to take the next step? Book a property survey online or simply give us a call on 01202 737739. We can't wait to assist you!