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The Source Of Your Damp Problems
If you have problems with damp, it is likely to be one of these three scenarios.
Damp problems can show up in your home in different ways. Sometimes it is hidden, but often you will notice things like mould, tide marks, bubbling paint, or crumbling wood.
The trick is knowing what the signs mean and how to fix the problem.
It is important to fix damp problems quickly because they get worse over time. You might see black mould or peeling wallpaper, which can look unpleasant. If damp reaches the wood in your home, it can cause rot and weaken the structure.
There is some evidence that dampness can also impact the respiratory system, particularly in the young and the infirm.
South East Timber and Damp is a Kent-based specialist in damp proofing, offering a comprehensive range of solutions for all types of damp.
Rising Damp
You may have an issue with dampness rising from the ground through your walls, which is rising damp.
Penetrating Damp
There may be an issue with dampness seeping in from your roof or the top of the walls, penetrating damp.
Condensation
Your house/workplace could be subject to poor ventilation and airflow, which results in condensation.
Whatever the case, each damp problem requires a different damp proofing solution. While you can attempt some DIY, in our experience, for a long-term fix, it is a good idea to bring in the experts to ensure the problem is dealt with effectively and efficiently.
Why Kent is susceptible to damp problems
Kent has a fairly temperate climate with very few fluctuations in rainfall. There are the usual autumnal and wintery conditions; however, there are very few extended periods of dryness. For a place like Canterbury, which receives 728mm of rainfall, or Maidstone, which tends to show high humidity, neither have many dry days.
Even in the dryer months, rainfall never really drops to zero, which means buildings rarely get a chance to dry out, exposing properties to an increased level of damp stress.
The clay-rich soils also tend to absorb water and react to the conditions. As the moisture increases, the clay will swell; as it dries, the clay-based soil will shrink or contract. This soil movement either way means buildings are open to fault lines developing or increasing, which can expose brickwork to further attack from subsequent rainfall.
As we know, Kent also has a higher volume of older houses than almost every other authority in the country. The older buildings tend to make use of different materials, such as older brickwork, flint, and often lack the damp-proofing protection of a modern house.
The older houses are also prone to broken pipework and gutters, which opens them up to penetrating damp as the excess water attacks the brickwork.
Diagnosing damp problems: What we check
Undertaking a Damp Survey
We may also use thermal imaging and hygrometers during the survey to measure air humidity. This helps our team understand the problem more clearly.
Our team will carefully check the inside walls and floors. If we think the problem starts outside, we will also look at the roof and gutters.
Our Customer Reviews
Rolvenden – Timber Treatment
Very likely to recommend
5 'Excellent' scores
Winchelsea – Wet Rot
Very likely to recommend
6 'Excellent' scores
Sissinghurst – Membrane Works
Very likely to recommend
5 'Excellent' scores
Gillingham – Damp Proofing
Very likely to recommend
6 'Excellent' scores
Gravesend – Damp Proofing
Very likely to recommend
5 'Excellent' scores
Gillingham – Membrane Works
Very likely to recommend
6 'Excellent' scores
Damp Treatment & Damp Proofing Solutions We Offer
After we find the cause of the damp, we focus on choosing the best way to fix it and getting started on the work.
Rising damp usually happens when the damp-proof course is damaged or missing. We can fix this in several ways, such as using a chemical injection. If you are renovating your basement, we can also install a new damp proof course, which is part of our basement waterproofing services.
Cavity Wall Repairs
If we find that your property has penetrating damp, we offer several solutions. Sometimes, simple repairs like fixing broken gutters and downpipes can solve the problem right away.
We can repair the cavity wall insulation found in many modern homes. Sometimes, this insulation lets water move from the outside walls into your house. We will replace it so your interior walls stay dry and ready for decorating.
Basement & Cellar Waterproofing
Find out more about our waterproofing solutions here.
Damp Proofing Guarantees
You can learn more about our guarantees here.
Damp Proofing Cost
Each job is priced individually based on its requirements. Here are a few examples of work we have done in the last few months.
Damp specialists
We handle tasks like removing and reconnecting radiators, and replacing covings, skirtings, and electrical sockets. Your rooms will be ready to decorate, and you will not need to hire other tradespeople after we finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several reasons why you might experience damp in your house, including rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation, plumbing leaks, poor ventilation, and blocked gutters.
Find out more about our damp proofing services here.
Our latest case studies
Need help? Book a survey at a time to suit your schedule
Our mission is to give you the peace of mind you deserve when it comes to waterproofing your house or business. Commission a survey from our team to assess your situation professionally.