Damp proofing for London homes, flats and basements – from Victorian terraces with failed damp-proof courses to damp lower ground floors and cellars. Our CSTDB-qualified surveyors find the real cause of the damp before recommending any work, so you only pay for the treatment you actually need.
Damp proofing is an essential process for any homeowner who wants to protect their property against dampness and water damage. Damp proofing is the installation of materials or treatments to prevent moisture from penetrating walls, floors, and other surfaces within a building. As dampness can cause a range of issues, including the growth of mould and mildew, rotting wood, and damage to electrical systems, it’s important to prevent it wherever possible.
With proper damp proofing such as from our team at Metro Waterproofing, you can ensure that your home stays dry, healthy, and protected from these issues and more.
Every damp problem has a different cause, and the wrong treatment can make it worse. We diagnose the source first, then recommend the right fix.
Damp proofing is often used as a preventative measure to avoid future problems related to dampness, and is commonly done during construction or renovation projects. This is typically done to prevent issues such as the growth of mould and mildew, rotting wood, and damage to electrical systems.
Penetrating damp is a form of dampness that occurs when water seeps into a building through walls, roofs, or other openings. It typically happens due to structural defects, such as cracks or gaps in masonry, broken roof tiles, or faulty guttering. We aim to combat penetrating damp by identifying and fixing the source of the water intrusion, as well as repairing any damage caused by the dampness.
If you’ve ever noticed water droplets on your walls or windows, this is caused by condensation. Condensation is a common form of dampness that occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cooler surface. Treatment for condensation typically involves improving ventilation, reducing humidity levels, and addressing any underlying issues that may be contributing to the problem.
Rising damp is a form of dampness that occurs when moisture from the ground rises up through walls and floors of a building. This typically happens in older buildings with porous building materials or those that lack proper dampproofing measures. Methods to address rising damp often include installing a dampproof course, repairing damage caused by rising damp, and improving ventilation to prevent the build-up of humidity.
Dry rot is a type of wood decay caused by a fungus that thrives in moist and poorly ventilated conditions. The fungus can spread quickly and can cause severe damage to timber structures if left untreated. Dry rot can be identified by its distinct, cracked and crumbly appearance, and a musty odour. Treatment for dry rot typically involves removing the affected wood and replacing it with new, treated timber.
Unlike dry rot, wet rot only affects the part of the timber that is exposed to moisture and does not spread to unaffected areas. Treatment for wet rot typically involves removing the affected wood and repairing any underlying moisture problems that led to the wet rot. Depending on the severity of the damage, the timber may be replaced or reinforced with epoxy resin or other treatments.
Structural repairs for damp proofing refer to the process of repairing or replacing damaged structural elements that have been affected by dampness or moisture. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, structural repairs may include strengthening and reinforcing walls, floors, and other load-bearing elements using techniques such as crack stitching, wall ties, and lateral restraints.
Problems like rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation may seem small now, but we’ve seen what they can do in the long term. At Metro Waterproofing, we have years of experience and can help to prevent further damage caused by dampness, providing you with peace of mind. Backed by expertise and experience and with all the necessary knowledge to do the job right, Metro Waterproofing is the team to call.
Do I Need Waterproofing or Damp Proofing? Water ingress and damp penetration can cause serious problems in a building. If you suspect that your property is suffering from any water-related issues, the first thing to do is identify the problem. Whether you need waterproofing or damp proofing will affect the
British Standard Recommendations One of the primary recommendations of BS 8102:2022 is that with any basement, at some point in its life you should expect that water pressure will come to bear against it. Although the timing of such an event cannot be predicted, this is a practical and sensible
Answers to the questions London homeowners and landlords ask us most often.
It depends on the type of damp, the length of wall and how much replastering is needed. A typical rising damp treatment with a new injected damp-proof course and replastering to one wall of a terraced house is usually a few thousand pounds. We give a fixed written quotation after the survey, which costs £150 + VAT.
Yes. Many damp problems are misdiagnosed – condensation and penetrating damp are often sold as rising damp. A proper survey finds the cause so you don’t pay for the wrong treatment.
Most residential jobs take 2–5 days. New plaster then needs time to dry before decorating.
Yes – our damp proofing and waterproofing work comes with an insurance-backed guarantee that stays with the property if you sell.
All London boroughs, plus Berkshire and the Home Counties.
Whether you’re interested in damp proofing your property, combating rising damp, addressing dry rot or wet rot issues, or something else that’s making your home, not your favourite place to be, we’re on hand to help. As CSSW-qualified surveyors, we’re on hand to carry out any survey you need and give our professional opinion on where to go next. Invest in quality damp proofing by our experienced team today and keep your home safe and dry for years to come.
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