In order to make a correct diagnosis of damp it is very important to be made aware of the different forms of damp which exists. There are many reasons why buildings become damp mainly being the condition, age, movement and settlement of the building which can all aggravate some form of dampness.

ACORN GUARANTEE TREATMENTS

RISING DAMP

This is normally caused by a defective or non existing damp-proof course and rising damp is indicated by an excessively damp wall base with a reduction of moisture ongoing up the wall often indicated by a band or tidemark visible up to 1metre above finished floor level, peeling wallpaper, mould growth and white fluffy efflorescent salts. Hygroscopic in the wall and plaster confirm that rising damp exists or has previously existed.

PENETRATING DAMP

Penetrating damp is another form of damp which is normally caused from external sources ie leaking roofs, gutters, down pipes, drain faults and internal plumbing leaks. Direct penetration of water through solid external walls is also possible especially on walls facing prevailing winds. Damp penetration can occur when a cavity is blocked or defective insulation may allow water to be transmitted directly across the walls. Old and deteriorating external renders are a frequent cause of penetrating damp along with perished mortar joints allowing water penetration.

LATERAL PENETRATING DAMP

This is normally caused on walls below ground floor level or within a basement area or where the walls are earth retaining causing damp patches and mould growth internally to basements and cellars below ground.

CONDENSATION

Condensation is another major problem of dampness within buildings which is now menacing our generation. Condensation particularly occurs during the winter months and is observed by moisture running down walls or in some bad cases of water running down walls along with the presence of mould growth on walls. It mainly occurs on cold external walls and windows and may easily be confused with penetrating and rising damp. Lack of ventilation and inadequate heating are the basic causes of condensation coupled with excessive moisture production from cooking, bathing, paraffin heaters and to even some extent breathing.

WATERPROOFING

Walls and floors in rooms below ground level are subject to lateral and hydrostatic water pressure and therefore at risk from damp. However, with modern waterproofing methods basements, cellars and vaults can be transformed into habitable accommodation, adding considerable value to any property.

GUARANTEED TREATMENTS

Acorn Building Services Limited are members of the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association and the Guarantee Protection Insurance Ltd. All work carried out by our Company is fully guaranteed and underwritten for both workmanship and materials by the approved insurance protection trust. In most cases the affected wall finishes are removed and our Company carries out the latest damp-proofing techniques to treat any form of dampness by means of injection techniques, physical damp-proof courses and spraying techniques for the curing of penetrating damp through external walls along with all the associated general builder’s work ie re-plastering and external walls etc. Our Company also offers a specialist waterproofing treatment for below ground level structures ie cellars and basements which can include converting a cellar or basement into a habitable accommodation. For the latest control of condensation we also supply and fit humidistat controlled increase ventilation to reduce the aggravation of condensation.