Damp proofing questions answered

We cover West London out to High Wycombe, about 12 miles from our Ruislip base, including Ruislip, Harrow, Ealing, Wembley, Pinner, Northwood, Ickenham, Uxbridge, Hillingdon, Hayes, Southall, Greenford, Northolt, Stanmore, Denham, Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield, High Wycombe.

Yes. Our damp survey is free and there is no obligation.

On completion of damp proof course treatment you receive a 20-year guarantee certificate. Guarantees for other work depend on the system specified in your quotation.

Our technicians are PCA trained and Safeguard Ltd trained, and we use a BBA approved damp proofing system.

We are open 24 hours. Call 07803 253337 or 0800 593 0300.

Rising damp leaves a tide mark low on walls and salt damage to plaster. Condensation causes mould in corners and on windows. A free survey will confirm which you have.

A survey may take as little as 30 minutes or several hours, depending on the size of the property and the issues we find. We do not charge by the time spent surveying.

Quotations are valid for three months after the survey. If more time has passed, contact us to review the quote.

Every home is different, so we give a written quotation after the free survey rather than guessing a price.

Most rooms are treated in one to three days, depending on the length of wall and plastering needed. We confirm timings after the survey.

With the Dryzone damp-resistant plaster system we use, walls are typically ready to paint within 2 to 5 days. We will confirm for your job.

Yes. On completion you receive a 20-year guarantee certificate.

Some dust is unavoidable when old plaster is removed, but we protect floors and furniture and clear up at the end of each day.

Often yes, depending on wall construction and access. We will recommend the best method after the survey.

No. Most homeowners stay in the property while the work is carried out.

It is a silane-based damp proofing cream injected into the mortar course. It cures inside the wall to form a water-repellent barrier that stops ground moisture rising.

No. Penetrating damp comes from outside, usually rain, and can occur at any height. Rising damp comes from the ground and stays low on the wall.

No. A DPC only stops moisture rising from the ground. Penetrating damp needs the entry point fixed.

It can on exposed walls, or where the outer brickwork lets in a lot of rain, because the insulation may carry water across the cavity. Other causes are ruled out first; see our guide to cavity wall insulation and damp.

It can help, but it treats the symptom. Lasting control usually needs better ventilation and fewer cold spots.

The mould it leads to can affect people with asthma, allergies and respiratory conditions, so it is worth tackling.

Walls with poor insulation, or corners with little air movement, can be colder than modern double glazing. Moist air condenses on the coldest surface it finds.

Yes. The survey rules rising and penetrating damp in or out, so you only pay for the treatment your home actually needs.

Mould can trigger breathing problems, especially for children, older people and anyone with asthma. It is best treated promptly.

Bleach may remove the stain but does not deal with the moisture causing it, so mould usually returns.

Yes. These are the rooms where we find mould most often, and we look at ventilation and cold surfaces in each one so the mould does not come straight back.

Yes. The survey identifies whether condensation, penetrating damp or rising damp is behind it, and the written recommendation explains how to fix that cause.

Yes, our damp survey for homeowners is free and there is no obligation to go ahead with any work.

Most surveys take under an hour, depending on the size of the property.