We guide you through the simple steps to identify the causes of your dampness problem.
Our objectives:
* Help you to find the correct cause of the dampness at minimal cost
* Explain the reasons for the dampness so that you become your own expert
Click to see the Top 10 real reasons for damp in walls based on 2000 Surveys
* Eliminate wasteful damp proofing, tanking or stripping out
* Minimise your costs of repair
Claim a Refund - for a Report or for Damp Proofing Work - click here
For immediate help you can call our qualified experts (we are PCA trained) on 01626 872886
or E: Mail us help@propertyrepairsystems.co.uk
If you'd like to send us the details of your problem complete our Dampness questionnaire.
The Big Expensive Questions answered:
1. Do I really need a new damp proof course - not normally, only in very specific circumstances - see our example of an 'honest' report
2. How can I get my money back for a Survey/Estimate that stated that I do need a new damp proof course - use our Letter Template
3. How do I get my money back if I have already had a new damp proof course installed - use our Letter Template
Site Index for the Damp Guide
10 of the biggest whoppers - Damp proofing lies and myths - click to read all or select sections below
House damp proof courses break down with age - no, they don't
Internal walls suffer from natural rising damp - very rarely
Cavity walls suffer from natural rising damp - no, but they can be blocked
Injected damp proof courses are always the answer - often they are not
Sand and cement render replastering is best - actually, it is not
Tanking is helpful above ground level - no, it causes other problems
A house that has a plastic modern DPC might need injection - no, do not consider it
Modern, perfect plastic DPCs cannot let moisture past - yes they can
Rising damp can be confirmed using a Damp Meter - no, it cannot
Damp walls will dry out in time - often not, because of hygroscopic 'salts'
Party Wall damp usually requires a new damp proof course to be installed - no, it does not
Most frequently asked questions about Damp - click to read all or select sections belowA Damp Proofing Company or Builder says that I need a new Damp Proof Course - no you don't
Does Rising Damp really exist - yes, but rarely Natural
I have Damp on the ground floor and I want to know why - we can help
I had a Damp Proof Course installed but the damp problem is back - no surprise, we explain
What causes a damp proof course to be 'bridged' - lots of things
How can internal walls get damp - not from natural rising damp
Do I really need to take off the plaster - not always, we explain when
May I skim over existing plaster - maybe
My Replastered wall did not dried out properly - we explain why
I was told that 'skimming' over old plaster works - often not, sadly
My wall was Tanked, but damp patches are back - we explain why
I had Cavity Insulation installed and now I have a damp problem - we explain why
Cavity wall insulation cannot make a wall damp - not true, learn why
My Chimney breast walls are damp in patches - not uncommon, read why
The Council raised my pavement - now my walls are damp and my floor is rotten - can I claim from the Council? - Yes, but you will need our help
Leak Testing
Water leaks from Mains Water, Surface Water and Foul Water pipes are one of the commonest causes of damp in buildings - click here to learn how to Test for water leaks
Cellar or basement damp
Why is this different to above ground situations - because of hydrostatic pressure
What tests should be done before waterproofing - to eliminate other causes, like leaks
Party Wall Damp
Why is this different compared with my other walls - you share it with a neighbour, legally
The Party Wall Act - governs party wall behavior
Holiday Villa damp in Europe
Why many European Villas are different to modern UK properties - five main faults
Cold floors in concrete flats
Beam and Block floors - why they can cause mold
Water tests required - test details
Damp Related Definitions - click here
Natural Rising Damp
Man Made Rising Damp
Wicking
Penetrating Damp
Condensation
Hydrostatic Damp
Damp Proof Course
Chemical Damp Proof Course
Tanking
Products - click here
What is a chemical damp proof course
How is a chemical damp proof course installed
What types of chemical damp proofing are available
How do Air Gap Membranes work above ground
How do Cavity Drain Membranes work below ground
Want Help - E: Mail us at help@propertyrepairsystems.co.uk
Testimonials
Damp proofing advice - leak detection by phone, E Mail and photographs
Diagnosing dampness - call us on 01626 872886A 'damp meter' and surface thermometer (see https://www.dampness-info.co.uk/meters.htm) are useful tools for this diagnosis - if not available use the back of your hand to assess the relative dampness of one affected area to another unaffected area..
click here to look at a real house Case Study
Property Care Association
We are long term members of the PCA - The Property Care Association - the professional body for the Damp Proofing industry and our Dampness Surveyors have over 50 years of experience between them.
If you prefer to use a Contractor, rather than our free advice service, then go to the PCA Website where you can find the nearest qualified specialist companies. They should give you the same information that we provide. If in doubt E Mail their Reports to us for checking, before spending any money.
Link for the PCA - click here.
Want Help choosing a Contractor - E: Mail us at help@propertyrepairsystems.co.uk
Site Shopping Pages
DAMP SHOP - for Damp proofing in buildings
MEMBRANE FOR DAMP WALLS & FLOORS SHOP - how to use Membranes on damp walls
TANKING SHOP - for Damp proofing below DPC level
MOLD SHOP - for Mold problems and their solutions
SURVEYING TOOLS SHOP - for tools for surveying your building for damp
DAMP PROOFING EQUIPMENT SHOP - pumps, injection rods, spray lances
CHIMNEY BREAST REPAIR SHOP - how to repair plaster on chimney breasts and alcoves
BORON TREATMENTS SHOP - how to use Boron based chemicals to save timbers from decay
EPOXY REPAIR RESINS SHOP - how to repair structural walls and timbers
FIRE PAINTS SHOP - how to protect steel, wood and plaster from fire
JOIST REPAIR KITS SHOP - how to repair joists affected by damp, insects and rot
TIMBER REPAIR SHOP - how to use resins to repair structural timbers
WOODWORM TREATMENT SHOP - how to treat woodworm in roof and floors
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Property Repair Systems
T: 01626 872886
E: Mail us help@propertyrepairsystems.co.uk
Site written by: David Moore
David Moore, B.A. (Hons.), C.T.I.S., C.R.D.S. Technical Author
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Other Property Repair Systems Sites:
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www.deck-treatment.co.uk - how to treat patio decks and yacht decks
www.dryrot.biz - how to kill Dry Rot in buildings
www.drywallandfloor.co.uk - membranes for lining damp walls, floors, basements and cellars
www.epoxy-info.co.uk - resins for repairing and sealing all types of masonry
www.fire-door-paint.co.uk - upgrade doors to 30 minutes fire resistance
www.joist-repair.co.uk - how to quickly repair joists and beams of any size
www.propertyrepairsystems.co.uk - our Home Site
www.steel-fire-paint.co.uk - treat steel with Intumescent Paint to provide fire protection
www.timber.org.uk - systems of repair, with step by step methods
www.timber-repair.co.uk - how to repair timber beams
www.woodworm-info.co.uk - how to kill and prevent woodworm and death watch beetle
www.woodworm-expert-advice-forum.org.uk - all your questions and our answers about woodworm treatment DIY