Damp Proofing
Rising Damp is usually recognisable by a wavy watermark or staining on an internal wall surface. This is coupled with brown plaster, decayed skirting or peeling wallpaper. The cause is the absence of an existing damp proof course (DPC), or the failure or bridging of an existing DPC.
Our experienced CSRT (Certified Surveyor in Remedial Treatment) surveyors will be able determine the cause of the damp and identify the necessary remedial treatment.
Basement and Cellar Waterproofing
Waterproofing underground structures such as basements and cellars is becoming more popular as moving home may not be affordable or convenient.
Converting a damp basement can be an inexpensive way of increasing the living or storage space of the property. We can transform your basement from a damp, musty dead space into a beautiful addition to your home or office, adding value to the property.
After an initial inspection our Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing (CSSW) surveyor will provide a report on the method and costs involved in carrying out this waterproofing for you.
Condensation Solutions
Condensation accounts for 70% of reported domestic damp and is undoubtedly a contributing cause of some infestation by wood boring beetle and dry rot outbreaks. It can commonly be attributed to a lack of balance between heating and ventilation, resulting in a rise in relative humidity. As warm air is cooled, such as when the heating is switched off at night, it will deposit the water that it can no longer retain as condensation on a cold surface.
Our surveyor will attend site and provide a report on the condensation issue, identifying the correct solution.
Structural Repairs
Structural cracking, horizontal cracking of bed joints, bowing brickwork, and cracked lintels are all signs that a building is undergoing movement of some description. Causes can include wall tie failures, lintel failures and even natural causes such as tree roots affecting the foundation. Correctly diagnosing the exact cause is essential for suitable remedial work to be carried out.
Preservation Treatments are proud to be an approved installer of Helifix systems. One of our Helifix approved surveyors will assess the structural issues affecting your property and will develop a suitable repair strategy.
Dry/Wet Rot
There are several species of fungus, many of which will cause timber decay. They vary in the severity of damage they cause. Externally exposed timber, timber in contact with wet soil or masonry, or timber subject to a damp atmosphere can all suffer from fungal attack.
The remedial surveyors at PTL will identify the type of fungal infestation and ensure the correct treatment is specified.
Woodworm Control
The generic term woodworm relates to the larval stage of many species of wood boring insects. The initial attack is made when an adult beetle lays eggs in small cracks on the timber surface. As these eggs hatch the new larvae and resultant adult beetle will continue to tunnel through the wood. The tunnels and chambers that have been created by the beetles will lead to decay and weakening of the timbers.
Our surveyor will identify the type of infestation present and provide a report on the required remedial treatment.