Damp Proofing

Rising Damp

Rising damp is a term used to describe water entering a building structure through a process called 'capillary action'.

Masonry including bricks and mortar have fine capillaries, due to water pressure,especially in areas where there is high ground water, this pressure, in older properties where the substrate and damp course is degrading can allow the moisture to rise up from the base of the wall. Its a problem that effects only older properties 60 to 70 years and older.

Some 'experts' believe rising damp is a myth and does not exist,the problem is in many occasions unscrupulous damp proofing contractors will insist on treatment when it may be in fact faulty guttering,or other building defects causing dampness.

I have personally on many occasions treated rising damp,on an internal wall,no chance of water ingress from outside,and on the wall its self,is the presence of 'salts' that are only found in soil!

I challenge any 'expert' to try and explain this.

The Roman architect Verturvius spoke of rising dampness, and how to treat it and since 1875 it has been regulation to install a damp proof course in any building.

Over time the damp course can break down,allowing the Moisture to enter the building,here at pioneer,we are experts in identifying if it is true rising dampness, or another defect causing the issue, you can rest assured you will be given the best and most accurate diagnosis.

We can carry out both the damp proof work and the associated building work,this means any guarantee will cover the complete job.

Many damp companies will not carry out the plastering, meaning if dampness re occurs, the cost of the plastering is not covered.

We are time served in both trades giving you, the customer the best service!

Basement Tanking

Tanking is a damp proofing term used to describe an application where a wall suffering from water ingress is covered with a waterproof, water impenetrable coating.

Usually it's a chemical based slurry, applied in conjunction with a waterproof rendering system.

We use tanking below ground in basements and cellars and sometimes we will apply the slurry above ground, where a chemical damp proof course may not be the best application, such as old stone walls.

All our tanking treatments come with a 20 year insurance underwritten guarantee.

Wall Tie Replacements

Since the advent of the cavity wall, it’s been standard building regulation to install a wall tie.

The ties job is to ensure when the building moves, both the inner and outer leaf (wall) flex and move together.

Like anything however, over time the ties can break and snap, wall tie failure can lead to cracking in the render and that can lead to water ingress.

Its possible to install new stainless steel wall ties by drilling through the first brick and two thirds into the second.

The new tie is then driven into the hole with a cordless drill.

It does not disturb the inside of the property at all. Old ties should be removed,we use a metal detector to find them, then we remove or isolate them so they cannot cause any more damage.

Removing ties in a property with an external finish will need the area patched in afterwards.

Our ties are stainless steel and will last forever!