What is rising damp

As mentioned above, the term Rising Damp needs to be more frequently understood. In the simplest terms, rising Damp is moisture from the ground level that travels up through a property's walls. In effect, water is literally sucked up through the bricks and plastering in a wall. This moisture is usually rich with salt, meaning it can be highly corrosive.

What causes rising damp

In a modern home, raising dampness is relatively rare. Most new builds are constructed with Rising Damp preventive materials and measures. However, all buildings, whether they are new or old are vulnerable to Rising Damp.

Building materials like bricks are porous. Therefore moisture can manoeuvre through the gaps in the stone masonry. The more this happens, the more walls become saturated with water.

What areas of a property are valuable to rising damp?

Rising dampness mainly affects the internal and external walls of a property.

How do I identify rising damp?

There are a variety of signs that indicate that your home may be affected by rising damp. These include:

• Wet patches on a wall
• Bubbling or flaking plaster work
• Rotting skirting boards
• Crumbling mortar between bricks
• A damp, musty smell within the property

How can I tell the difference between rising damp and other types of damp?

It can be challenging to differentiate between rising damp and other damp types. Rising damp, will mostly only appear 1 metre over the floor. In contrast, different damp types, like penetrating damp, can occur just about anywhere.

How can I treat rising damp

Unfortunately, Rising Damp within a property is a complex issue requiring dampproofing expertise. Therefore, to treat Rising Damp, we recommend contacting our offices as soon as possible. Dampproofing experts will assess your property as quickly as possible and provide you with a free quote on the costs of addressing the issue.

If you have any questions about Rising Damp, or damp proofing we encourage you to contact Allied damp Solutions today.

Woodworm infestations are most common in older properties. However, even relatively modern properties with poor ventilation or excessive moisture can house a woodworm infestation.

While woodworm can infect almost anywhere in your home, places like attics are particularly susceptible. What's worse, if you don't often go into your attic, an infestation be go undetected for months.

Woodworm should always be taken seriously, as it has the potential to cause untold damage to any wooden structure within your home. However, it can be tricky to identify an infestation; therefore, we'll look at how to find woodworm and the steps a property owner should take to treat it.

Do a thorough woodworm survey

If you suspect a woodworm infestation within your property, it's essential to schedule a professional survey.

A thorough survey should include the following:

· Checking all parts of the property for signs of damage and infestation

· Checking all timbers, including joists and floorboards as well as roof timbers, especially if they are in an attic

Treat the woodworm

The treatment of woodworm is a long process. It requires a professional to assess the damage's extent and select an appropriate course of action. The best solution is to use pesticides; however, other methods may be used if an expert deems them necessary.

If you suspect woodworms in your home, contact Allied Damp Solutions immediately. Our team of experts can provide immediate remedial action. What's more, we can take steps to stop woodworm from ever reappearing in your building.

Woodworm isn't just a nuisance; it can damage your property.

Woodworm isn't just a nuisance; it can damage your property. When the larvae of the woodworm bore into the timber. They create small channels that are visible on the wood's surface. This can weaken the structural integrity of a building or other wooden object. Adding to this, adult beetles tend to fly around and leave faeces behind, which creates an unhygienic situation where disease-

causing bacteria thrive. The most common health risks associated with woodworm are allergic reactions, particularly for those who are allergic to insect bites or stings. In some cases, an infestation can cause asthma attacks in children due to dust mites living within the tunnels created by beetle larvae. The complete elimination of woodworm is a complex process and should only ever be attempted by trained professionals.

Conclusion

With the proper techniques and products, woodworm can be eradicated. If your property requires woodworm treatment, you can contact us here at Allied Damp Solutions today.

Wood decay is normally caused by fungi and other microorganisms, which can grow on wood surfaces in humid and moist conditions. Different types of wood have their own level of rot resistance; in general, hardwoods such as mahogany and teak tend to decompose slowly from fungal decay, while softwoods such as pine and spruce are highly susceptible. In most Irish homes, a roof's rafters and trusses are usually made from softwood.

Similarly, different kinds of rot affect different woods: Both dry rot and wet rot can attack the same type of wood for different reasons. With the proper knowledge about spotting the signs of damp and dry rotting on wood, you can call a professional company to address the problem before this rot destroys a property's roof.

What is Wood Rot?

Rotting is the process by which organic materials decompose when exposed to water, oxygen, and certain types of microorganisms. Wood rot is no differnent in this regard. As a natural material, wood can begin to decay. This process is quickened if the wood is exposed to moisture or wood-decaying fungi or mould.

Both dry rot and wet rot are caused by fungi, bacteria, or a combination of both.

Dry Rot

Dry rot is caused by wood-decaying fungi that excrete large amounts of spores that land on other wood and create infections when released into the air. Dark spores are common on the surface of dry rot and are generally not visible on wet rot. As mentioned, a softwood like pine – which is found in most Irish homes – is particularly susceptible to the decaying effects of dry rot. Fungal spores penetrate deep into the wood and cause decay. Unlike wet rot, dry rot happens when moisture is absent in the wood. As a result, it occurs primarily in the outer layers of wood, where moisture content is lower.

Wet Rot

Wet rot happens when fungi or bacteria grow inside wet wood, causing it to break down. The difference between wet and dry rot is in the level of moisture present in the wood and surrounding air. Wet rot happens in spaces that have a high moisture content or in places that are poorly ventilated; in Ireland, wet rot is prevalent in attics.

Differences Between Dry and Wet Rot

Dry rot and wet rot are different in many ways, including the conditions in which they are most likely to grow, the types of wood they affect, and the level of damage they cause. However, they also share a few traits, including that they are both types of wood rot caused by fungi and bacteria. Dry rot is likely to occur in already dry wood and is often found in wooden beams and joists that are not exposed to moisture-rich conditions. On the other hand, wet rot usually occurs in wood with a high moisture percentage and is stored in a moisture-rich environment.

How to Spot Wood Rot?

While both types of rot are easy to spot in some instances, in others, it may not be so easy to tell if your wood is decaying. Suppose you suspect that your wood is rotting. In that case, there are a few signs to look out for, including discolouration, cracking, and an unpleasant smell. Decaying wood will often have a dark spot where the rot has entered the wood. Suppose you see any signs of discolouration on your wood. In that case, it is essential to act quickly—discolouration often means more extensive damage is happening inside the wood. In many cases, wood rot can spread to other pieces of wood, particularly if there is a crack or gap. It's essential to remember that rotting wood is a symptom of a more significant problem: excessive moisture is present in the property.

What Causes Wood Rot?

Wood rot is caused by fungi and bacteria that are present in almost all wooden structures. The presence of these microorganisms is usually not a cause for concern. Still, certain conditions can cause them to flourish and spread to other pieces of wood. To prevent wood rot from growing in your home, you must take steps to control the level of moisture in the environment.

How to Treat Wood Rot?

Implementing dry rot treatments and wet rot treatments is important because wood that is already rotting can cause further damage and lead to expensive repairs. In addition, wood rot can be a health hazard, mainly if it is in a visible area of your home. The best treatment for wood rot is prevention.

Allied Damp Solutions offer an extensive range of damp-proofing solutions and ventilation options that optimise moisture levels in a home. Dampproofing not only helps prevent wood rot, but it can also address issues like recurring mould growth. Mould is unsightly and can also be detrimental to human health. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory problems are particularly vulnerable to the ill-health effects of mould growth.

Conclusion

Wood rot can be a problem in any home with older properties or unheated spaces. That being said, even the newest builds can still have moisture problems. With the proper knowledge about spotting the signs of wet and dry rotting on wood, you can have an expert company like Allied Damp solutions begin the process of damp-proofing your home. Our expert team are available for consultations and property assessments today.

This fertile land means Irish produce is of the best in the world. Also, since the vast majority of Irish cattle are grass-fed, we produce some of the world's best dairy products. Irish beef and lamb are sought in Michelin star kitchens the world over. So, while we often complain about our 150 to 225 rainy days a year, this weather creates some of the world's best food. Unfortunately, the same weather that produces Ireland's famously green fields is also the perfect conditions for mould growth.

From a townhouse to a detached country bungalow, mould growth is all but inevitable.

Around window panes, especially in moisture-rich environments like bathrooms and kitchens, a few specks of mould are almost always present. The fact that mould growth is so widespread can make us somewhat complacent. This complacency is a mistake. Mould can have seriously detrimental effects on a person's health. People with respiratory issues such as asthmatics may be particularly susceptible to the adverse health effects of mould growth. Therefore any mould needs to be dealt with immediately. In this blog, we’ll explore some aspects of mould, including how it enters a property and how best to deal with it.

How does mould get into a property?

Mould spores float free in the air. They can attach themselves to any damp surface. Suppose the room is particularly humid, and the air isn't circulating. In that case, the mould can begin to grow exponentially. A variety of different mould types can sprout. These can include benign spores along with much more severe types. Mycotoxin Stachybotrys or black mould can significantly damage a person's health. In 2009, the actress Brittany Murphy died due to the presence of Mycotoxin Stachybotrys in her Los Angeles mansion. Black mould often grows on surfaces like wallpaper, plaster, and sometimes carpets. It's most commonly identified in high corners, around windows within moisture-rich rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.

How to Tackle Mould

It's essential to remember that even a tiny amount of mould is symptomatic of a ventilation and moisture problem. However, small amounts of mould, say smaller than 1 square metre, can be tackled with over-the-counter cleaners and by making a few changes around the home.

The mould needs to be cleaned off. Anyone with respiratory issues should not be cleaning mould as being close to mould can exacerbate pre-existing conditions. You should wear a protective mask and rubber gloves when cleaning the mould. Use a mould removal spray. Leave the spray on for as long as the manufacturer recommends. Then wipe off the mould with a towel. Avoid scraping or brushing, as this will release spores.

After the cleaning, dry the wall with a clean rag. All the tools used to clean the mould should then be disposed of.

Afterwards, make sure air is circulating within the room. This may be as simple as making sure a window is open, or it may require the installation of a ventilation fan.

When do I need to call an expert?

If the mould is covering an area greater than 1 square metre or begins to reappear after steps like installing a ventilation fan or keeping a window open have been undertaken, you'll need to address the moisture problem. This is when you'll need to call Allied Damp Solutions. Our experts will trace where moisture is entering your property and be able to provide immediate damp proofing solutions to eradicate mould growth. We have worked in properties all over Dublin and offer the highest standard damp proofing at competitive market rates.

If you're having continuing mould problems, don't take a chance on your family's health; instead, contact our customer service agents immediately. We'll discuss how best to eradicate dampness and remove mould from your Dublin property.

Woodworm is a very common problem which can be treated very successfully with a minimum amount of disruption to the householder, all work carried out by Allied Damp Solutions is covered by a 25-year-guarantee.

We offer a range of specialized cures for Wood Worm, Damp Proofing, Timber Treatment, Dry Rot, Wet Rot, and Condensation Cures.

The way to do that used to be wall vents. But people are trying to save energy now and putting a vent on your wall is basically putting a hole on your wall and is not energy efficient. In fact, vents may not even solve the problem – they only work if the air has a passage through the house.

Instead of vents, we recommend installing a positive pressure ventilation unit. This will draw air from your loft space which is warm because it’s been heated by the sun on your roofs slates and move it very slowly through the property. It also has a very small heating element, which kicks in if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celcius and keeps the air at a moderate temperature. Preventing wide temperature variation will help to eradicate cold spots and reduce the chances of condensation forming in your home.

What about rising damp – what causes that?

Rising damp will occur if the property has no damp proof course or if it has broken down. Lots of older properties, such as red brick facade houses have no damp proof course in them. Or they may at some stage have had a slate bed or bituminous bed damp-proof course.

However, over time, as the bed expands and contracts with temperature changes and settlement of the property, it breaks down. It’s also possible to unintentionally bridge the damp proof course over time by getting in newly planted areas or paving and raising the level of the garden.

What is the solution to rising damp?

We will first carry out a survey to determine the exact source of the damp. Then if necessary, we will put in a damp-proof course. Injecting the walls is part of that work, but there are some other steps. For rising damp, it’s necessary to strip plaster off the walls up to about 1m high. There’s no need to go higher than that because, due to capillary action and atmospheric pressure, water will not rise above that level. The wall is re-plastered in two layers with additional waterproofers and a salt suppressant agent which will provide additional water barrier.

Is wood worm related to damp?

Woodworm is not actually a worm, it’s a wood boring beetle. Again, it goes hand in hand with older properties. It can be very aggressive, or just attack once and leave again. It’s important to get it treated as they can be very vigorous, and I’ve come across houses where the timber joists have literally crumbled because if woodworm infestation. In any case, nobody likes the ideas of sharing their home with wood-boring beetles.

What disruption can I expect if I need to install a damp-proof course?

A damp course can be installed in an average house in one day. Where the disruption does occur is in removing the old plaster and re-plastering again afterward. However, provided the work is done correctly, keeping in mind that this is some one’s home and to treat it with respect the disruption can be kept to a minimum. 

We carry out many different applications in relation to Rising Damp and Moisture Ingress, we treat each property as an individual and tailor each contract to suit same We will first carry out a survey to determine the exact source of the damp problem. As part of our survey we provide a detailed written report, if it is not possible for the you to be present, we will call you as soon as the survey is complete to talk you through our findings and to give you your options. All of our work is carried out to the highest standard and is covered with a twenty-five-year written guarantee, should you need any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us

Does Your Home Suffer from Rising Damp, Condensation, Mould or Mildew?

If your home suffers from Rising Damp, Condensation, Mould or Mildew we can help. We carry out many different applications in relation to rising damp and moisture ingress and timber treatment (woodworm and dry rot eradication) we treat each property as an individual and tailor each contract to suit same we will first carry out a survey to determine the exact source of the damp problem.

As part of our survey we provide a detailed written report, if it is not possible for the you to be present, we will call you as soon as the survey is complete to talk you through our findings and to give you your options. All of our work is carried out to the highest standard and is covered with a twenty-five-year written guarantee, should you need any additional information please do not hesitate to contact us.