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Early Signs of Dry Rot

Early Signs of Dry Rot

What Is Dry Rot?

Dry rot is a highly destructive fungal growth which affects timber. The fungi spread swiftly by feeding off the wood cells, which makes the timber brittle and extremely vulnerable. Dry rot spores can even penetrate other materials such as brick or steel to reach wood in another part of the structure.   

Because of its ability to move through a variety of building materials, dry rot can cause serious and widespread structural damage with alarming speed, so it’s essential to recognise dry rot early signs and treat the infestation as quickly as possible. 

How Can I Tell If I Have Dry Rot?

Dry rot can affect timber in any part of a building, and it can be found in modern or older structures. During the early stages, there may be no visible dry rot early signs, but you’ll notice an earthy, musty, damp smell that’s quite unpleasant. Any hint of this and you must investigate further. 

Dry rot begins as a tiny spore which flourishes in damp, dark and unventilated conditions. Consequently, the problem often begins in hidden areas – under floorboards or in attics and basements, for example. By the time dry rot becomes visible, it’s probably well-established already, so it’s a good idea to be aware of dry rot early signs.

What Does Early Dry Rot Look Like?

Dry Rot develops in four stages. 

Stage One: Red Dust

The first dry rot early sign is a red or orange dust composed of numerous microscopic spores. These spores are present in the atmosphere all around us and at this point they are harmless. 

Stage Two: Hyphae

If there’s excess moisture in the atmosphere the spores begin to germinate. You’ll know this has happened as they start to put out fine white or grey strands that look like spiders’ webs.  These fine tendrils are hyphae, and the fungus uses them to penetrate timber and suck up moisture. The wood then dries out and begins breaking down. If you spot these dry rot early signs, you can be sure an infestation is underway. 

Stage Three: Mycelium

Once moisture is extracted from the immediate area, the hyphae continue to grow. They form whitish clumps which look very much like cotton wool. These fluffy clumps are called mycelium and if these appear it’s vital you act at once. 

This is the point at which dry rot can travel through masonry and bricks to cause huge structural damage. You also want to prevent the fungus from reaching stage four of its development. 

Stage Four: Fruiting Body

At this stage, the mycelium forms a mushroom-like structure (the fruiting body) where new spores are produced. They’re easy to spot as they are a distinctive red colour. The fruiting body then pumps spores into the atmosphere in order to reach new timber, and so the damage spreads.  

How Does Dry Rot Affect Wood? 

The affected timber tends to grow darker when dry rot sets in. It dries out, shrinks and cracks. Sometimes it has a spongy texture. Eventually, the wood disintegrates into small, crumbly cubes of timber. In some cases, wood retains its surface veneer during the early stages. This conceals the underlying damage until the problem becomes too severe and the wood begins to fall apart. 

If you suspect you have a dry rot problem and you have wooden floorboards, this can be a good place to begin your investigation. The problem often starts under the floor so you won’t see it but there will be clues. The floor can begin to feel bouncy, and you may notice it creaking as well. This is one of the dry rot early signs that there’s trouble below. 

Does Dry Rot Go Away on Its Own?

Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple. The spores need moisture to germinate so you might imagine that removing the water source stops them from doing so (fixing a leaking pipe, for example). That may halt the spread for the time being. However, if the spores run out of damp wood, they simply remain dormant – ready to germinate again as soon as conditions are right. 

In addition, dry rot weakens timber so even if the spores become dormant you still face the prospect of structural damage. Waiting for it to go away will lead to further problems in the end. 

Can You Stop Dry Rot from Spreading?

Yes, you can but once dry rot sets in you’ll need professional help to stop the spread and repair structural damage. 

What Is the Best Treatment for Dry Rot?

At Atlantis Damp we know that each situation is different, so we tailor our approach to your specific requirements. Our surveyor carries out a thorough investigation to identify the source of the dry rot. Then we implement an appropriate treatment plan. 

 We always aim to use environmental controls by fixing leaks and improving ventilation. However, it may be necessary to do more, depending on the circumstances. Here’s a general overview of the process.

Step 1: Pinpoint the Source 

Identify the water source that’s causing the excess moisture and repair the leak. 

Step 2: Isolation and Ventilation

Where possible we use environmental controls to decrease humidity to prevent dry rot from recurring. 

Step 3: Assess the Extent of the Dry Rot

This may involve removing floorboards and plaster to reach the affected areas. 

Step 4: Remove Damaged Timber and Fungal Growth

Rotten wood is cut back and replaced with new timber. The entire area is cleaned to remove all traces of the dry rot – visible spores, hyphae, mycelium and fruiting body must all be removed. 

Step 5: Fungicide Treatment

It may be necessary to treat the area with a chemical fungicide to guard against outbreaks in the future.  

Contact Atlantis Damp 

We are a family-run, Cheshire-based business. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and expertise. Talk to one of our friendly team for a reliable solution to your damp and timber infestation issues. 

Contact us today

How Much Does a Damp Survey Cost?

How Much Does a Damp Survey Cost?

There are fewer things that can destroy the structural integrity of your home faster than dampness. Addressing damp-related issues promptly is crucial because dampness doesn’t only destroy the aesthetic appeal of your property and cause a drop in value, it can also lead to severe structural damage and health concerns. If you suspect there’s a chance dampness is seeping into your home and eating away its foundation, a damp survey is the first step towards identifying and rectifying the issue. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of what a damp survey involves, how long it takes and, most importantly, how much a damp survey costs.

What Is a Damp Survey?

A damp survey, also sometimes called a damp test or moisture survey, is a thorough examination of a home or building to check for any presence of excessive moisture and damp issues. It’s an in-depth process undertaken by a specialist to uncover, diagnose, and determine solutions for damp problems affecting the property.

The aim of it is to identify issues like rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation, water ingress, fungus growth, damp patches, peeling paint or wallpaper, and other moisture-related damage that can occur in your home. 

What Does a Damp Survey Involve?

The surveyor conducts moisture readings across walls and floors using professional equipment to quantify dampness levels and pinpoint specific problem areas.

They’ll also check for visible moulds, efflorescence deposits, timber decay, stenches and other symptoms pointing to dampness. Determining the source of dampness is crucial for prescribing appropriate solutions for your home.

Here are some key aspects that are generally covered during a damp survey.

Visual Inspection

The surveyor will visually inspect your property, looking for visible signs of dampness such as damp patches, stains, mould growth, or peeling paint. They may also check for obvious structural issues that could contribute or indicate damp problems.

Moisture Measurement

Specialised equipment, such as moisture meters, are used to measure the moisture content in walls, floors, and other structural elements.

Finding areas with high moisture levels could be an easy indicator of damp issues.

External Examination

The surveyor will walk the perimeter and inspect the exterior of the building to identify potential sources of moisture penetration, such as blocked gutters, damaged roofing, or cracks in the walls.

External factors can be crucial clues in determining the root cause of dampness.

Identification of Damp Types

Different types of damp (rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation) require specific approaches for mitigation. The surveyor will identify the type of damp affecting the property to tailor the remediation strategy accordingly.

At the end of the damp survey inspection, the specialist presents homeowners with a condition report and fully outlines the extent of dampness damage discovered, pointing out moisture sources, severity classification, photographic evidence and, commonly, cost estimations with plans for both immediate and longer-term needs.

These reports help you to make informed decisions on next steps to address problems and prevent further moisture-based deterioration in the property.

The survey is invaluable to prevent advanced decay which can be costly to fix and helps you avoid paying bigger repair bills down the line.

How Long Does a Damp Survey Take?

The duration of a damp survey can vary based on the size and complexity of the property, as well as the severity of the damp issues. On average, a thorough damp survey may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Larger or more intricate properties with complex damp problems may require more time for a detailed assessment.

The time required for a complete damp survey can significantly change based on several factors. The size of the home, ease of accessibility to problem areas, building age, and severity of the damp issues.

While a contained damp patch in a modern small flat may take under an hour, a whole house in an older complex property with obstructed areas and multiple affected rooms could take up to a full day. But most average sized home inspections range between 2-4 hours for a qualified surveyor to perform due diligence checks, with follow ups as needed if further investigation is warranted into root causes.

How Much Does a Damp Survey Cost?

Damp surveys require detailed, methodical assessments by certified professionals. The average damp survey costs depend on several factors, including the location, its size, and the extent of the damp issues.

You can expect to pay between £200 and £500 for a standard damp survey. However, prices can vary, and it’s advisable to obtain quotes from different surveyors or companies to weigh your options. You can get your free quote from Atlantis Damp here.

Similar to how long a damp survey takes, the damp survey cost can vary widely.

It depends on factors like:

Size of Home – Larger homes cost more to fix than a compact flat.

Location – Greater demand in expensive cities also helps push up inspection costs.

Type of Surveyor – The qualifications and expertise of the surveyor or damp specialist can also influence the cost. Certified professionals with extensive experience may charge higher fees for their services.

Severity & Type of Damp – Surface mould limited to one patched wall is far quicker to manage than entire houses with chronic rising damp, water ingress and timber decay.

While a contained issue in a modest flat may cost around £250-300, whole house inspections on expansive rural manor homes with hidden decay can run over £1,000 in some cases.

A damp survey isn’t just a cost to keep your home clean. It’s an investment in the long-term health and integrity of your home and your family. While the cost may vary, it is a small price to pay compared to the potential expenses associated with untreated damp problems.

Regular damp surveys can help you identify issues early on, allowing for timely and cost-effective solutions. If you suspect dampness in your home, don’t hesitate to seek the services of a qualified professional to conduct a thorough damp survey and safeguard your property against the damaging effects of moisture.

Get in touch with Atlantis Damp and see how our expert team can help you safeguard your home and your family.

What Are the Health Risks of Mould and Damp?

What Are the Health Risks of Mould and Damp?

Dampness and mould are seemingly harmless issues. But the truth is, they’re far from harmless and can harbour hidden dangers within our homes. 

Understanding the underlying causes, the health risks of mould and damp, and the importance of prompt treatment is crucial for maintaining a safe living space.

What Causes Mould and Damp in the Home?

Mould and damp are often by-products of excess moisture within indoor spaces. Leaky roofs are one such cause, often a consequence of damaged or improperly installed roofing allowing rainwater to seep into interior spaces of your home.

Inadequate ventilation can also be a culprit causing mould and damp. It traps moisture indoors, especially areas like the bathroom, kitchen and even basements where water vapours are naturally generated.  

Even things like water ingress through cracks and gaps during heavy rains. Once water infiltrates your home, it can remain hidden within walls or under flooring, creating a damp environment that encourages mould growth. Persistent dampness from water ingress poses a serious threat to both the structural integrity and indoor air quality of your home.

When any of these factors are present and left unaddressed, they create a breeding ground for mould and damp. Timely detection and proper remediation are crucial to maintaining a dry, safe, and healthy indoor environment.

Why Is It Important to Treat Mould and Damp? 

Forgetting the obvious concerns such as structural integrity and health impacts, what other problems can mould and damp cause?

A home affected by mould and damp can face decreased market value. Potential buyers are often deterred by visible signs of mould, water stains, or the musty odour associated with damp spaces. If you’re planning to sell or even rent your property, addressing mould and damp issues beforehand can maintain or even enhance your property’s value.

The long-term consequences of ignoring mould and damp are more expensive than its upfront costs. Repairing extensive structural damage, replacing compromised materials, and potential health risks of mould and damp can be financially burdensome. Treating mould and dampness proactively is a cost-effective measure, preventing larger, more expensive problems down the line.

In essence, treating mould and damp is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s about safeguarding your investment, your health, and the wellbeing of your loved ones. Taking proactive steps to address these issues ensures a safe, structurally sound, and comfortable home for years to come.

What Are the Health Risks of Mould and Damp? 

Inhaling mould spores poses significant health risks. The health risks of mould and damp include a range of issues such as respiratory problems, allergies, skin irritation, and eye discomfort. Depending on the individual, these symptoms can worsen significantly with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or allergies, making them particularly vulnerable. 

Prolonged exposure to mould may lead to severe health complications, emphasising the importance of timely intervention. Addressing mould and damp promptly is vital to safeguarding the wellbeing of individuals and maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

How Can Atlantis Damp Help? 

Atlantis Damp stands as your protector against the health risks of mould and damp. With specialised knowledge and advanced techniques, we delve into the root causes, eradicating damp and mould at the source. By choosing Atlantis Damp, you’re not just opting for a solution; you’re investing in your health and the longevity of your home.

If you’re concerned about mould and damp invading your space, act now. Curious on how to identify early signs of mould and damp? Our article on penetrating damp has everything you need to know. Reach out to us to discover customised solutions to fortify your home and protect your family. 

Everything You Need to Know About Wall Ties

Everything You Need to Know About Wall Ties

Wall ties are an essential component in the construction of cavity walls. Responsible for holding the inner and outer leaf of the cavity wall together, wall ties prevent walls from separating or bowing outwards. Over time, your wall ties can deteriorate leading to potential structural issues. In this article, we give you a comprehensive guide on everything wall ties, from causes of failure to prevention, and when to replace wall ties.

What Are Wall Ties?

Wall ties are metal connectors that span the cavity between the inner and outer leaf of the cavity wall. They’re typically made of galvanized steel or stainless steel designed to transfer lateral loads between the two leaves of the wall. They come in various shapes and sizes, such as butterfly ties, fishtail ties, and screw-in ties. You can read more about different types of wall ties here.

Do Wall Ties Really Need Replacing?

As essential components in cavity walls, wall ties help connect the inner and outer walls of your home, making them structurally stable. As a rule of thumb, if your home was built before the 1980s, you have around 15 to 20 years before you need to get a professional to replace wall ties in your home. Wall ties in properties built during and after the 1980s are generally made of stainless steel and can last well over 50 years. If you choose not to replace your damaged wall ties, the structural integrity of your walls can be compromised, causing it to become unstable. This could lead to further cracks and damage and, in severe cases, the wall may collapse, causing serious injury or even death. 

Why Do Wall Ties Fail and How to Prevent It?

Wall tie failure can occur due to various factors, but the most common cause is corrosion. Corrosion occurs when your metal meets moisture and oxygen. In the case of wall ties, this process is accelerated because they’re typically embedded in a moist environment within the cavity of a wall. Over time, this can cause wall ties to weaken and eventually fail, compromising the structural integrity of the building. To prevent corrosion, ensure that the cavity is adequately ventilated, allowing moisture to escape, and reducing the risk of condensation. Additionally, choose wall ties made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or titanium. These materials are more expensive than traditional galvanized steel ties but offer greater protection against corrosion and are worth the investment in the long run. Another factor that can contribute to wall tie failure includes mechanical damage, such as drilling or cutting into the wall, and damage from improper installation, such as insufficient spacing or inadequate embedment depth. This type of damage can weaken the wall ties, making them more vulnerable to corrosion and prudent for you to replace wall ties in your property. Ensure that your wall ties are installed by certified professionals and avoid unnecessary trouble from improper installations.

How Can You Check the Condition of Your Wall Ties?

Checking the condition of your wall ties is an important part of maintaining the structural integrity of your building. While most checking methods are relatively invasive, here are some steps you can take to check the condition of your wall ties:

  1.  Look for visible signs of damage: Most obvious signs that your wall ties are failing are if there are any visible cracks or bulges in the walls. Bulges can indicate that the wall ties have failed and are no longer providing the necessary support. You may also notice that walls are starting to bow or that the mortar joints are starting to crack.
  2. Check for dampness: Damp walls can also be an indicator of wall tie failure. Moisture enters the cavity through gaps in the mortar joints or around the windows and doors, and if wall ties are not functioning correctly, they can act as a bridge for the moisture to travel from the outer leaf to the inner leaf. This results in damp patches or stains on the internal walls, especially near the bottom where moisture tends to accumulate.
  3. Inspect the condition of the mortar: Cracks in the mortar joints between the bricks or blocks of your property’s walls could be an indication that your wall ties are failing. This occurs when wall ties have corroded to the point where they are no longer able to provide the necessary support for the outer leaf of the wall. As a result, the bricks or blocks can shift and move, causing cracks to appear in the mortar joints. If you notice this, contact a professional immediately, this is a serious issue that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage.
  4. Hire a professional: If you suspect that your wall ties may be failing but are not sure where to start checking, call in a professional. A professional contractor can give you quick and honest advice on whether they need replacing. They’ll have the necessary tools and expertise to carry out a thorough inspection of your wall ties and provide qualified advice on whether you need to replace the wall ties in your property.

Regular inspections of your wall ties can help you catch any issues early on and prevent more serious problems from developing. If you notice any signs of damage or dampness, take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your building and your family.

How Can You Replace Wall Ties?

In general, the process involves removing the outer leaf of the wall, extracting the old wall ties, and installing new ones. Once the new wall ties are installed, the outer leaf is reattached, and any necessary repairs are carried out.

 The full process to replace wall ties can be complex and invasive requiring careful planning and execution. It’s crucial to seek professional advice and hire a qualified contractor to carry out the work. 

Wall ties are a critical component of cavity walls, and their failure can lead to serious structural issues. It’s essential to address any signs of wall tie failure promptly and seek professional advice when necessary. By understanding what causes wall tie failure and how to prevent it, you can take proactive steps to replace wall ties early to ensure the long-term integrity of cavity walls and the safety of your family. Don’t take the possibility of a compromised wall tie lightly. Your home’s structural integrity is too important to ignore.

Are you concerned about the condition of your wall ties? Ignoring the signs of wall tie failure can lead to costlier structural issues or worse, serious injury. Let Atlantic Damp give you some peace of mind. Schedule a professional inspection today.

How to Get Rid of Condensation Inside Windows

How to Get Rid of Condensation Inside Windows

Although mild in appearance, condensation can wreak as much havoc on a home as other forms of damp, if left untreated. This is especially the case when found in and around windows. In this article, we’ll examine how condensation occurs and how to get rid of condensation inside windows.

What Is Condensation?

Before delving into how to get rid of condensation inside windows, it’s helpful to explain what condensation is and why it poses a serious threat to your property. Condensation is the process whereby water vapour makes contact with a cold surface and becomes liquid. This can appear as water droplets, pools of liquid water or a layer of dew on or around those surfaces. Aside from being a frustrating task to wipe away, condensation can have serious consequences in the form of mildew and black mould. These can bring damage to walls and furnishings, and spark breathing problems from inhaling mould spores. 

Why Does Condensation Happen?

Day-to-day activities such as cooking, drying clothes indoors, and bathing increase the amount of water vapour inside a building. When that moisture cannot escape and temperatures decrease, the vapour will condense to liquid water on cold surfaces. This occurrence is especially prevalent during winter when activities are primarily done inside. At the same time, temperatures fluctuate due to heating going on and off, and plummeting temperatures outside. 

How to Get Rid of Condensation Inside Your Windows

If your home suffers from condensation, it has likely made an appearance inside your windows. Typically, condensed water found inside double-glazed windows suggests that the seals around the window are damaged. Hiring a professional to replace the damaged seals will prevent further harm by condensation. However, when researching how to get rid of condensation inside your windows, ventilation and dehumidification are also useful methods. Opening windows, using ceiling fans or installing air vents to help moist air circulate can all help with ventilation. Investing in a dehumidifier will also remove water vapour, so that condensation can’t happen. 

How to Prevent Condensation on Your Windows

Condensation is the result of simple daily actions. Similarly, preventing condensation can be achieved by simple actions. Solutions such as opening windows and rearranging houseplants seem small, yet demonstrate significant results when considering how to get rid of

condensation inside windows

Much like ceiling fans, extractor fans are useful in reducing moist air and preventing condensation. When installed in rooms that produce the most water vapour, for example kitchens and bathrooms, fans will siphon the moist air outside.  Dehumidifiers are excellent tools to reduce moisture, although a certain amount of humidity is required in a property, generally around 30–50%. If you want to reduce condensation yet retain a healthy level of humidity, consider putting your dehumidifier on a lower setting.  As unconventional as it sounds, the houseplants placed around your home can help to prevent condensation; the key is to use plants that absorb moist air. Aside from preventing condensation this can also improve overall air quality.  Condensation is not only a consequence of moist air indoors, but also temperature fluctuations. Therefore, maintaining a low and consistent temperature for longer rather than changing the temperature for short periods of time will ensure a constant heat where condensation cannot form on surfaces. 

Contact Atlantis Property Preservation

At Atlantis Property Preservation, our team of experts are on standby to help you to find the most suitable treatment for how to get rid of condensation inside windows.