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How to damp proof your home

How to damp proof your home

by | Jul 22, 2022

 Penetrating damp, rising damp and even condensation can cause serious damage if your property isn’t properly protected.

Without appropriate treatment, damp can lead to serious structural issues, unpleasant and hazardous living conditions, and expensive repairs.

Damp proofing is vital. In this article, the experts at Atlantis Damp explain how to damp proof your home.

What Is Damp Proofing?

Damp proofing is essential if you want to keep your home structurally sound and safe to live in.

But what exactly is damp proofing?

There are three main types of damp that could affect your home. These are rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation. Damp proofing aims to combat rising damp.

There are several ways to tackle damp issues within a property, but the main methods will involve a combination of the following:

  • Repairing and maintaining infrastructures such as drains and gutters to reduce risk of penetrating damp
  • Making structural improvements, such as installing a damp-proof course to reduce the risk of rising damp
  • Improving ventilation to avoid condensation

What Happens If Damp Is Left Untreated?

If damp is left untreated, it can cause serious structural problems within your home. Importantly, toxic black mould can also cause health problems to residents, which is why it’s so important to have problems fixed as soon as possible.

If damp is left untreated, you could experience the following problems in your home:

  • Damaged wallpaper, plaster boards and decoration
  • Damaged walls and timber supports
  • Fungal growths and musty smells
  • Crumbling masonry and brickwork
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Serious structural damage to property

What Is the Best Method of Damp Proofing?

Damp proofing involves protecting your home against unwanted moisture and water entering the property.

This can be as simple as opening windows when showering to avoid condensation build-ups, or it could require more complex work, such as installing a chemical damp-proof course to protect against rising damp.

Your home will need to be protected against all three types of damp, and you will need to use the following methods to do so:

  • Ventilation: opening windows; installing extractor fans or dehumidifiers to stop condensation. Whole house, PIV ventilation units are often recommended. 
  • Removing potential water sources: fixing broken guttering pipes or installing better drainage systems to remove water sources that can cause dampness.
  • Damp-Proof Course: installing a damp-proof course (usually a chemical damp-proof course that’s injected into the walls) to create a waterproof barrier that stops water from rising from the earth up the walls of your home.
  • Groundwork: lowering the ground level around your home to ensure water can’t seep in from the outside. An internal tanking solution may also be recommended when external levels remain higher than internal floor levels.

Why Is It Better to Hire Damp Proofing Specialists to Damp Proof Your Home?

If you need to damp proof your home, it’s always best to hire a damp proofing specialist to carry out the work.

Damp proofing is complex, as there are multiple types of damp that need to be protected against, across a property. 

Different types of damp require different solutions, so it’s important to have an expert identify the cause of problems and highlight the best way to treat the damp and protect against it in the future.

Contact Atlantis Damp to Find Out More About Damp Proofing Your Home

Atlantis Damp’s experienced team of damp proofing specialists will ensure that your property is fully protected.

Contact our friendly staff today to find out how we can damp proof your home.

What Are the Different Types of Wall Ties?

What Are the Different Types of Wall Ties?

by | Jul 5, 2022

From masonry wall ties to timber wall ties, different types of wall ties are designed for different purposes, so it’s crucial that the right wall ties are selected for the task at hand.

In this article, the experts at Atlantis Damp explain everything you need to know about the different designs and types of wall ties, and when and where they are needed.

What Is a Wall Tie?

A wall tie is a thin strip of metal designed to hold two layers of masonry together. They are commonly produced from zinc, steel and other metal alloys, and are usually installed in the cavity space between an inner and outer wall.

Wall ties are vital to the structural integrity of a property. They provide the support that’s necessary for a building to be constructed with two layers of brickwork or masonry. If they fail, the walls will become destabilised and could even collapse.

Because wall ties allow for the creation of a cavity space, they are also important for insulation.

This cavity space can be filled with insulating materials, which then keeps heat in and energy costs down.

What Are the Different Types of Wall Ties?

Because they are vital to the structural integrity of a property, it’s important that the correct wall ties are installed.

The most common types of wall ties include:

  • Masonry to Masonry Wall Ties: Are designed to hold two layers of masonry together, thereby allowing for a secure inner and outer wall with a cavity space in between. There are three major designs of masonry-to-masonry wall ties, and they are classed as ‘heavy duty’, ‘general purpose’ or ‘light duty’ wall ties.
  • Masonry to Timber Wall Ties: Designed to hold an outer wall of brickwork together with an inner wall that’s been constructed from timber.
  • Lateral Restraint Wall Ties: Designed to stop any lateral movement occurring between a layer of masonry and existing structures in a building, such as supports or older walls.
  • Remedial Wall Ties: Are specifically designed to be installed into an existing cavity space where wall ties have become damaged, broken or corroded.

There are several other types of wall ties, too, which are often suitable for specific or niche construction purposes. 

How Do I Know Which Type of Wall Tie I Need?

The most common types of wall ties needed are generally masonry to masonry wall ties. If the walls in your property are constructed from different materials, such as timber, then it may also be readily apparent which type you require.

However, because of the importance of wall ties to the structure of a home, it’s vital that you seek professional assistance when replacing wall ties or installing new ones.

Contact Atlantis Damp Today for More Information on Different Types of Wall Ties

Atlantis Damp provides a comprehensive range of wall tie services. 

Wall tie failure can lead to serious structural issues, but our experienced team is on hand to carry out surveys, maintenance and repair work to ensure your property is safe.

Contact Atlantis Damp today for more information on different types of wall ties, and to find out how we can help you.

What are wall ties?

What are wall ties?

by | May 24, 2022

Wall ties hold the walls of buildings together, providing vital structural support and allowing for the existence of insulating cavity spaces. Wall ties are integral but over time they can corrode and decay, so it’s important to have regular surveying and replacement work carried out by a professional when necessary. 

In this article, the team at Atlantis Damp explains what wall ties are, why you need them and when they need replacing. 

What Are Wall Ties?

Wall ties are strips of metal or metal rods, usually produced from zinc, steel, or other metals. These metal rods are used to hold two separate layers of brickwork together, and you’ll find them placed in the cavity space between an inner and outer wall in modern properties.

Why Do You Need Wall Ties?

Wall ties play an integral role in the structure of your home. Without wall ties, it would be difficult to construct the sturdy inner and outer walls that modern homes are built with today. They literally hold these two sets of brickwork together and, in this respect, are vital to the stability of your home.

Because wall ties allow this type of cavity wall to be safely constructed, they also become vital for insulation. Cavity spaces between these layers of wall are commonly filled with insulating materials, thereby allowing homeowners to keep their houses warm while saving on energy costs. 

Why Do Wall Ties Need Replacing?

Wall ties are made from long-lasting metal materials, but unfortunately they aren’t indestructible. The most common reason that wall ties need replacing is corrosion, a natural process that can’t necessarily be halted, only slowed down.

Wall ties can fail and need replacing for a number of different reasons, including:

  • Corrosion
  • Subsidence
  • Extreme weather or natural events
  • Damaged masonry or brickwork

If wall ties aren’t replaced, then wall tie failure can lead to damaged brickwork, structural damage, poor insulation in your home, the need for costly repairs, and more. 

Damaged and corroded wall ties can pose a danger to the structural integrity of your property. If you’re concerned that your wall ties could be failing, the team at Atlantis Damp can carry out surveys and repair work to ensure that your home is safe.

Contact Atlantis Damp today for more information on replacing wall ties.

What is Sub Floor Ventilation?

What is Sub Floor Ventilation?

by | Apr 27, 2022

If you’re looking to reduce the chance of damp and mould taking hold in your home, it’s essential that you have adequate sub floor ventilation beneath your property.

The space below ground is very often overlooked, but sub floor ventilation is integral to creating a moisture and damp-free household, with a clean circulation of fresh air. 

In this article, the expert team at Atlantis Damp explains what sub floor ventilation is, and why you need it in your home.

What Is Sub Floor Ventilation?

Sub floor ventilation refers to any system or method designed to effectively ventilate the area below your floorboards on the ground floor of a building. This area is commonly referred to as the ‘sub floor void’, and there are several ways to keep the air flowing in this underground space.

The most common method is the installation of air bricks, which is required under building regulations. Air bricks are terracotta bricks with holes in the sides. If installed on every side of the building (at sub floor level) they allow air to flow in all directions. 

Sub floor ventilation can also be improved through the installation of fans, extra vents, air pumps, and more, while your home’s airflow can be assisted through basic ventilation methods, such as keeping windows and doors open, and making use of extractor fans.

Why Do You Need Sub Floor Ventilation?

Sub floor spaces aren’t commonly top of the list when it comes to inspecting our homes or looking for signs of moisture or damp. However, that’s exactly why you need to take sub floor ventilation seriously, because poor ventilation can often go unnoticed until wider problems start to appear above ground level.

Without sub floor ventilation, your home will have inadequate circulation and it will be much more susceptible to problems arising from excess moisture and damp. Damp and mouldy conditions can cause health problems, lead to termite or fungal infestations and, in the worst-case scenarios, cause serious structural damage to your home.

Here are the most important reasons to ensure that your sub floor ventilation is up to scratch:

  • Regulate underfloor temperatures and humidity
  • Avoid a build-up of damp below your floorboards
  • Avoid growth and spread of mould throughout your home
  • Prevent the spread of fungal spores through the property
  • Remove the conditions needed for termites and other unwanted infestations to thrive
  • Create a clean flow of air throughout your home
  • Promote a healthy living environment

How Can Atlantis Damp Help with Insufficient Sub Floor Ventilation?

If you’re worried that your sub floor ventilation is insufficient, the expert team at Atlantis Damp is here to help. 

We can provide a detailed survey of your current underfloor situation, fix any existing problems associated with sub floor ventilation, and determine the best way to improve your sub floor ventilation going forwards. 

Contact Atlantis Damp today for more information. 

How To Treat Penetrating Damp

How To Treat Penetrating Damp

by | Mar 30, 2022

Penetrating damp is a serious issue that can cause expensive and potentially hazardous damage to your property. 

Caused by excess water seeping into the walls, floors or ceilings of a building, if you think your home might have a penetrating damp problem, it’s important to act fast to remove it.  In this article, the experts at Atlantis Damp explain what penetrating damp is, what problems it’s likely to cause, and how it can be treated. 

What Is Penetrating Damp?

Penetrating damp is a serious form of damp that sees excess moisture and water seeping, leaking or flooding into the walls, floors or ceilings of a building. Once established, penetrating damp can move through the building, forcing homeowners to carry out repair work to treat and remove it. 

Penetrating damp commonly occurs as a result of damaged infrastructure, including poorly maintained gutters or broken pipes. It can also occur because of flooding or unusually intense levels of rainfall. The most common causes include:

  • Broken gutters or leaking pipes
  • Old or damaged brickwork or masonry
  • Broken slates, tiles or faulty roofing
  • Broken seals
  • A damaged damp-proof course

What Problems Can Penetrating Damp Cause?

Penetrating damp can cause a number of issues and problems. If left untreated, minor issues can quickly become exaggerated leading to more expensive repairs, so it’s important to act quickly if you believe you might have a problem.

Common problems caused by penetrating damp include:

  • Damage to external walls or roofing
  • Damaged plasterwork
  • Damp, mouldy patches and smells
  • Moist patches
  • Visible leaks or pools of water
  • Structural damage
  • Decaying timbers

How Is Penetrating Damp Treated?

The first step in treating penetrating damp is identifying its cause, which is a task best left to a damp specialist. There can be several ways to remove the damp problem, and an expert can recommend the best solutions for your home.

The most effective way to solve a penetrating damp problem is to repair the cause of the problem. This will vary, but generally it can mean repairing the damaged guttering or pipes that led to the issue or isolating the source of a leak and removing it. Damaged plaster, decoration, flooring and woodwork may need to be replaced, while water repellent can help to protect the home in the future. 

In certain cases, it may be necessary to reinstall or update the building’s damp-proof course, especially if water has leaked in from the ground level. Another solution may be tanking, which sees the ground level lowered to stop water flooding in from the outside. 

In all cases, a home should always be fully damp proofed to protect any further instances of penetrating damp. 

Contact Atlantis Damp to Find Out More About Treating Penetrating Damp in Your Home

Identifying penetrating damp early can help you remove the problem before it causes serious damage to your property. If you believe there might be a penetrating damp issue in your home, our expert team is here to help. 

Our family-run business can assist with problems arising from all forms of damp in the home, and we can provide damp-proofing solutions that ensure your house is well protected. Contact Atlantis Damp today for more information. 

Does home insurance cover damp?

by | Feb 24, 2022

Damp can cause serious damage to your home. If left unchecked for long periods of time, it has the potential to cause lasting structural damage to a property.

Damp issues need to be dealt with rapidly. If you’ve noticed problems in your home, you might be wondering: does home insurance cover damp?

The short answer to that question is generally no, but this depends on the type of home insurance you have. In this article, we explain why home insurance often doesn’t cover damp, and how much you might expect to pay to fix damp issues. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Damp?

Home insurance is a necessary protection for any household. Unfortunately there are limits as to what your average policy covers. Here at Atlantis Damp we’re often asked, ‘does home insurance cover damp?’ This depends on the terms and conditions of your home insurance policy, but in most cases the answer is no.

Home insurance is designed to cover unexpected damage to a property. While damp might, at first glance, seem to fall into this bracket (particularly if you discover a damp problem out of the blue, which is often the case), home insurance providers generally consider the issue of damp to be one of maintenance.

Do You Need to Let Your Home Insurance Know If Your Property Has a Damp Problem?

Damp problems caused by rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation will usually be classed as ‘wear and tear’. This means that the onus is on the property owner to ensure that their property is damp-proofed, as damp problems are often caused over time and are due to a deterioration of the property’s damp protections. 

However, you should make your home insurer aware of any existing damp problems before taking out a policy, and if damp problems arise it’s worth talking to them anyway. In certain circumstances, if you have either a specialist insurance policy or if a damp problem can be proven to have been caused by some sudden or unexpected event (such as a flood, or leak), you may be covered.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Damp When Your Home Insurance Won’t Cover It?

The cost to fix a damp problem varies considerably from one home to the next. The sooner you notice a damp problem, the easier (and cheaper) it will be to fix. 

If you believe you have a damp issue, we recommend booking a professional survey. This will identify the type of damp causing the problem, the extent of the damp problem and offer an estimate of costs. 

Contact Atlantis Damp for More Information on Damp Problems in the Home

Identifying damp early can help you remove the problem before it causes serious damage to your property. This is particularly important when we consider that home insurance rarely covers damage caused by damp. 

If you believe there might be damp in your home, our expert team is here to help. Our family-run business can assist with problems arising from all forms of damp in the home, and we can provide damp-proofing solutions that ensure your house is well protected in the future. Contact Atlantis Damp today for more information.