Winters coming – Damp time?

When i hear about damp (especially Rising damp) I immediately think

RIGSBY!

 

the series about the bumbling landlord & the eclectic mix of tenants.

The regular miss-haps that befell them, the double-entendre’s that are sadly lost in nowadays society & the fantastically funny “romance” between Miss Jones & Mr Rigsby.

All set against a ramshackle building which, to be frank was a perfect setting for “Rising Damp“.

The real Rising Damp is not so funny…

He’s a naughty upstart, who’s a natural “social climber”… He will do his best to attain the headiest heights.. Starting from ground level & creeping up walls, internal & external brickwork, in fact anywhere to get up as high as he can.. Seeking prominence & attaining heights. He needs help though, otherwise he would be anywhere & everywhere…

Technically, he isn’t a “he” at all – forgive me, too many years of watching “the apprentice”. He is a naturally occurring phenomenon called “Capillary Action“. This the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without the assistance of, and in opposition to external forces like gravity – think Paintbrush pulling up paint between their bristles.. or washing up sponge pulling up water.

For many homes affected its simply ground water, which is attracted to the dry bricks & mortar & starts to be pulled into the buildings structure.

Of course, during planning stages this is usually addressed, BUT sometimes nature takes over & the natural thing for the water to do, is rise up via the capillary action if there is a porous material above it. Also, if the damp proof course which was effected during construction is somehow breached (age, works etc) – the “apprentice” I described before will see an opportunity & take it – all guns blazing…

The moisture will move from the outside wall through to inside walls fairly smoothly & this is when the Rising Damp becomes apparent.. plaster becomes soft & wall covering discolour.

The moment you suspect you may have a Rising Damp issue, its best to get a specialist in, such as London Property Preservation, to ensure your problems are identified & dealt with effectively. the walls affected hold onto salts which travel upward with the moisture  as will the internal plaster – so a thorough remedy must be applied.

What to look for:-

Damp patches on external walls

Damp on internal Walls

Wet patches on Wallpaper

The good news is – LPPltd Can & will help.

So – Rigsby, if you had’ve called us, back the, maybe Miss Jones would’ve succumbed a bit quicker,. as your home would’ve been a bit brighter & a LOT dryer!!!

Contact LPP ltd now on 020 8689 0073

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Is Damp something to be laughed at?

I have been speaking with Property owners over the last couple of weeks, not only about Damp & the problems they have with this nasty little irritant, but also about other issues property owners sometimes face.

I was surprised that the over whelming thing that they (especially those whom rent out their properties) say, is “retain a sense of humour at all times”…..

Personally, I know a great sense of humour can get you through many a hard time, BUT what could it possibly have to do with problems with bricks & mortar? So I questioned further & below are a few of the gems that have brought a wry smile to some of our clients faces over the years….

1) A ground floor flat – tenant wrote to the landlord, when asked for more info about the damp within the property:- .

•  “Our Bush is overgrown at the front & we have a damp back passage”

2) A tenant in a home, who wrote about a damp issue in a kitchen-

• “I am writing on behalf on my sink, which is coming away from the wall” 

3) A tenant who had a leaky roof in a toilet-

• “I wish to report that tiles are missing from the roof of the toilet and I think it was bad wind the other night that blew them off.”

4) A tenant who was complaining about a damp issue discovered after taking off wallpaper-

• “50% of the walls are damp, 50% have crumbling plaster and 50% are plain filthy.”

I can see the funny side of how these issues are written & lets be honest, as long as the landlords fix the actual underlying issues (The Damps & Rots of this world) a few choicely written double entendre’s never hurt anyone – So how do they ensure they get this part of their obligation to their tenant right?
By using a reputable firm when things go wrong! That’s how.

London Property Preservation Limited has a great reputation & a string of happy clients with references you can check.

Contact us

Contact LPP ltd now on 020 8689 0073

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How can Rot be Dry?

So just what is this fungus “Dry Rot”….

I have to admit, it’s a paradoxical little thing which confuses many people…

I mean, just the words Dry & Rot in the same sentence don’t make sense ….

 

 

 

So I have been searching for some answers as to why this paradox exists.…

Dry rot is a wood-destroying fungus & although it can easily affect forest timbers, dry rot is best known for its ability to destroy timbers in ships & buildings

Just to make life more confusing, there are a myriad of rot types which can affect your woods, including many wet rots which without a professionally trained eye can all look the same!

Add to that, the fact that dry rot has the ability to travel through building materials other than timber, making outbreak’s doubly worrying & fast spreading & if left untreated we have a true pain of a problem.

For this reason additional measures, such as chemical brick/wall treatments often have to be completed when treating dry rot outbreaks.

So just how is a Rot – Dry???

Chemically, wood attacked by dry rot fungi is decayed by the same process as any other type of Rot. Ie:-  there has to be a moisture to allow the fungus to grow…

This is usually (in the beginning around 30% damp) but once established this annoying little fungus can remain active & growing at around 20%…it can also remain dormant (in a spore like stage) for many many months if the water source is removed, but re-emerge extremely quickly if it is re-introduced.. For this reason, removing the moisture source permanently is absolutely key to removing Dry Rot – indeed it’s imperative for many Rot control processes.

However, it is not always possible or practical to be sure that the timbers will remain dry in the long term. Therefore, it is absolutely key that measures are taken to defend against re-infestation. Any affected timbers should be removed & replaced with pre-treated timbers. Any remaining timbers at risk of being affected by the dry rot should be treated with an effective fungicide.

Now all of the above just screams at me ROT ROT ROT = DAMP DAMP DAMP.

I still want to know why it’s called Dry Rot…

Once affected, the decayed wood takes on a dark crumbly appearance, with cube shaped cracking which becomes brittle and can eventually cause the wood to become so dry it can turn into a powder.. It is this part of the process which gives the decay its name “Dry Rot” & which can cause the most worrying issues as the dried out wood can be so crumbly that it can literally shatter – causing terrible structural damage…

Now if all of this worries you, please don’t be too upset…

Of course talented professionals like London Property Preservation Ltd can treat this annoying fungus for you, but also take heart that Dry Rot is not picky & has bed-fellows throughout the UK – as some of these stories tell you.

Dry Rot at the Palace causes a Pre-Jubilee fire

Serious Dry Rot in library

Church Dry Rot appeal

Please read more at LPP -Click here

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Email us here – Info@LondondampSolutions.co.uk

Home Improvements – Making space

So many people are doing home improvements at the moment, which is totally understandable, as it’s the perfect way of freshening up living space, without the cost of an actual move

A friend has decided to have a new dining room built-in to an extension onto her home, she asked if she should have any special treatments relating to damp etc as the builders hadn’t mentioned it.

First you have the “legal” bit; Because the new dining room when created will constitute a habitable space as defined under the Building Regulations Act (91), it will need to comply with regulations laid down which not only cover the damp proofing, but many things such as fire safety & sewage disposal.

Remember also YOU need to get written consent prior to attempting this work,.

With regards to damp proofing.

If it’s a solid flood construction, the builders should be laying a damp proof membrane across the  concrete tied in to the wall damp proof course to create a continuous barrier against any damp penetration. It will also be necessary to link this in with the main house damp proof course

Alternatively if the room is utilising a timber suspended floor, damp proof membranes will need to be installed on all masonry that forms a bearing point for the floor joists.

However the above can be amended slightly if the existing property (your home) has air bricks venting existing floors.

The above is a very quick “what should be done” synopsis.

We would most definitely contacting London Property Preservation if you have any queries about an existing extension/out house or indeed if you are having one built.

We are a friendly family business & are happy to talk to you at any time.

For more information about London Property Preservation please fill in the form below, or contact us via the mediums below:

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Carpenter Vacancy – Surrey

London Property Preservations are currently recruiting for a specific project.

EXPERIENCED CARPENTER

We are now on the lookout for someone to join our friendly team for a short-term project.

You will need to have experience in carpentry & have your own transport .

You should be punctual, presentable & polite with a good understanding of the English language For Health & Safety reasons (reading / conveyance of instructions).

Happy to work within a sometimes messy environment & happy to take precautions to minimise these issues & clean up after work.

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Should you be invited to interview please bring your  driving licence and counterpart.

Please email CV with daily salary expectations to LPP@Rocoja.co.uk

Please state salary requirements on your application.

For more information about London Property Preservation please fill in the form below, or contact us via the mediums below:

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Careers in Damp Proofing

London Property Preservations are currently expanding our work force.

DAMP PROOF PLASTERER.

We are now on the lookout for someone to join our friendly team!

You will need to have experience in damp proofing / plastering, live in the North Surrey & have your own transport (Company van available after qualifying period). You should be punctual, presentable & polite with a good understanding of the English language For Health & Safety reasons (reading / conveyance of instructions).

Happy to work within a sometimes messy environment & happy to take precautions to minimise these issues & clean up after work.

You will be working in both commercial & residential properties sometimes alone, sometimes with other members of staff, so should be very self-motivated.

Should you be invited to interview please bring your national insurance details, UTR details, driving licence and counterpart.

Please email CV with daily salary expectations to LPP@Rocoja.co.uk

GENERAL LABOURER.

Experience in the trade is not necessary but would be preferred, you must be punctual, presentable and polite with a good understanding of the English language (For Health & Safety – reading / conveyance of instructions).

Own transport is desirable.

You must be able to work within a messy environment, while doing your up-most to keep the work site as tidy as possible for works to run smoothly.

You will be working in both commercial & residential properties sometimes alone, sometimes with other members of staff, so should be very self-motivated.

Should you be invited to interview please bring your national insurance details, UTR details, driving licence and counterpart. – if applicable.

Please email CV with daily salary expectations to LPP@Rocoja.co.uk

 

Please state salary requirements on your application.

For more information about London Property Preservation please fill in the form below, or contact us via the mediums below:

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Steamy Windows

And I am not talking about Tina Turner…. 

Although, I know that’s the first thing many of us over a certain age thought of; when faced with the words “Steamy Windows“….

A great icon, gyrating & dancing, belting out an anthem of a song…. So you don’t have to think about the real “Steamy Windows” …

You know, the ones, you get during winter, the ones you are trying to avoid thinking about, during the summer..

Ahhhhh Now you know..

This little problem, which you cover by wiping it away as often as you can & by sanding down the chipping & peeling 

paintwork.. possibly painting it over so it looks OK (Until it starts to peel again).

This little problem, you just wish wouldn’t happen…

So why not deal with it now?

Don’t just let it fester….

The air in our homes always contains moisture.. Usually invisible, but sometimes (when boiling a kettle, or a pan) we can get a glimpse of it before its absorbed into the atmosphere of the room.

The problem occurs when this warm, moisture filled air hits something cold & the water re-appears… sadly, this is usually a window & the mist (Sometimes worse still droplets) of water can run downwards & into paintwork, under seals, into tiles etc & mould will grow.  …

London property preservation have advice on the website, to minimise this problem as much as possible, simple hints & tips such as covering pans when cooking, opening windows and avoiding drying clothes indoors can be helpful.

We will of course give more detailed help, if contacted.

The remedy for Condensation issues need not be painful or expensive & if done before you have a major issue, will mean peace of mind & no more soggy paintwork, sooner than you think.

Please contact us for info of fill in the contact form below & we will happily get back to you with details on services/advice we can offer.

Oh & its entirely up to you, if you would like “Tina Turner” on in the background….

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Summer Jobs

The weather seems to be warming up & we can allow ourselves the luxury of believing Summer has finally arrived.

With the brighter weather comes a greater sense of purpose for most 

people & also a greater sense of enjoyment of all things relaxing… This can mean hard days at work & indulgent, hazy garden lounging weekends…

However this weather can also be a great way to get a better look at things we sometimes only worry about when the bad weather hits… Prevention is better than cure (so my dad used to say).

So how about using some of this drier, lighter time to take a look at some maintenance that will help your home survive a typical UK winter?

Like most people, my first impulse during the spring/summer months is to reach for a paintbrush & brighten the place up, but this year on the advice of friends I have held off & have taken a good look at some preventative measures first…

Things like – 

Gutters – clogged gutters are usually only noticed when it rains & the loud overflowing water can be heard/seen, so the beginning of summer is the perfect time to look at the build up of any damp debris there. Check the external building around the gutter for signs of water penetration also – get this sorted in the Summer for a simple, less expensive job, than an emergency call out in the pouring rain!

When planting bedding plants around your home, check the bottoms of the walls, can you see any evidence of water retention? Darker bricks, damaged pointing anything that looks unusual? If you are worried, check the inside of the property too, any peeling wallpaper, any signs of mould, such as tiny dark spots on the walls? 

This is again a perfect opportunity for a less expensive maintenance task than an emergency call-out in the Winter.. And just think, any damp treatment / plastering etc, if done in the Summer, will take much less time to dry out completely, than if tackled in the middle of a cold, damp Winter.

So give London Property Preservation a call for a free impartial quote & give yourself some peace of mind…

Check our services out on local directories such as Freeindex, Yellowleaf & Yelp. 

Follow us on Twitter for us to the minute news @LppLtd

Or be our friend on Facebook for news & reviews.

Email @LPP@Rocoja.co.uk

Website – London Property Preservation

Call on 020 8689 0073

London Property Preservation Limited

Being a small business, we wondered whether a more visual way of explaining our services would be the right way to go.
Damp & its acquaintances such as Dry-Rot, Wet-Rot & Wood worm can be quite hard to explain & sometimes you don’t want to visualise such little horrors…
So we thought a short video may help with explaining the treatments & services we can provide if you are unfortunately visited by one or more of these annoyances.

London Property Preservation are a small, but well managed, damp proofing and timber preservation company, offering unbeatable value for money. We pride ourselves in visiting our prospective clients and offering a full diagnostic report on your issue.

Although we cover the South East of the UK, we have been known to travel further afield, so please get in touch, no matter where you are.

We are also on Local directories such as Freeindex, Yellowleaf & Yelp. 

Follow us on Twitter for us to the minute news @LppLtd

Or be our friend on Facebook for news & reviews.

Please contact us if you require any further information:-

Email @LPP@Rocoja.co.uk

Website – London Property Preservation

Call on 020 8689 0073

Fickle customers & the help they provide

If you are reading this you are well aware that London Property Preservation are using the internet & Social Media Marketing to get information out to our customers.

Information we think you may be interested in, such as humorous takes on some frustrating damp problems, as well as actual information on business trends in the construction industry.

We are aiming to inform as well as entertain & hopefully gain some followers  friends who will remember us if they ever they need the services of a professional damp proof company or associated business.

With this in mind, it’s also an exercise in finding the right directories for this business niche & so far we have had a great response from local directories such as Freeindex, Yellowleaf & Yelp. 

It would be great if you would let us know of any you use yourselves & we will happily look at these to advertise in, or indeed to link with you if you would like?

We have found that our Facebook page is a great tool for advertising events / job vacancies to local people & Twitter is brilliant for directing traffic. So again, if you would like to link-up, please leave a message or follow via either medium & we will of course link-back to you.

Small businesses who are, like us striving to provide a quality service in a niche area are all too aware that word of mouth is now done via “Social Media”, with the customers attention being grabbed or lost within the first few minutes.

We have realised that keeping in touch with customers both old & new is crucial and a great way to nourish new leads, however some customers can be fickle & much like in “real life” will wish to ask a multitude of questions before making a purchase. In some cases never making a purchase…

However we see this as a positive & any questions this customer asks is a god-send as it gives us an insight into what the customers really want to know & we are more than happy to answer these questions, either by via the shorter replies available via Twitter, or if warranted, via a blog post – so Please let us know if YOU have any questions surround Damp Proofing etc which you would like answered & London Property Preservation Limited will do their best to help.

Please contact us if you require any further information:-

Email @LPP@Rocoja.co.uk

Website – London Property Preservation

Call on 020 8689 0073