Damp Proof London

Damp Proof London gets the job done!

Domestic & Commercial Damp-Proofing Contractors – for London & Surrey

We have carried out many thousands of contracts and are recognised as one of the most established and reputable damp-proofing companies in the South East of England.

Q. What is the difference between domestic and commercial damp-proofing?

A. Basically, there isn’t a difference. The same systems are used in both, just on a smaller or larger scale. Whether it be a one-bedroom flat or a large restaurant or store, the same methods of damp-proofing apply, although it will depend on the type and extent of the damp and what the areas are to be used for.

Q. Who does what part of the work?

A. Most domestic clients prefer it if the damp-proofing contractor carries out all aspects of the work, including protecting the property and all preparation, including removing and damp, contaminated wall plaster, carrying out all of the necessary damp-proofing, damp-proof plastering and re-fixing or replacing the joinery timbers. In other words, the complete job. Commercial clients/contractors however, don’t necessarily need us to do all of the work because they employ their own trades who can do the preparation and reinstatement so they only need the damp-proofing contractor to carry out the specialist work. In this situation, it is very important that everyone works closely together, because unlike domestic work, the main contractor has a set time to complete the work.

Q. What items of the work is important for the damp-proofing contractor to carry out?

Treatment for Rising-damp

It is important the damp-proofing contractor ensures that the main contractor has removed the correct amount of wall plaster and the surfaces of the walls have been prepared and cleaned to remove hygroscopic salts.
They should then inject the new damp-proof course into the base of the walls and re-plaster in accordance with their damp-proofing specification. All finishes, such as refitting joinery timbers can be carried out by the main contractor.

Treatment for lateral damp penetration. (Tanking)
With the exception of removing the contaminated wall plater, preparing and cleaning the wall surfaces there is not much the main contractor should do. It is important that the damp-proofing contractor applies the first render scratch coat, the cementitious tanking slurry coats and the second coat of rendering, over the tanking, to complete the system. If required, the main contractor can then apply a finish coat of plaster, providing it is not over trowelled.

Installing a Cavity Drain Membrane System

If a Cavity Drain Membrane system is to be installed, there is more the main contractor can do, as long as it is under the strict supervision of the damp-proofing company. First, they can carry out the preparation work, including installing the channels for drainage and the excavation for the sump and then, on completion of the membrane system, they can carry out much of the finshes.

The specialist damp-proofing company should always carry out the following:

Installing the drainage channels
Installing the chamber for the pump and drainage pipes to discharge water into a suitable drain.
Installing the wall and ceiling membranes
Installing the floor membrane and creating a floor/wall joint.
Installing the pump and alarm

The main contractor can then carry out:

Laying a concrete floor screed or a floating chip-board floor.
Installing a galvanised dry-lining or pre-treated batten frame for dry-lining.
Fixing plasterboard to the galvanised frame or pre-treated batten frame in preparation for plastering.
Plaster setting the dry-lining

Providing the specialist and main contractor work closely together, throughout the project, it should run smoothly and trouble free, but any decisions regarding the installation, must be made by the damp-proofing specialist, in order not to invalidate their guarantee.

We have been working with London and Surrey’s main contractors for over 40-years and has built a strong and trusting relationship with them, that enables us to work as a team. Most commercial projects are on a time limit which must be met in order for the restaurant, shop or office to open on time. This takes planning and effort, which we take pride in. Whether it be domestic or commercial damp-proofing you require, ensure you only use an established, reputable company by calling damp proof london first.