Damp and Timber Survey – Warrington
Our client engaged Damp Solutions UK to carry out a comprehensive damp and timber survey on a mid-terrace property they were interested in purchasing in Warrington.
Rising Damp and Rotten Floor Joist Repair Warrington
A highly reputable regional building contractor specialising in large-scale residential projects needed us to waterproof their Victorian residential extension in Manchester.
- Client: Private homeowner, 2-bedroom mid-terrace, Warrington, UK
- Contractor: Damp Solutions UK (Warrington)
Survey & Diagnosis
– Visual inspection of affected rooms confirmed tide marks, salt staining on plaster, and locally softened/degraded plaster finish consistent with rising damp.
– Moisture meter readings and salt evidence indicated moisture transfer from the masonry, not surface condensation.
– The original bituminous damp-proof course (DPC) had failed/been bridged, allowing ground moisture to bypass the DPC and penetrate the walls.
– To investigate floor movement, several floorboards were removed for a subfloor inspection. This revealed severe decay to joist ends where they entered the external walls; the decayed ends had lost bearing and caused structural instability and local floor deflection.
Remedial Strategy
Subfloor ventilation improvementsDamp Solutions UK proposed a coordinated programme to address both the moisture source and the structural damage:
1. Wall damp treatment
– Install a full internal damp proofing system to the affected ground-floor walls (DPC remediation).
Method used:
professional remedial DPC measures to re-establish a capillary break and prevent rising damp.
– Remove and replace salt-damaged plaster where required; re-plaster with appropriate breathable/compatible materials after drying and salt removal.
2. Timber repairs and structural stabilisation
– Remove and replace rotten joist ends with new, preservative-treated timber. Where necessary, install properly sized replacement joists or sister new joists to the existing members. Use appropriate metal straps/hangers and packing to restore correct bearing and alignment.
– Ensure all new timber is treated against rot and insect attack.
3. Subfloor ventilation improvements
– Replace existing brick vents with correctly positioned, free-flowing air bricks/vents.
– Clear subfloor debris and obstructions to restore cross-flow ventilation through the subfloor void.
– Where required, install additional vents to meet recommended ventilation rates to reduce subfloor humidity and help keep timbers dry.
Results
– Re-established DPC stopped further upward moisture migration; tide marks and active damping reduced as drying progressed.
– Rotten joist ends were replaced/sistered and properly fixed, restoring structural stability and eliminating floor movement.
– Improved subfloor ventilation and cleared void lowered humidity in the subfloor, reducing the risk of future timber decay and woodworm.
– Affected plaster finishes were removed and replaced with compatible, breathable materials after drying; internal appearance restored.
Key learning points
– Rising damp may persist when original DPCs fail or are bridged; curing visible damp without addressing the DPC and salts risks recurrence.
– Floor movement can mask a moisture problem but may be caused by structural timber decay at joist ends; a subfloor inspection is essential before cosmetic repairs.
– Combining DPC remediation with timber repair and improved subfloor ventilation provides a durable, long-term solution.
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Basement PIV Unit Installation
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Testimonials
Words that matter to us
Damp Solutions Uk
Adam Bloomer
last year
Really pleased with the work Ben and his crew did on my outhouse. Quality of the end product was top notch and I was kept up to date with what was happening. Everyone I dealt with was polite and professional. Would definitely use them again and would recommend.
Tom Monro-Wood
last year
Damp Solutions provided an excellent and very reasonably priced service.
M 2091
last year
The guys were great they spent 2 days here got on with the job and cleaned everything up after very friendly and good service
Charlie Harding
last year
Fast, professional and personable from the first call to the free quotation visit. Would highly recommend.
Harry Unsworth
last year
Really professional work. Performed a survey, created a detailed report, and worked with us, in face-to-face visits, to figure out anything that we did or didn’t need doing.Physical work carried out with little fuss and went above and beyond being very helpful with specific requests that arose during the work.Would recommend to anyone.
Hannah Withers
2 years ago
Ben, Dale, Mike & the team have been amazing. The communication throughout has been brilliant, total transparency and very reasonably priced. The damp proof work has been done to a really high standard and the guys were always considerate of keeping the house tidy after they finished for the day. Would definitely recommend. Thank you!
Ann Jarvis
2 years ago
Great team, came pre purchase for a survey- very efficient and affordable. Then completed work in two days- even hoovered afterwards. Very friendly and responsive. Work seems of good quality too.
Paul Frith
2 years ago
Really impressed by the service from Damp Solutions. The original qoute provided by Dale was very reasonable and came with a detailed report of the damp proofing work that needed doing and what was involved.The work was carried out by Kane and the team who did a great job. Very curtious, tidy, and efficient. I even managed to work from home throughout the week while they were here! Left the place nice and clean afterwards too - couldn't recommend them highly enough.
Becky Brown
2 years ago
Thank you for all your help, you went above and beyond not only helping with the issue I contacted you for but also other parts of the house that have now been caught before they become a problem. Everyone was so helpful, tidy and efficient. I wouldn’t hesitate in using them again if I ever needed to or recommending to anyone else. Thank you 😊
Karon Crossley
2 years ago
I would highly recommend Dale and his work lads to anyone, thank you so much for your empathy to my parents and their plight.
Neil Studd
2 years ago
Dale and his team did a fantastic job. Dale provided a thorough estimate and delivery timeline, both of which were met, and his team were courteous and punctual each day. They took care to minimise mess and cleaned up thoroughly after the job was done, which massively reduced the stress for me! Thanks chaps.
Parfetts RDACraigR
2 years ago
From start to finish I was impressed with Damp Solutions Uk - Dale was knowledgeable and explained in full the issues with damp in my property, sent me a proposal with full details of all work required within 48hrs inc costings I knew exactly what was getting done and in what time scale.All work was done correctly and Daniel who completed the work did it perfectly and left the house immaculate would recommend to anyone.Thanks Damp Solutions UkCraig from Stockport.
If your property is suffering from mould or condensation, contact Damp Solutions UK today for a free property survey and get the expert advice you can depend upon.