Damp and Timber Surveys
Making it personable, a face behind a company.
Why should you choose this company?
Before you decide and look elsewhere. Read the About Page and the Heritage Life link which will tell you all about Adrian Gill The Building Surveyor who could solve your problem and could save you thousands of ££'s like he has already done so for many of his clients...
Why should you choose this company?
Before you decide and look elsewhere. Read the About Page and the Heritage Life link which will tell you all about Adrian Gill The Building Surveyor who could solve your problem and could save you thousands of ££'s like he has already done so for many of his clients...
This paragraph has saved our clients thousands of ££'s
Damp or mould in a property does not just happen by coincidence . It really does not!
A series of conditions occur that create the damp. Therefore by speaking to a Building Surveyor and discussing the problem can establish the cause of the damp, timber or solid wall problem in your house. Timber is often affected because damp can penetrate timbers which impacts their structure and strength. Also damp affects the structure of a solid wall building.
A series of conditions occur that create the damp. Therefore by speaking to a Building Surveyor and discussing the problem can establish the cause of the damp, timber or solid wall problem in your house. Timber is often affected because damp can penetrate timbers which impacts their structure and strength. Also damp affects the structure of a solid wall building.
Solutions are often simple when you know how to solve something.
Not knowing can be costly and damaging and wasting money on the wrong method. Do you think its wise to spend thousands of pounds giving your money to so called damp busters, damp experts or whatever they name tag themselves?
Sometimes we speak to clients who have been convinced that injecting some outrageously expensive chemical cream into a wall will fix their damp and timber problem. Really!
Chemical cream can perhaps sound convincing to some.
Damp thrives in certain conditions and injecting cream is quite laughable because it does not change the conditions that cause the damp to thrive which is all about science and moisture transfer perhaps people think it provides a barrier but what would that do to the structure of your home?
A whole industry is built around this chemical cream injection concept.
Academics in Europe do laugh at such people in the UK! Therefore cream chemical does not prevent or resolve damp.
Building Surveying advice is a low cost solution as a starting point for using traditional methods which are low cost solutions and approaches not gizmos gadgets or products.
Not knowing can be costly and damaging and wasting money on the wrong method. Do you think its wise to spend thousands of pounds giving your money to so called damp busters, damp experts or whatever they name tag themselves?
Sometimes we speak to clients who have been convinced that injecting some outrageously expensive chemical cream into a wall will fix their damp and timber problem. Really!
Chemical cream can perhaps sound convincing to some.
Damp thrives in certain conditions and injecting cream is quite laughable because it does not change the conditions that cause the damp to thrive which is all about science and moisture transfer perhaps people think it provides a barrier but what would that do to the structure of your home?
A whole industry is built around this chemical cream injection concept.
Academics in Europe do laugh at such people in the UK! Therefore cream chemical does not prevent or resolve damp.
Building Surveying advice is a low cost solution as a starting point for using traditional methods which are low cost solutions and approaches not gizmos gadgets or products.
Perhaps if you have not yet done so, you would like to do some more research on Adrian Gill. Read the About Page to find out everything you need to know in recent years. Then visit page Heritage Life, it tells you everything about Adrian and his 30+ years of experience in building and construction.
Does this look familiar? Damaged bricks ? |
2 minute independent video about brick breathability |
Spalling, Sacrificial Brick
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Sacrificial Lime
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Take a look at the image (Spalling, Sacrificial Brick). The bricks are damaged. Now look at the mortar it looks hard and grey it is a cement mortar. It is so solid that it is not allowing moisture to travel through the mortar. Moisture movement is a natural scientific process called osmosis and the purpose of mortar is to allow moisture movement or breathability. When builders retrofit or repair solid wall, brick or stone buildings using modern cement, the wrong mortar mix, a modern hard material it prevents breathability. The mortar is not breathable. How do you know this?
If it was breathable the bricks would not be damaged!
Damaged bricks are an Alarm bell because the moisture is now forced to move through the brick which becomes the softer material than the cement. The result is moisture movement and changes in temperature (climate) results in damaged bricks everywhere. The situation will get worse each year.
The solution is to repoint the mortar with the correct mortar mix or render it with the correct render mix.
This helps to resolve the damp issue in the property (Speweik, Old House Journal 1997)
Look at the difference (Sacrificial Lime)
The mortar is the correct mix and moisture transfer is occurring through the mortar. The bricks are not damaged or defaced. The traditional correct approach does not create a damp environment neither is it causing any structural damage to the bricks or solid wall.
Now that you know you will see damaged bricks everywhere.
Adrian and his team regularly repair, repoint bricks and render exterior walls. Adrian has his own heritage specialist restoration team. Call Adrian for more details 07449944628
If it was breathable the bricks would not be damaged!
Damaged bricks are an Alarm bell because the moisture is now forced to move through the brick which becomes the softer material than the cement. The result is moisture movement and changes in temperature (climate) results in damaged bricks everywhere. The situation will get worse each year.
The solution is to repoint the mortar with the correct mortar mix or render it with the correct render mix.
This helps to resolve the damp issue in the property (Speweik, Old House Journal 1997)
Look at the difference (Sacrificial Lime)
The mortar is the correct mix and moisture transfer is occurring through the mortar. The bricks are not damaged or defaced. The traditional correct approach does not create a damp environment neither is it causing any structural damage to the bricks or solid wall.
Now that you know you will see damaged bricks everywhere.
Adrian and his team regularly repair, repoint bricks and render exterior walls. Adrian has his own heritage specialist restoration team. Call Adrian for more details 07449944628
Damp Experts, Damp Specialists and Chemical InjectionProperty owners often ask us about chemical injection, damp companies, damp busters and 'Damp Experts' who charge thousands ££'s sometimes we hear as much as £15,000 for chemical treatments that claim to treat damp symptoms and promise to resolve rising damp. Remember the barrier that these chemical create do not solve the CAUSE of the damp, which remains hidden. It is AMAZING how many home owners pay for this stuff! Traditional Approaches. 50 years ago or more chemical wall injection was not available neither was it needed before Portland Cement was produced. Builders, brick-layers and Stone Masons created the correct conditions to ensure the damp did NOT to occur by using the correct materials. See sacrificial lime and sacrificial brick to learn more (above) A VIDEO example (below): A client was offered chemical injection from a damp buster. The client refused and contacted us. Our advice provided a low cost solution and how to solve the CAUSE of the damp. The property had a damp smell and what some refer to as rising damp which damp busters 'seek to sell' chemical wall injection. We do not believe chemical wall injection works and it is a waste of your money. The damp CAUSE was from cracked pipe deep under the floor. What would chemical wall injection have done for solving the problem with a cracked pipe? Nothing! Not resolving the cause would causes long term issues. Adrian Gill Mentor: Real Case Study Scenario Example |
Damp and Mould Surveys in solid wall propertiesAdrian offers a number of damp surveys including a remote damp survey which has been requested by clients.
Heritage Building Surveying Service for solid wall buildings of all archetypes. Services include damp and mould, heritage surveys, snagging surveys and pre-purchase inspections. Contact Adrian using the form below or call 07449944628 |
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Imagine all the people who pay thousands of pounds for chemical damp injection in this situation.
More about Adrian
Adrian knows how to fix damp problems using traditional building methods which are low cost solutions and understands moisture movement in solid wall traditional properties.
This is where it begins to make sense for many clients.
Adrian = bricklayer = Stone Mason = lime plasterer = Building Surveyor. Understanding the building process, the mortar mix because he has mixed it in practice, built it and fixed it as a surveyor knowing the process from start to finish, detecting problems troubleshooting where others have used the wrong mortar mix!
One alarm bell or obvious warning sign is sacrificial brick. How many times do you see this in properties? Take a look, they are everywhere!
This is where it begins to make sense for many clients.
Adrian = bricklayer = Stone Mason = lime plasterer = Building Surveyor. Understanding the building process, the mortar mix because he has mixed it in practice, built it and fixed it as a surveyor knowing the process from start to finish, detecting problems troubleshooting where others have used the wrong mortar mix!
One alarm bell or obvious warning sign is sacrificial brick. How many times do you see this in properties? Take a look, they are everywhere!
Low cost solutions for damp and mould
If you want to read more technical detail on Damp Surveys
But... Why is a Building Surveyor needed for Damp and Mould?
In 2014 the government officially changed their approach to insulating traditional buildings. This was published in a government white paper. (A long paper to read! But press here for the link... BSI 2014)
This means the British Standard (BS 5250) for treating moisture in buildings has been revised, it has been fully recognised by government that moisture related problems (damp and mould) in solid wall buildings relate to retrofit, increased insulation and reduced ventilation (BSI, 2020).
Solid wall buildings must be treated differently to cavity wall buildings.
This means the British Standard (BS 5250) for treating moisture in buildings has been revised, it has been fully recognised by government that moisture related problems (damp and mould) in solid wall buildings relate to retrofit, increased insulation and reduced ventilation (BSI, 2020).
Solid wall buildings must be treated differently to cavity wall buildings.
Solid Wall Traditional Buildings
The structural behaviour of traditional solid brick buildings differs dramatically from modern cavity buildings. Solid brick walls need a breathable environment and do not function well if covered with dry-lining, sand and cement, treated with chemical injection or other modern products that prevent breathability (Modena, Porto and Valluzi, 2016; Speweik, 1997)
Adrian Gill is a professional building surveyor with a triple accredited degree (RICS, CIOB and CABE). Endorsements include the academic award from Nottingham Trent University and The National Surveying Company (SCCS) an excellence award for devotion to surveying. Adrian was appointed for building projects on the homes of both Lieutenant Commander, Sir Arthur Clayton's home in Kingswear (Torpedo Boat Captain) and Admiral Sir Frank Hopkins 5th Sea Lord and controller of the Royal Navy. Click to Read Heritage Life to learn more about Adrian family and how it all started.
Damp Building Surveyor with 30 years building experience
Unique Combination: Building Surveying, Building and Advanced Craft
It is unique for a professional building surveyor to also be a qualified builder with 30 years experience from practical building to surveying including management of construction projects.
Adrian is fully qualified since the 1980's a bricklayer, stone mason and lime plasterer. Adrian fully understands the entire building process practically and theoretically his skills stand out. Adrian offers a surveying service, troubleshooting, a problem, solution that is beneficial to the client and the building.
Adrian is fully qualified since the 1980's a bricklayer, stone mason and lime plasterer. Adrian fully understands the entire building process practically and theoretically his skills stand out. Adrian offers a surveying service, troubleshooting, a problem, solution that is beneficial to the client and the building.
Stop: Do not treat damp with chemical treatment
Be Cautious of Damp Specialists
Owners should be cautious of services offering to treat rising damp by chemically injecting the walls or treating damp timbers by painting and sealing timbers.
Disturbing moisture transfer may cause long-term damage to the structure of the building, it is highly recommended to arrange for a professional building surveyor to investigate the problem.
CALL FOR ADVICE ADRIAN 07449944628 OR COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW
Disturbing moisture transfer may cause long-term damage to the structure of the building, it is highly recommended to arrange for a professional building surveyor to investigate the problem.
CALL FOR ADVICE ADRIAN 07449944628 OR COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW
The wrong way and expensive way to treat damp problems
Dry Lining Can Cause Significant Damage
Dry lining holds and retains the damp.
Removal allows breathability.
Photographs: Adrian (pictured lime plastering) needed to resolve major damp problems. A dry lined room poor ventilation in the building.
The room showed some visible signs of damp before the dry lining was removed. Afterwards it was blatantly obvious. Restoration included removing the dry lining throughout the room. Once removed it revealed significant evidence of damp including blown plaster, walls wet with moisture, a whole section of floor was rotten and the lower horizontal timber was soaking wet throughout.
Removing the dry lining, plaster and lifting part of the floor allowed the room to breathe and dry out, after some time the walls were plastered with lime plaster and the damp has not returned. Lack of ventilation caused condensation, had the dry lining been left the building structure would have weakened over time. Dampness is an indicator of poor ventilation and is the reason why it is important that homes can breathe (Wooley, 2017).
If you have damp. Arrange a Building Survey!
Removal allows breathability.
Photographs: Adrian (pictured lime plastering) needed to resolve major damp problems. A dry lined room poor ventilation in the building.
The room showed some visible signs of damp before the dry lining was removed. Afterwards it was blatantly obvious. Restoration included removing the dry lining throughout the room. Once removed it revealed significant evidence of damp including blown plaster, walls wet with moisture, a whole section of floor was rotten and the lower horizontal timber was soaking wet throughout.
Removing the dry lining, plaster and lifting part of the floor allowed the room to breathe and dry out, after some time the walls were plastered with lime plaster and the damp has not returned. Lack of ventilation caused condensation, had the dry lining been left the building structure would have weakened over time. Dampness is an indicator of poor ventilation and is the reason why it is important that homes can breathe (Wooley, 2017).
If you have damp. Arrange a Building Survey!
Spot the Signs of Damp
Some signs of damp include: damp smells, mould, high humidity, condensation, no ventilation, wet and moist patches and blown plaster on the interior. The exterior may show signs of damp where moisture in the wall is crumbling, brick deterioration referred to as sacrificial brick.
Breathability
Traditional buildings need to breathe, to allow moisture transfer, this is achieved (in part) by using mortar mix that is breathable. Masonry contracts and expands during change in temperature from the exterior weather and interior living conditions (heating the home).
Evidence: Damp impacts human health
The NHS clearly state in this link that damp in your home will affect your health and they also refer to vulnerable people Sort out Damp and get it out of your home.
Publications such as The ‘Dampness and Mould Guide’ (WHO, 2009) contains scientific evidence of health problems caused from moisture and fungi spores within peoples homes.
Wrapping and containing damp accelerates the damp problem weakening the building structure, damp in homes causes health problems (WHO, 2019)
UK CLIMATE
In the UK the climate contributes to damp problems within homes. The serious issue of damp and mould in badly insulated houses in the UK is a massive burden on the NHS (Wooley, 2017).
Wrapping and containing damp accelerates the damp problem weakening the building structure, damp in homes causes health problems (WHO, 2019)
UK CLIMATE
In the UK the climate contributes to damp problems within homes. The serious issue of damp and mould in badly insulated houses in the UK is a massive burden on the NHS (Wooley, 2017).
Have Damp? Arrange a Damp and Mould Survey
CALL ADRIAN 07449944628 or 01827 880021 OR COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW for advice or to arrange a damp survey for a property with a solid wall. Surveying includes identifying the problem and the correct solution to treat the cause of damp.
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Need a Drone Survey?Click here or the picture below to redirect to our drone roof and chimney survey page
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Qualification and Accreditations
Adrian has CSCS trade (card) qualifications as an advanced master craftsman, a bricklayer, stone mason, lime plaster, supervisory management (trade) and restores heritage property. Adrian has a Building Surveying BSc degree triple accredited by CIOB, CABE and RICS. He was student of the year and selected to receive a special award.
Adrian has a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) pilot's licence for using aerial drone technology (residential and commercial surveys see this page )
Adrian is a member of the IHBC
References:
BSI (2020) BS 5250 Code of practice for control of condensation in buildings [Online] Available: https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/9017-00220#/section
Caterer (2009) Keith Floyd. [Online] Available: https://www.thecaterer.com/news/restaurant/keith-floyd
Modena C. Porto, F da. Valluzzi, M.R. (2016)Brick and Block Masonry: Proceedings of the 16th International Brick and Block Masonry Conference,Padova, Italy, 26-30 June 2016Hardcover – 9 Jun 2016 [Online] Available: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brick-Block-Masonry-Proceedings-International/dp/1138029998
NHS [Online] Available: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/can-damp-and-mould-affect-my-health/
Oxford DNB (1991) Hopkins Sir Frank Henry Edward. [Online] Available: https://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-40140
Peerage (2019) Sir Arthur Harold Clayton, 11th Bt. [Online] Available: http://www.thepeerage.com/p22686.htm#i226853
Peter Ward (n.d.) Rising Damp. [Online] Available: https://www.heritage-house.org/damp-and-condensation/all-about-the-pca/property-care-association-rising-damp-and-facebook.html
Robertson, A. (2018) Private Paradise. [Online] Available: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5961885/Stunning-four-bed-Dorset-home-comes-cove-hits-market-1-7m.html
Speweik, J. (1997) Why using Modern Mortar can damage a Historic House: Repointing Right! Publication: Old House Journal July-August 1997. [Online] Available: https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=3w6Ocm-otPgC&lpg=PA46&dq=sacrificial%20brick%20lime%20mortar%20cement%20mortar&pg=PA46#v=onepage&q=sacrificial%20brick%20lime%20mortar%20cement%20mortar&f=false
Wooley T. (2017) Building Materials, Health and Indoor Air Quality: No Breathing Space? [Online] Available: https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=-C0lDwAAQBAJ&lpg=PA98&dq=nhs%20damp%20affect%20home&pg=PA98#v=onepage&q=nhs%20damp%20affect%20home&f=false
Adrian has a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) pilot's licence for using aerial drone technology (residential and commercial surveys see this page )
Adrian is a member of the IHBC
References:
BSI (2020) BS 5250 Code of practice for control of condensation in buildings [Online] Available: https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/9017-00220#/section
Caterer (2009) Keith Floyd. [Online] Available: https://www.thecaterer.com/news/restaurant/keith-floyd
Modena C. Porto, F da. Valluzzi, M.R. (2016)Brick and Block Masonry: Proceedings of the 16th International Brick and Block Masonry Conference,Padova, Italy, 26-30 June 2016Hardcover – 9 Jun 2016 [Online] Available: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brick-Block-Masonry-Proceedings-International/dp/1138029998
NHS [Online] Available: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/can-damp-and-mould-affect-my-health/
Oxford DNB (1991) Hopkins Sir Frank Henry Edward. [Online] Available: https://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-40140
Peerage (2019) Sir Arthur Harold Clayton, 11th Bt. [Online] Available: http://www.thepeerage.com/p22686.htm#i226853
Peter Ward (n.d.) Rising Damp. [Online] Available: https://www.heritage-house.org/damp-and-condensation/all-about-the-pca/property-care-association-rising-damp-and-facebook.html
Robertson, A. (2018) Private Paradise. [Online] Available: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5961885/Stunning-four-bed-Dorset-home-comes-cove-hits-market-1-7m.html
Speweik, J. (1997) Why using Modern Mortar can damage a Historic House: Repointing Right! Publication: Old House Journal July-August 1997. [Online] Available: https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=3w6Ocm-otPgC&lpg=PA46&dq=sacrificial%20brick%20lime%20mortar%20cement%20mortar&pg=PA46#v=onepage&q=sacrificial%20brick%20lime%20mortar%20cement%20mortar&f=false
Wooley T. (2017) Building Materials, Health and Indoor Air Quality: No Breathing Space? [Online] Available: https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=-C0lDwAAQBAJ&lpg=PA98&dq=nhs%20damp%20affect%20home&pg=PA98#v=onepage&q=nhs%20damp%20affect%20home&f=false