How an effective damp proof course will make your home energy-efficient

The simple fact is that any damp wall loses its thermal efficiency. What you may not realise is the massive difference that can make to your heating bills. 

When Plymouth University undertook independent testing of the unique Peter Cox product called DryWall Thermotek the results proved conclusively that as much as 29% of heat lost through a damp wall was saved.  But that’s just the start of the savings you can make.  

Add up just how much you’ve spent on replacing  damp plaster and wallpaper, on expensive products to remove ugly black spot mould growing in corners and on repairing loose or decaying floor boards and kitchen units.  Even with these costs spiralling with your energy bills, none of these everyday rescue measures will actually deal with the problem at source.

What causes a wall to become damp?

Most houses built before 1920 have no damp proof course at all. From impressive stately homes built by the leading architects of their day through to popular terraces, nothing was done to stop ground dampness rising into the fabric of the structures.  It simply wasn’t understood as it is now.  Effectively the water rises into the very pores of the wall through capillary action, rather like  blotting paper dipped in a glass of water. Anything that comes into contact with the damp walls can potentially be affected by fungal decay. That includes skirting boards, timber panelling, floor boards and decorations.

After 1920, different forms of damp proof courses started to appear. To try and create an impervious barrier against water, felt was laid in bitumen in the mortar joints or slate was embedded in the mortar.  These old types of barrier are prone to perish and break down due to movement, settlement and just the passage of time.

In modern houses, a plastic style of damp proof course (DPC) has become the ‘norm’ .  Whilst more durable, these can become ‘bridged’ where ground is raised above the DPC, rendering the DPC ineffective.

At Peter Cox, experience shows that most houses built before the 1970s have a damp problem, whether it’s because there’s no DPC at all or that it has failed over time. 

Peter Cox Invents the Patented Solution

Sixty three years ago, Peter Cox was a well respected stone mason and contractor, frequently asked as part of his daily work to fit a damp proof course to pre-existing buildings – known as a “retrospective” fit.  Obviously, it needed to be done with the least mess and disruption, yet be able to control rising dampness and to go on to protect the property for the future. Not only did he solve it, he created his own revolutionary, patented answer which is the forerunner of all ‘remedial’ DPCs fitted to existing buildings.

Over the next 50 years his ‘system’ has been improved as new products and techniques have been made available. The latest Peter Cox DPCs effectively keep the walls dry from rising damp, helping to reduce heat loss through the entire property.  Once the damp problem is fully resolved, the risk of rotting floors is reduced and all that remains is for the plaster and decorations to be replaced in the knowledge the damp problem has been resolved and will not return.  Quite simply, it’s one of the most effective things you can do to reduce your running costs and keep your home feeling safer, warmer, and better for your health.

How a Peter Cox ‘Dry Wall’ DPC is Installed

To cure rising damp, the installation of a damp proof course is a relatively straightforward operation. It does require skill and experience though to make sure the work is effective, while causing the least disturbance to the occupants.

A mortar joint is chosen, normally around 150mm above the external ground level where a series of 10-12mm diameter holes are drilled horizontally at 150mm ‘centres’. The holes are drilled from one side – to within 40mm of the remote side, thereby avoiding disturbance to the other side of the wall - then filled with Peter Cox Dry Wall damproofing cream. This is a silane material which lines the pores of the mortar and brickwork to make them completely resistant to the passage of moisture. One key difference with the system is that the chemical used doesn’t block the wall or stop it from breathing.

It takes between four to six weeks for the cream to diffuse into the mortar joint and spreads through the whole depth of the wall to create a horizontal waterproof barrier against rising damp. The dampness that was there ABOVE the new dpc line can now begin to dry out naturally by evaporation.

As the drying out happens, a second major issue emerges – one that is all too often overlooked.

The existing dampness is full of salts, including nitrates and chlorides, drawn up from the ground, which will now concentrate on the surface of the masonry and on the plasterwork inside the property.  It’s vital that all the internal wall plaster affected by these salts is removed and replaced with Peter Cox ‘Dry Wall’ Coating, otherwise the wall can’t dry out as it should.

It’s the dusty part of the job but it’s absolutely essential to ensure you get the full benefit of your new DPC and start reaping your energy saving.  For an average British semi, normally the DPC installation, the removal of the old internal plaster and the full replacement with ‘Dry Wall Coating’ can be done within a week in one seamless procedure. 

Says, Richard Walker of Peter Cox Property Services, “ The majority of people have a new DPC, then re-plaster themselves only to find the wall is still wet. That’s actually because the salts from the ground weren’t taken into consideration. It’s an easy mistake to make and one we rectify for customers all the time. It just makes sense to let us advise you on the issues you may not know about.  On many property refurbishment projects where we install a DPC, the developer will  have their own plasterer finish the job with the wrong plaster mix ! That’s where the salts score every time. You must use the right wall ‘coating’ in the right way to deal with the salts and get a dry and energy-efficient finished result.”

The Peter Cox ‘Dry Wall’ approach is an All-In-One solution that is 100% effective  and comes with a full guarantee. Well over half a million guarantees have been given to customers to date, every single one honoured thanks to the quality of the process Peter Cox invented.

DryWall Thermotek

What Else Can Cause Walls to be Damp?

Peter Cox Property Services provide a holistic approach to dampness, not just finding but fixing all the ways it enters into or affects the property. There are four major causes:

• Rising damp coming up from the ground. You need to fit an effective damp proof course. The Peter Cox ‘Dry Wall’ DPC and ‘Dry Wall’ coating.
• Lateral dampness where an exposed eternal wall is affected. You need masonry protection coating to prevent rain penetration. Thermotek masonry protection cream does the job    
• Condensation caused by water vapour in the property created by the occupants. Where a property is not ventilated properly to deal with the humidity created by the occupants, the Peter Cox ‘Whole House Ventilation’ system is at the forefront in providing cost effective solutions.
• High ground level perhaps in basements or lower ground floor rooms. To control this form of dampness you need Peter Cox ‘Dry Room’ Waterproofing.

It may be that you property has a mixture of problems and you ideally need a Peter Cox qualified surveyor to identify them all and advise on the defects.

In summary, Richard says, “Perhaps the most important reason of all to ask the experts is that a damp property is a decaying asset and a health risk. So, do make sure the advice you get is trustworthy to help keep you, your home and your family safe and well, long term.  Before you spend another penny on cosmetic repairs, my advice is deal with any property dampness at source. That’s the smart way to save time, money and effort year after comfortable year and to do all you can to stop wasting expensive energy in your home.”

To discuss your property needs, call Peter Cox Property Services and relax knowing you’ll have the best advice from highly qualified surveyors. You just can’t put a price on that kind of peace of mind.  For more information please see: http://www.petercox.com/drywall-thermotek.php

Keep Out the Wet Weather with Damp Proofing Services

Winter has arrived, bringing with it the major challenge of damp and condensation in the home faced by people across the UK. If left untreated, damp can spread throughout a property and cause serious health issues, particularly for asthma and allergy sufferers. Damp problems in the home are particularly prevalent during winter months due to the increased difference in temperature between the cold outdoors and the inside of the home. This leads to moisture seeping through windows and walls, creating damp problems which can lead to issues such as dry rot, wet rot, and mould affecting the home.

Damp problems can cause the deterioration of structural timber, which can be a serious problem for buildings. However, with the assistance of a damp proofing specialist such as Peter Cox, you can easily ensure your home’s protection from any damp issues during winter. Their experienced damp specialists will be able to analyse your situation and provide effective damp proofing treatments tailored to your property.

So, how can you protect your home against damp problems this winter?

Ventilate to Remove Moisture: An effective method of prevent damp and condensation is by ventilating your rooms to keep air flowing. All you need to do is open the windows slightly to facilitate the escape of warm air to the outside and let in cool air.

Extractor Fans: Always use extractor fans for particularly humid areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. This helps to prevent moisture building up in the attic by evacuating air outside quickly. Doing this will prevent the moist air reaching other rooms - particularly bedrooms, which are often colder and more likely to be affected by condensation.

Heating: Use low levels of heat all day long rather than short bursts of high heat when you are in the house. Avoid using kerosene heaters as they release up to one litre of water per hour.

Insulation and draught-proofing: By blocking off draughts and insulating your loft, winter condensation and dampness can be prevented to a considerable extent. While draught-proofing, ensure that you do not block any permanent vents or rooms where there is condensation or mould.

Damp Proofing: Using a damp proofing specialist such as Peter Cox is the most effective method of preventing rising damp and penetrating damp in the home. They introduce their DryWall silane diffusion mixture into the wall, which reacts with the masonry to form a water-repellent resin which can prevent damp problems. Their affable, affordable service comes with a twenty-year guarantee.

By taking a few simple steps to prevent damp in the home during winter, you will be able to prevent any long term serious damage like mould, dry rot, and wet rot in the home whilst keeping it a happy, healthy place to live.

 

For more about damp proofing your property please click here

The Dangers of Dry Rot

Every year, homeowners across the UK spend large amounts of money on extensive renovations to repair damage caused by dry rot. Dry rot is caused by the presence of damp, moisture and condensation in the home, and can cause serious damage to your property affecting walls, floors, and structural timber. Unlike wet rot, dry rot can spread far beyond the point where moisture and damp have entered the home, meaning a dry rot infection must be detected and eliminated as quickly as possible, lest further damage to the home occur.

In order to prevent dry rot, one must ensure their home is protected against the entry of damp, condensation and moisture. For a long-term solution, seek assistance from an experienced dry rot treatment company such as Peter Cox. A reputable contractor with over five decades of experience in providing a range of property services such as wet rot and dry rot treatment, damp proofing, basement waterproofing and woodworm treatment, their dry rot treatments can repair damage to structural timber caused by dry rot and, through the use of such products as their DryWall +  damp proof course, can prevent the dry rot from ever returning.

What Causes Dry Rot?

Dry rot occurs when timber is exposed to moisture or comes into contact with damp masonry. The growth and spread of the dry rot fungus depends on certain environmental conditions - damp, stagnant conditions combined with lack of proper ventilation provide the ideal environment for the development of dry rot. Such damp conditions may occur for a number of reasons, such as internal plumbing leaks, condensation  or rain water penetration from outside the house.

Usually, the first signs of an outbreak may be the sudden appearance of a mushroom-like fruiting body or fine grey-white hyphae strands. The affected timber will become dry and brittle, and will crumble to the touch.

What are the Dangers of Dry Rot?

Dry rot can grow through damp masonry, brickwork and behind plaster, causing widespread structural damage. Dry rot’s ability to spread so rapidly can make treatment more complicated than with other types of rot - but if left untreated, the fungus can spread through an entire property, causing severe damage to structural timber and masonry which could lead to collapse.

The presence of dry rot itself doesn’t affect human health. However, its presence in a home may indicate high levels of dampness and condensation, which can cause respiratory problems and lead to other problems which can affect the health of you and your property, such as woodworm, wet rot, and mould growth. If you suspect a dry rot outbreak in the home, it is important to arrange a dry rot survey from an experienced property maintenance company such as Peter Cox.

Prevention and Treatment

Detect the Source of Damp: As dry rot is caused by damp and moisture entering the home, it is important to thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your home to find any source of damp. With professional assistance from Peter Cox’s dry rot specialists, you will be easily able to identify such sources like leaking gutters, rising damp, water leaks and poor ventilation that can also contribute to the problem.

Damp Proofing Treatment: You can also make your home more resistant to damp penetration with the help of Peter Cox’s damp proofing specialists. Peter Cox’s DryWall Thermotek masonry protection cream is applied to walls affected by damp as part of the damp proofing process and will help to prevent damp entering the home, thus not only helping prevent dry rot problems, but also helping to retain heat and thus conserving energy levels. Because of its eco-friendly, energy-saving properties (a single-coat application can yield an energy saving of 29%), the DryWallThermotek solution qualifies for a 5% VAT rate.

Dry Rot Elimination: Remove all infected timber and replace with pre-treated timber. Any remaining timbers at risk of being affected by the dry rot should be treated with an effective fungicide. Where the dry rot has passed through the masonry, it should be treated with a water-based biocide.

Dry rot is one of the most damaging conditions a property can suffer. If not controlled immediately, the condition can cause enormous damage in a short period of time. It is absolutely essential to take proper preventive and remedial steps with the help of dry rot experts such as Peter Cox in time to control the growth of the fungal decay.

For more information about dry rot please see:  http://www.petercox.com/dryrotcontrol.php

 

Sub floor ventilation, why spending a few pounds today could save you thousands tomorrow...

Often overlooked, sub floor ventilation is critical to the health of your home. If damp is at work, out of sight, under your floor boards, you could be accumulating a hefty bill that you could so easily avoid.

So let’s take a walk up to your front door and just see whether you’re harbouring a potential problem with your property.  First of all, what’s not original about your home? Has anyone added an extension, a new driveway or path? Are your borders raised with soil? Is there a car port, conservatory, porch or patio addition? Are there areas of decking or raised planters and flower boxes?  If so, the chances are that your air bricks which provide essential sub floor ventilation could be partially or completely blocked. 

Says Richard Walker, National Development Manager for Peter Cox Property Services, “It’s amazing how something so apparently small and insignificant as an air brick or two can impact on your home life so hugely.  I’ve even seen vents closed off deliberately with pieces of slate to ‘stop any draughts’ and others cemented over completely!

“But that’s precisely where all the problems start. Air bricks or air vents are normally fitted just above your property’s damp proof course and their job is to let air flow right through your property from front to back or side to side. This helps maintain the correct moisture level in your underfloor void.  Keep the moisture content to below 15% and you should be fine.  But once the level starts creeping up, then you can develop problems in the joists and floor timbers leading to, mould, damp, musty smells and eventually devastating Dry Rot.

“Modern properties usually have air-bricks spaced at around 1.5m apart but in older properties it can be very arbitrary, as can the size of the vents and what they’re made from.

“How are you to know if your sub floor ventilation is all it should be without a simple underfloor survey with a moisture meter?”

“These days”, says Richard, “as the water table is rising, and flooding more widespread, the problem really needs addressing early  - an ounce of prevention being better than thousands of pounds worth of cure. You can even help yourself by removing cobwebs, leaves and debris that can block vents. We’ll gladly show you how to keep them clear and clean with the minimum of effort.

So should you check your property’s sub floor ventilation?  The simple answer is yes. If you live in a home built before 1980, particularly in a pre-war, Victorian or even older home, it’s really worth a small investment now to have experts run a quick check for you. If your house is at pavement level, particularly in terraced properties, you really need to know what’s going on under the floor. If you notice your floors bounce, shift, creak or appear to be dropping away from the skirting boards – these are all tell-tale signs that the underfloor joists are already affected by moisture. Even if the problem is established, an early investigation can still help prevent it getting worse.

Says Richard, “Our inspections are hassle-free and don’t take long, although we do need to be thorough!  With the right meters, specialist know-how and equipment, the surveyors can be in and out in a very short time.  You will get a full report with any recommendations so you can breathe easy. I mean that quite literally. Diagnosing a damp or inadequately ventilated sub floor void early can actually help you avoid the mould and fungal decay spores which some people, particularly the young and old can be allergic to.

“If we do find sub floor ventilation problems, the reassuring news is that often we won’t even need to disturb your day to fix them. New air vents can be fitted from outside your property to achieve the necessary air flow and rectify your problem.  Where a property is at street level, we can’t lower the pavement but we can fit periscope vents to introduce air flow. Whatever solution we provide, it will be right for your property.”

Richard continues, “Recently, we worked on six houses near York racecourse, all of them affected by the raised water table and subsequently Dry Rot. Early detection in one house was key to the whole street agreeing to fix its mutual problem at source. The size and style of property isn’t the issue. The survey is similar wherever we go. It’s quick, easy and inexpensive so why wouldn’t you want to have your house checked out.

The fact is that you can protect your home and your family with just a little professional insight before problems have a chance to manifest.  You’re not only spending a little to save a lot, you’re also making one small investment to help protect your family’s long term health and well-being.

Depending on the circumstances, Peter Cox Property Services offer some surveys free of charge. The team will also consult for a quoted fee before you purchase a property, giving you extra confidence that you’re making the right move.

To discuss your property or to arrange a survey, please get in touch with your nearest office of Peter Cox Property Services at http://www.petercox.com/regions.php or you can also call 0800 789 500 to talk to the experts and we’ll send a surveyor with local knowledge of your area.

Transfusion and Diffusion Damp Proof Course Systems

Peter Cox have been successfully installing remedial damp proof courses in buildings of all types since 1951. At that time Mr Peter Cox ran a stone restoration company based in London. He had noted that stonework at the base of buildings was often eroded as a result of rising dampness and he devised a method of retrospectively introducing a damp proof course (dpc) without significantly disturbing the wall structure. The newly installed dpc prevented further damage to the existing stonework and protected any new replacement stone at the base of the building. His original method of installing a dpc was known as the Transfusion system; this was patented, gained Agrément certification and has been listed as a valid method in BS6576 since the publication of the standard.

In brief, a silicon based water repellent liquid is introduced into the base of the walls via drilled holes which are normally into the mortar joint. The siliconate absorbs or ‘transfuses’ into the capillaries of the masonry; this lines the capillaries with a hygrophobic layer which resists capillary attraction therefore controlling rising dampness. The silicone material does not block the capillaries; the masonry can still ‘breathe’ and the wall structure remains fundamentally unchanged. The silicon water repellent used in the transfusion system is water based and non toxic; it is completely inert once cured and has no deleterious effect on the masonry into which it has been introduced .

Due to the installation process generally being via drilled holes in the mortar joint there is minimal disturbance of the actual stone or brickwork and once installed the holes can be re-pointed with negligible aesthetic impact.

Images showing installation of transfusion system and diagrammatic illustration of principle.



The transfusion system has been employed in thousands of prestigious and historic listed buildings throughout the UK and in other parts of Europe including Venice and Gibralter. Well known examples in the UK include York Minster, Selby Abbey, The Royal Mint, The Bishops Palace of Lincoln, Burleigh House Estate and Normanton Church.

Transfusion being used in a thick stone column of a university building.





Normanton Church – this ancient church was within the flood area of the proposed Rutland Water Reservoir. Prior to filling the reservoir the ground level outside the church and the floor level inside was raised by approximately two metres. A damp proof course was installed by transfusion above the new level to protect the stone walls from rising dampness in what were to become fairly extreme conditions.

Normanton Church after completion of the reservoir – the church is now used for exhibitions etc.

In 2002 Peter Cox developed the Diffusion system which was a natural progression from Transfusion. It is installed in a similar manner, the essential difference being that the silicon based water repellent material is now in a thixotropic cream form rather than a liquid. This allows greater control of the installation. Installation is via 10 -12mm diameter holes, which again, when drilled into the mortar joints enables a dpc to be installed with minimal disturbance and visual impact on the building, making it ideally suited to historic buildings. The water repellent material has no deleterious effect on the masonry. Installation of a dpc in this way prevents rising dampness and once dried down, damage to internal decorations is prevented and further damage externally from freeze/thaw is controlled.

Diffusion dpc installation.



Innovative external waterproofing project

Lob Lane Mill, Brierfield, Burnley.

This old mill has been divided up to make 8 separate canal side apartments.  The problem is that they recently had some water ingress through the pediments at the canal side of the mill which is causing rain water staining to the plaster board ceilings of the bedrooms which overlook the canal.

Peter Cox Ltd were approached by the client to give them a quote for external waterproofing works to the 10 pediments.  They enquired whether we had a suitable product which would not cause a problem to windows below, and would not pollute the canal by dripping.

Peter Cox Ltd has now carried out basement waterproofing works to all apartments with pumps and channels. An external waterproofing and thermal insulation product called DryWall Thermotek was also recommended as it’s thicker (more viscous) than other external waterproofing products on the market and it only requires one coat.

As the scaffold had been removed, works to the pediments were going to be difficult.  The plan was to hire a crane with a basket that can hold two men which can be used and set up from the “Dry side” of the building.

Luckily the weather stayed in our favour along with the wind (weather not the Technicians) and the contract was finished in one day with the client very happy.

For more about damp proofing.

Damp Problems and Advice

Given the current unseasonal rainfall, "this building is damp" may be the most common complaint regarding properties at the moment.

Are there damp ‘tide marks’ on your interior or exterior walls?
Are there signs of condensation on your walls and windows?
Is water escaping from roofs and gutters?
Is there mould on your walls, ceilings or around your windows?

If so, then you need to take action to prevent the dampness and obviate further problems such as peeling of wallpaper and paint, dry rot, wet rot, some kinds of woodworm, timber and structural damage, and health concerns. Some of these issues are very serious and can propagate through your property if left untreated.

See our web page for more about damp problems

Rising Damp

The classic form of ‘rising damp’ consists of moisture from the ground rising in through the wall by capillary action. Typical signs are the 'tide marks' of damp staining, often up to abouta metre above local external ground levels. Damp staining and visual damage can be seen indoors as well.

A solution is to insert a physical damp course in walls above ground level. Peter Cox recommends the DryWall Silane Diffusion method. This can be used for internal and external walls of any type and thickness, both brick and stone, including 280mm cavity brick walls.

Given the current level of rainfall and the high water table, external land drain installations to lower moisture levels in the ground can be very effective in certain instances.

See our web page for more about rising damp treatment.

Basement waterproofing

With the water table so high, dampness can enter basements, cellars, service pits and some ground-floor rooms where the floor is below ground level. Dampness comes in through the walls and floor due to water pressure from outside.

 

A Cavity Drainage Membrane is used for basement waterproofing. The interior walls and floor remain dry, while water is channelled into a drainage system, often using a sump and pump. As an alternatively, ‘tanking’ is the traditional solution for basement waterproofing, with a Cementitious Multi-Coat Render.

For more, see our basement waterproofing page

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp can also result when there is high rainfall, particularly with strong winds as well. Roofs, walls, windows, doors, chimneys, need to be in good order. Gutters, down pipes & drains should be clear, with no obstructions, leaks or overflows. The dampness and damage may be more localized if there is for instance a defective gutter that is overflowing

 It is important to diagnose the problem under the severe weather conditions and put in place a remedy. Otherwise the damage caused by long term damp can require more repair than the damp problem itself.

Internal damp

Water escaping from a water pipe, waste pipe, washing machine or the central heating system can cause damp patches to appear. Technically a leak rather than damp, these usually result in a very wet area close to (but not necessarily directly under) the source.

Condensation can cause damp problems resulting from poor ventilation, poorly heated rooms and too much moisture being produced by for instance showers, tumble dryers and cookers.

Cold surfaces and poorly ventilated areas are vulnerable to dampness and mould growth, for instance in cupboards, corners, behind heavy furniture and on cold outside walls. 

There’s more on our website regarding damp proofing

Damp Proofing Survey

A Peter Cox damp proofing survey report will evaluate your property and will inform you if and when early action is required. We will advise which damp proofing solutions are needed, based on:

• Cost-effective treatments
• Minimised risks
• On-time installations
• Future-proof solutions

Peter Cox gets an A+ at Coatbridge School

Peter Cox have recently completed another prestigious refurbishment project. This time, helping turn the listed Coatbridge High School buildings into one primary school and one special needs school.

The work, for North Lanarkshire Council's Education Department, included the installation of a full damp proof course injection and mass irrigation against dry rot across 2000 square metres of walling. In addition 4,000 square metres of roof timbers were treated against woodworm infestation with repairs needed to 40 joist ends, the roof purlins and decking. The main technicians were Jimmy McAtasney and Stuart Barr.

The story dates back to September 2009 when CRGP Architects requested a site survey. Charlie Wilson spent six days going through the property with a fine-toothed comb and attended all the design meetings. Charlie's report was then included in Graham Construction's tender documents, helping them to secure the contract.

Along with Peter Cox, Wise Property Care and Richardson & Starling were invited to quote for the essential property treatments. Charlie and Manager Gary invested a further four days re-surveying the property. As usual, Charlie’s dogged determination came into play as he then chased the Contractor every second day for 3 months.  

Says Gary Bouse, "In January 2011 the final price was agreed but there were yet more hurdles to overcome as our competitors vied against us. We focused our attention solely on how we would contract and supervise the job."

"Eventually that focus paid off. The design team wanted us to do the work, we thought solely because of our persistence, pin-sharp pricing and professional approach. Our professional approach appeared to be the clincher for the deal. Apparently, this actually reinforced the site managers' belief in us and they actively pushed for us to be appointed!"

It just took going back to Coatbridge School to remind us of the professional advantage we have over our competition and to ensure that we continue to maintain our high standards!"

Peter Cox have since consulted on further measures to protect this beautiful, listed property long term. Thanks to the performance of the Technicians on the Coatbridge site, Peter Cox have also been recommended for further projects. John McHugh, Construction Director at Graham Construction, has advised that Peter Cox is now their preferred contractor.

Click on the links for more about damp proofing and dry rot treatement.