Moisture, Condensation and Rising Damp

Probably the most invasive and destructive issue in any dwelling is the presence of unwanted moisture. Generally caused by either a leak, a sudden downpour of water which overcomes the buildings' standard liquid evacuation points (gutters, drains etc) or a lack of ventilation, moisture in a dwelling can spell disaster for both the building structure and also the health of the inhabitants.

Obviously, the cause of the penetration of the moisture must be treated quickly and erradication generally commences at the same time.

1. Flood through storm and rising water- Water from this source can be classified as either Category 1 (clean), Category 2 (general contamination) or Category 3 (sewerage) and we have the equipment and knowledge to quickly remove flood water from any dwelling. Speed is of the essence in attempting to avoid the negative consequences of water in the dwelling as if left, it can lead to mould, distorted timbers, condensation and long term damage to furniture and general belongings.

2. Moisture caused by a lack of ventilation - more difficult to reverse, often the symptoms of a lack of ventilation - rising damp, mould, mildew and condensation - have taken years to manifest themselves and can take several months to reverse unless radical action is taken.

Step 1 - Stem the moisture source

The first step in any moisture reversal or erradication process is to stem the source of the moisture. If this is an' event' type of invasion (flood, damaged rains), then the first step is to ensure that the event has been repaired.

Step 2 - Increase the ventilation

If it is a lack of ventilation (as opposed to an event) then the first step is to increase the ventilation, typically through a combination of forced or mechanical ventilation and adding passive vents. Often, if the moisture in the subfloor (moisture is typically found in the subfloor of the dwelling) is severe, we adopt a radical approach to its reversal and will dry out the subfloor before installing a long term mechanical ventilation system.

Step 3 - Remove and/or reverse the symptoms of moisture

Once we have stabilised the situation, we then clean up all mould affected areas of the dwelling, and dry out the building using dehumidifiers, airmovers and large gas fired heaters.