London has many Victorian districts and townhouses were popular in that time; basements included, these buildings are prone to damp, especially in low-lying areas in the Thames Valley area. Large sash windows, elaborate timber architrave and skirting, all increase the chances of a woodworm infestation, especially in the spring months when all life forms reproduce. These houses were built in a time when resources were plenty; timber was the go-to material and features in period homes. Carved wood is evident with elaborate and intricate designs and this can be destroyed by damp or insects.
Buying London Townhouses
Anyone who is planning to purchase such a property should arrange for London Damp Surveys to inspect the entire building. This is the only way you can find out for sure, whether the property is free from woodworm, wet and dry rot, damp and mould. We pride ourselves on our swift and thorough damp inspections in London, the customer receives a detailed report within 24 hours.
Huge investment
Buying any real estate in London means a significant investment; it makes complete sense to have the property surveyed for damp, mould and timber rot. Our fees are very competitive and all our surveyors have the required accreditations; you receive a digital report that contains images and maybe video to help you understand the data. Once you know the house is damp and pest-free, you can move ahead with confidence and make an offer.
Low-lying regions
Victorian houses that sit on damp ground must be professionally waterproofed; basement tanking is a popular solution to waterproofing an underground space, which is very effective at keeping water at bay. Type C cavity membrane drainage is often the preferred method, which involves installing a studded membrane on walls, floors and ceilings to create a waterproof space that can be used in many ways; many London flats are basement properties and basement waterproofing in London is a busy industry, keeping homes dry and insect-free.
Inferior damp proof course
In former times, the chosen way to stop damp from rising up walls was to insert a bitumen strip between brick courses at ground level. Hundreds of years can see the timber rotting and infected with woodworm, which costs thousands of pounds to repair. A lot of the timber sections would need replacing with pre-treated timber sections to ensure there is no repeat. There are other solutions than replacing the damp proof course, an injectable foam can be forced into wall cavities, also providing extra insulation.
Woodworm
There are several species of beetle that reside in the UK; they burrow tiny holes in the wood, with small mounds of dust next to the holes. They lay eggs in the holes and when the eggs hatch, the larvae eat timber pulp, destroying the wood. These insects can reproduce at an alarming rate, so if you notice any signs of woodworm infestation, you should contact us and we can send a qualified surveyor to inspect your home and provide you with a detailed report.
Contact London Damp Surveys on 0207 305 5997 or fill in the form on this website and find out if your home has damp, mould or woodworm issues.
