PHONE ME,  07986 432634
Bone Dry Damp Proofing, Hereford

PHONE ME, 07986 432634

Problem with damp walls in Hereford, Ledbury, Leominster, Ludlow, Malvern, Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye?

Robert Young is your local damp proofing specialist. Knowledge, expertise, experience.

There are two main types of damp problem in buildings: rising damp and penetrating damp. Find out about them.

In older buildings, like many in Hereford, Ledbury, Leominster, Ludlow, Malvern, Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye, damp can be a issue. Apart from spoiling decorations, the presence of mould and fungal growth can be harmful to health, especially for those with respiratory problems. Based in Hereford, I can solve your damp problems.

Contact me and I will come and inspect the situation, without obligation on your part. If it looks like something where I can help, I quote you a fixed price for the job, using Sovereign or Biokil products, the best available in the UK.

Often, the damp issue raises other building problems, and my general building expertise can help there too. Please do give me a ring in Hereford, or send me an email. I look forward to speaking with you.

Robert Young, 07986 432634

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4.9 Stars - Based on 44 User Reviews
Nathan Brooking AvatarNathan Brooking
Rob and Jamie did a fantastic job on our dinning room. Rob provided a schedule of work and despite uncovering that this damp had become worse and that he needed to change his approach due to the fabric of the walls he remained true to the costings provided. This is so rare and honest and means I would have zero hesitation in booking Rob again when we look to tank our garage. He also provided us with brilliant advice on how to prepare the walls for painting along with some recommendations for a carpenter and electrician that he has previously worked with. We have had other trades people around who know of Rob and without hesitation have said "oh he's very good and knows what he's doing". This kind of endorsement from fellow trades speaks volumes to Robs work and the regard his business is held in. - 30/10/24 
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Jude Howells AvatarJude Howells
Robert and Jamie were the best! They carried out some serious damp proofing in our 300 year old barn conversion house and were super efficient, hard working, highly knowledgeable and skilled. They were careful to minimise dust and mess and cleared up everywhere. All done with a sense of humour! Can't recommend them enough. - 18/07/24 
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Val Upton AvatarVal Upton
Having identified issues with damp in part of our house which is around 150 years old - we contacted Robert for his professional advice and a solution to the problem. Robert undertook a survey after making contact and explained what process he would use. We accepted Robert’s proposal and he undertook the work. It was necessary to remove 2/3rds of the existing plaster from the walls affected in order for Robert to treat the damp. Robert is very experienced in the processes undertaken and took the time to explain to us what and why he was doing. The very nature of the work undertaken is dusty and dirty but Robert and Jamie were very tidy throughout the time with us and when they finished the job the re plastered walls were perfect (exceptionally smooth) and all traces of debris and dust had been cleaned and tidied. Robert’s professionalism and advice were exemplary and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Robert as his work in our experience was first class. - 11/06/24 
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Toni Cooper AvatarToni Cooper
We enlisted the help of Rob to sort out damp issues in our kitchen. His knowledge is exemplary. The work was carried out to a very high standard, in the time frame expected. Both Rob & Jamie were very respectful of our property & are a pleasure to work with. Can highly recommend & we have asked them to come back to do some more work for us. 😊 - 31/05/24 
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Fiona O'Callaghan AvatarFiona O'Callaghan
Robert and Jamie did a fantastic job of tanking a large section of damp in my living room. Very thorough and diligent, would wholeheartedly recommend. - 14/05/24 
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Kristian Livingston AvatarKristian Livingston
I have recently had the pleasure of engaging Rob and Jaime to start the first of several stages of damp proofing and other works in our approx 160 year old cottage. They are conscientious, professional and knowledgeable tradesman, with a great work ethic and approachable manner. I have already secured their engagement for stage 2 of this ongoing project, and won’t be hesitating to engage them for further stages going forward. Great guys, great craic, top notch all round. - 27/02/24 
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Clementina Elphinstone AvatarClementina Elphinstone
Rob has sorted two areas of damp for us and we couldn’t recommend him more. Professional, hugely knowledgable, honest and kind - we wouldn’t hesitate to use him again. Him and Jamie sourced the issue and fixed very quickly and competently each time. Thank you! - 23/12/23 
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Toby Harding AvatarToby Harding
Rob and Jamie are professionals who take a genuine pride in what they do. They did a really thorough job of tanking our cellar and left an incredible finish with their plastering. Highly recommend them and we'll be using them again. - 06/12/23 
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Holly M AvatarHolly M
If we could give more stars we would. Robert transformed our property in Cradley after completing damp proofing in our dining room & living room. Jam packed full of knowledge, Robert is friendly, informative, polite, kind, clean, & tidy. The work he has done for us has been outstanding, he went above and beyond and we would absolutely recommend Robert to anyone looking for a solution to damp problems. Thank you Robert, we’re honestly so grateful for everything you did for us and our little old cottage. - 12/11/23 
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Sally AvatarSally
Damp proofing work for rising damp in an old cottage. Careful, honest and reliable. Did a good job. Would definitely recommend. - 16/10/23 
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Sovereign and Biokil are the UK’s leading innovators and suppliers in the damp proofing industry. We are fully trained in the use of their products, and use them exclusively for damp cure.

Our close association with them can give you an independent guarantee for up to 30 years.

OUR SOVEREIGN CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

sovcert

See a Sovereign video on damp proofing…

RISING DAMP

Rising damp is where there is a high moisture content at the base of the wall, which steadily rises further up the wall. Rarely over one metre above ground level.

It shows as…

  • Damaged internal decoration – damp, discoloured tidemarks on wallpaper or painted surfaces.
  • Damaged plaster work – blistering, salting and disintegration.
  • Rotting skirting boards and/or floor timbers – wet rot decay.
  • Localised dampness – dampness on lower section of walls, but may go much higher in extreme cases.
  • Salt marks on outside brickwork.

THE CAUSES

There are many causes, but the most common are…

  • No damp proof course or failure of an existing damp proof course.
  • High ground outside ‘bridging’ (making a link to) above an existing damp proof course.
  • Internal plastering ‘bridging’ an existing damp proof course.
  • ‘Bridging’ of damp proof course due to build-up of rubble or rubbish inside a cavity wall.
  • Residual dampness at the base of the wall following a previous damp problem.
  • Leaking water pipes at the base of a wall.

And condensation is one of the most common causes of dampness in properties. Quite simply, condensation is water deposited on a surface from warm, moist air coming into contact with a cold surface. Usually more of a problem during the colder winter months.

Cold air enters a building, the air is warmed for comfort, the warm air takes up and holds moisture, this warm moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces and condensation occurs when excess water is released. Very often the first indication of condensation is black spot mould growth in the worst affected areas.

Condensation can also be seen as misting of windows leading to water droplets and even puddles of water on window sills. Other areas typically affected by condensation are cold external walls or pipe work, where there is poor air circulation, behind furniture, or in built-in cupboards.

PENETRATING DAMP

Penetrating damp is water moving through walls from the outside of the building.

It shows as…

  • Damaged internal décor – damp, discoloured tidemarks in line with the external ground level.
  • Damaged plasterwork – blistering, salting and disintegration.
  • Rotting skirting boards, floor timbers – wet rot decay.
  • Degradation of brick work.
  • Localised dampness – random damp patches at high and low level that do not dry out.
  • Mould growth with a musty smell, spoilt decoration.

THE CAUSES

The most common causes of penetrating damp are…

  • Building problems to old or faulty construction – defective roof coverings, cracked brickwork, badly fitting windows or door frames, guttering or downpipes not working properly.
  • Lateral penetrating damp – caused when the ground outside, abutting the wall is above internal floor level.

wall

Broken downpipes are just one reason for damp in walls.

CURING DAMP PROBLEMS

INJECTION METHODS FOR RISING DAMP

You need tanking if the outside ground level is higher than the internal floor. Or where there’s old 9” brick walls, or old stone walls.

Treatment here needs to stop the water coming through the wall itself, rather than up from the ground (that’s the difference between rising and penetrating damp). You must appreciate this all takes several days, or part-days.

This is what I do…

  • Remove all internal plaster or wall materials to get back to the plain brick or stone wall.
  • Treat with an anti-solvent to destroy the salts.
  • Apply a thin slurry coat of cement and water-proofer.
  • Apply a render coat of sand, cement and water-proofer to the wall.
  • Apply Sovereign K11 Tanking treatment, and allow the whole wall to dry thoroughly.
  • Board and plaster-skim, or render and full plaster to restore the interior finish.

A NEW ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT

This is for above-ground damp only. There isn’t much cost advantage over traditional methods, but it is much quicker and les messy. Sovereign, our damp-proofing supplier, have a membrane product called ‘CDM3 LATH’.

Essentially, it’s like a wide-space bubble wrap, but much more substantial. First the damp wall may or may not need some initial treatment. Then the membrane is fixed to the damp wall with special plugs, with the bubble part facing the wall surface. The means there is an air-gap created. Ventilation grills or space, top and bottom, creates an airflow through this gap, and this stops the build-up of condensation.

Plasterboard panels can easily be fixed to the membrane, and the room is ready for normal decoration. Less treatment steps involved. And importantly, like with other Sovereign treatments, the work is guaranteed.

TANKING METHOD FOR PENETRATING DAMP

If the damp problem is less severe and the external and internal walls are in respectable condition, then you have the option of simple wall injections. This involves drilling a series of holes in a horizontal line, and injecting damp-proofing cream.

It may be possible to do this from the outside, which minimises disruption. But if it has to be inside, then skirting boards will probably have to be removed.

This treatment can be done on one visit which keeps the cost down, but there is a risk of salt marks appearing as the walls dry out over time. I will advise you, but you should be aware of this.

A full treatment requires at least four days (or part-days) work to allow drying time between treatments. I can use Sovereign products (best available in the UK) which come with guarantees – I am an accredited installer.

In that case, I return with a Sovereign damp proofing expert. Together we diagnose the problems in detail, and work out a suitable course of treatment. This completed work will be inspected by Sovereign, who will issue a full warranty.

So, first I strip off the internal plaster up to 1.2m., and then treat with an anti-solvent to destroy the salts in the wall. Then inject, and further treatment before re-plastering the wall.

A NEW ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT

This is for above-ground damp only. There isn’t much cost advantage over traditional methods, but it is much quicker and les messy. Sovereign, our damp-proofing supplier, have a membrane product called ‘CDM3 LATH’.

Essentially, it’s like a wide-space bubble wrap, but much more substantial. First the damp wall may or may not need some initial treatment. Then the membrane is fixed to the damp wall with special plugs, with the bubble part facing the wall surface. The means there is an air-gap created. Ventilation grills or space, top and bottom, creates an airflow through this gap, and this stops the build-up of condensation.

Plasterboard panels can easily be fixed to the membrane, and the room is ready for normal decoration. Less treatment steps involved. And importantly, like with other Sovereign treatments, the work is guaranteed.

ROBERT YOUNG BUILDING SERVICES

I have lived and worked in Herefordshire for more than thirty years. I offer a full damp cure service. Look at the testimonials and you can see my customers’ satisfaction with my work. And I promise you my personal, expert attention for your work.

As well as, and linked to my skilled damp proofing advice and expertise, I offer a full building service from extensions and repairs, through to new builds and complete building renovations.

  • Hereford, Leominster, Malvern, Ledbury areas.
  • Damp proofing.
  • Bricklaying and stone work.
  • Lime pointing.
  • All types of ground and drainage works.
  • Setting out and slab laying.
  • Stud work, plaster boarding and plastering.
  • Roofing of all types.
  • And rubber flat roofing. Way better than felt, cheaper than fibreglass. More about this soon!

If you have a damp proofing, building problem or new project, please do give me a ring in Hereford, or send me an email. I look forward to speaking with you.

Robert Young, 07986 432634

TESTIMONIALS

We are extremely happy with the work carried out by Rob Young. Rob knew exactly how to solve or damp issue and prevent water from flooding our utility room! We would recommend Rob for his efficiency, hard work and professional attitude.

Jane Stanton-Cole.

Thank you for the damp proofing and repairs. You did a great job and we are most pleased with the work you have done. Thank you.

Colin and Willia Hemley.

Robert Young has carried out work for me in his capacity as a self-employed builder. He has always been reliable, honest and punctual. I find him of good character.

Roger Allsop.

We are very pleased with the work done by Rob Young at our house. We would recommend him for his professional approach to his work and attention to detail.

Mr and Mrs Keetley.

Robert Young was the main contractor that we used for substantial alterations. This work involved construction of an extension to a Grade II listed building. The work was carried out in an efficient and timely way. Robert himself undertook all of the bricklaying, which was done to a very high standard.

Paul Harrison.

GET IN TOUCH

Robert Young,
63 Bulmer Avenue, Hereford HR1 1EJ.
t: 01432 355614
m: 07986 432634
[email protected]

Tell me your queries about damp or building work, or whatever. Use the form, email or phone (mobile is best!). But sometimes, I'm working in rural areas with no signal. If so, leave me a message and I’ll return your call ASAP.

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