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01752 201077

07779 777965

Structural Masonry Protection Service Covering Plymouth, Devon & Cornwall

If you have noticed on your building bowing brickwork, horizontal or vertical cracking, cracked lintels or any structural cracking you may have a building that is suffering and undergoing some form of movement. Several reasons can explain why this has happened such as a close growing tree with a large footprint span of tree roots inflicting damage to the foundations or lintel and wall tie failure.

What can we do to help?

Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) can carry out a professional survey as we have the expertise to achieve the correct diagnosis, design and make the correct decision for the perfect installment of units to suit the repair to accommodate a variety of different structural situations as well as working closely with Architects / Structural Engineers so as to perform specialist structural repairs. We offer a number of different methods as we specialize in difficult problem solving delicate repairs usually found in historical listed buildings. We offer a cost effective and non-disruptive service for you and on occasion it may be necessary to appoint a Structural Engineer to perform a detailed structural survey of which we can act on your behave to arrange and we will always advise you of this as prior to confirming their appointment.

Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) can tick all the boxes for structural reinforcement:

Wall carcking
Help & support

Our Guarantee

Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) can carry out a professional survey as we have the expertise to achieve the correct diagnosis, design and make the correct decision for the perfect installment of units to suit the repair to accommodate a variety of different structural situations as well as working closely with Architects / Structural Engineers so as to perform specialist structural repairs. We offer a number of different methods as we specialize in difficult problem solving delicate repairs usually found in historical listed buildings. We offer a cost effective and non-disruptive service for you and on occasion it may be necessary to appoint a Structural Engineer to perform a detailed structural survey of which we can act on your behave to arrange and we will always advise you of this as prior to confirming their appointment.

We offer a Federation Member Guarantee via the (WTIF) Wall Tie Installers Federation along with approval to issue a WTIF Insured Warrantee for all completed work, which is valid for a period of 25 years.

It covers:

If you decide to sell your home it is fully transferable to the new homeowner or someone who inherits the building. Our guarantees are underwritten on request. We are seeking membership with the Property Care Association to run along side our issue of guarantee so as we can protect our guarantee linking it to the (GPI) Guarantee Protection Insurance Ltd

On request and at extra cost we can appoint a Chartered Building Surveyor along with a Consulting Engineer to independently supervise all works to ensure they are completed to the very highest standard possible. Please feel free to contact us for more help, advise or information.

Crack stitching

As there are a growing number of older properties in the UK it is getting more common and a growing concern for these properties requiring maintenance to their walls.

The most common first signs of a structural defect in progress is for cracks to appear on walls.

If you have noticed this on your home our recommendation would be to contact us so as we can perform detailed survey from one of our experts who will be able to correctly diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate method of repair of which may a crack stitching solution depending on the situation and the outcome of the survey.

Crack stitching is a form of masonry repair and does basically what it says on the tin. The crack is raked out and cleaned from all debris. Using a variety of crack stitching bars grouted across each crack in turn and using cement based render with a flexible cement bonding solution applied to each crack thus stitching the crack together and reinforcing the stability and flexibility of the wall. This solution recouples the wall back together permitting stress and loads to be passed through the masonry.

We use crack stitching as a method to repair cracked masonry on all types of masonry as it provides the perfect method and remedy to repair the cracked walls in order to reestablish their structural integrity and stabilize the property protecting it from further water penetration through the what was cracked render. It is important to protect your home from damp moisture penetration as this can lead to internal fabric damage to your plaster and walls.

If you have noticed cracks at all and are unsure and concerned, please feel free to contact us where we can offer you help and advice. In most cases the cracks can easily be repaired.

Are crack stitching bars always necessary?

Every property we have visited has required a form of crack stitching to repair the cracks. Depending on the severity if the cracks will depend on weather bars is used or not. Crack stitching is proven to be a reliable repair without the need to knock down and rebuild any existing brickwork and can easily be completed in a short span of time making it a cost effective solution.

Method without bars

The crack is raked out and cleaned from all debris. Using cement based render with a flexible cement bonding solution applied to each crack in turn thus stitching the crack together and reinforcing the stability and flexibility of the wall.

Method with bars

The crack is raked out and cleaned from all debris. Using a variety of crack stitching bars grouted across each crack in turn and using cement based render with a flexible cement bonding solution applied to each crack thus stitching the crack together and reinforcing the stability and flexibility of the wall.

Crack stitching
Crack stitching

Cavity Wall Ties

Cavity wall ties have been used in the construction of new dwellings since the 1930’s. There initial function was to provide better protection from weathering elements as by improving the thermal insulation. Wall ties are usually made from galvanized wire or mild steel. As time has gone pasted the material used to fabricate wall ties has began to fail especially to houses built in the 1980’s. As the tie begins to corrode embedded in the mortar it expands causing cracking horizontally in the block work or brick work and then pasted into hairline cracks to the render of which can also be vertical and causing the two skin to be unstable in the effected areas.

Visual evidence of this failure can be noted in the appearance of horizontal cracking in block work / brickwork and mortar to the external surface wall. Also if the wall is rendered study any hairline cracks and monitor how they progress. If the problem has been left and ignored it will eventually lead to the bulging out of the wall as the corrosion worsens.

This is not isolated to only older dwellings but new builds are now requiring supplementary wall tie systems due to them not being built with enough ties in the first place or they have been completely omitted altogether.

Surveying & installing wall ties

Here at Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) have an extensive knowledge to offer the correct solutions for an abundance of renovation and construction projects you may have. Our experienced surveyors use investigatory methods using specialist equipment to perform a tailor made detailed survey so as to reach the correct diagnosis of the situation so as to be able to recommend the correct solution whilst adhering to all current guidelines to safeguard the correct design of wall tie is used along with the correct installation procedure is undertaken defining the exact method of isolation.

Our highly trained skilled technicians producing a high quality of workmanship perform all our works and follow a detailed requirement to reach the standard we are proud of. Remedial works include identifying and isolating the failed ties prior to the installation of new ties specially fabricated from a non-corrosive high-grade material by drilling through the outer skin wall through the cavity and into the inner skin wall. This procedure can also be used to tie a newly build wall to an existing wall structure. Whilst the procedure is being carried out we will undertake what is known as a “pull out” test. These tests are performed at random and they are to safeguard a secure fixing is being attained. The replacement of wall ties is not a DIY job, it is a technical procedure and the correct standards must be met. We only use professional tradesmen operatives, technicians and surveyors in house trained so as we achieve the best results possible when carrying out this work from star to finish.

Lateral Restraints

It is possible in some properties for a wall to separate and move away from the floor. This can lead to bulging of the masonry. To reverse this action lateral restraints can be used to ties the wall back to the floor so as achieving a solid fix for the wall, which in turn, will stabilize the structure of the building. Should your building be suffering from this issue our surveyor will need to lift up the flooring for inspection of the wall floor and to investigate and diagnose the cause of the movement problem before recommending a specific detailed repair solution.

Timber resin repairs

If you find a structural defect within a major supporting structural timber beam or rafter it may not always be necessary to completely remove it and replace it which will undertake major works. There are on the market today approved ways of sectional replacement of timbers that use epoxy resin in combination with embedded steel bars pre cut into hardwood timber sections that can replace decaying rotten section of timber without the need to replace the entire beam and would re-establish the timbers structural integrity for many years to come. It is highly efficient in replacing decayed ends or middle sections of timber joists, frames or beams. The decay could be from rot of infestation but the week timber will need replacing in order to retain its structural strength.

This method only targets the defective sections of timber rather than the entire section thus saving a lot of good timber not affected so as ensuring the majority of the original timber is left in place meaning valuable historical timbers are retained so its usually is the perfect solution for historical listed buildings.

What is the timber resin repair procedure?

The procedure incurs minimum damage and disruption to the surrounding brickwork & render by taking out the affected decaying sections of the timber. Once clear holes are drilled in the old existing section and the new section to be fitted to allow the reinforcing bars to be engaged a bit like metal doweling. Once the bars are securely in place resin is either injected or poured to encase the reinforcing bars and once this resin hardens it securely bonds together the new section of timber to the old existing section. If the timbers are on display it is possible to stain any resin on show to the same colour as the existing timbers and there are moulding mortars machines that can mimic beetle attack flight holes and even wood grain therefore blend in completely without even knowing it was there.

Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) has in house staff that has been involved with timber treatment engineering for over 20 years and has close relations with a number of specialist resin manufacturers. This specific area in question of expertise was designed together with technical institutions, universities and the (TRADA) Timber Research & Development Association.

We possess the expert knowledge and knowhow to be able to perform a survey, diagnose and identify the exact problem areas to enable us to perform the correct resin repair to the correct specification required and appropriate for the project. Our methods include (TRS) Timber Resin Splice; this solution lowers the volume of resin needed to secure the repair so in turn making a saving to the cost implication.

It covers:

Please feel free to contact Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) where a member of our team will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Concrete repairs

Here at Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) Provide a concrete repair service for structural support covering the commercial and residential sectors.

Concrete repair & condition survey

If executed correctly a condition survey can be an essential way in prolonging the life of a concrete structure, minimize a current ongoing repair cost and establish and accurate cost to correct the solution. Here at Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) understand the necessity of performing a detailed concrete condition survey for a structure. It is vital that the scale and depth of corrosion is precisely calculated so as the correct solution can be implemented. Following our completed detailed survey we include a report breaking down the cause, solutions, and a schedule on how repairs are carried out.

Repair & restoration for concrete

The two main factors in concrete decay are from chloride and carbonation attack causing the deterioration and weakening of concretes structural integrity. Depending on the scale and description of works required will vary from building to building.

Our proven methods of concrete repair include:

As we are experienced concrete repair specialists and surveyors, Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) will examine your building in order to identify the source of decay, recommend the correct solution of repair and carry out the works to a professional standard using a variety of industrial standard methods by our in house team.

Specialist coatings for concrete

When exposed concrete has not been treated it is left open to attack from chlorides, chemicals, carbon dioxide and water. If left for a long period of time it can lead to structural damage that consequently will result in a very expensive repair necessary to maintain the structure.

Here at Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) can provide a variety of concrete protective coating that can prolong its lifetime and the endurance of the structure.

We tick all the boxes such as:

The protective coatings materials we supply are procured from highly dependable manufactures that we hear being constantly recommended, as their products are second to none. This selective choice of manufacture we employ ensures us that the products we deliver and apply will provide an ongoing long-term protection to your structure.

Our concrete repair guarantee

Our in house trained team of professional experienced technicians has previously worked in a variety of environments making them uniquely suited in using the exact methods and procuring the correct materials to ensure the end result is a long term fix our guarantee would be proud of.

All our work is meets the Concrete Repair Association standards and the BS 1504 being the European standards for concrete repairs.

Please feel free to contact Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) where a member of our team will be happy to answer any of your questions regarding concrete repairs.

Corrosion

Concrete fabricated buildings and structures are often constructed in harsh environments where it is vitally important to maintain corrosion to keep it in control. The passive film on steel reinforcing bars inside concrete can come under attack from chloride ions penetrating via de-icing salts or in marine areas seawater. This begins the corrosion process and without treatment will lead to the weakening of the structure and its integrity. As the steel corrodes it expands causing the concrete to delaminate and crack.

We tick all the boxes for corrosion control:

Concrete repair
Corrosion

Anchor fixings

A buildings components, structure and stability are an important concern to any homeowner or a building manager with ever demanding roles. To decide which design of fixing to use will be determined from calculating the load and direction of force to be exerted on the fixing. From heavy duty engineered fixings to normal everyday wall ties Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) can offer a tailor made solution for every situation possible.

Please feel free to contact Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) where a member of our team will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Masonry protection

There are a number of water repellant products on the market being water-based solutions or in cream form. They possess water repellent properties and vary in cost to purchase. When applied to the wall they line the pores and not block them so the masonry can still breathe. They are colorless so once applied they do not change the brickwork, concrete or stonework appearance whatsoever. Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) has a unique knowledge and knowhow regarding damp moisture penetration, which permits us to choose the most suitable water repellent that is fit for purpose to use on the situation required. Our skilled technicians are experts in preparing and applying the product to safeguard an effective treatment outcome.

The benefits include:

Situations where water repellant can be used:

It is often included as part of a flood resilience program to improve an existing barrier from water penetration. If applied to all the walls it can also assist the walls in drying out more quickly once water has receded reducing the chances of complications setting in such as dry rot or wet rot decay.

Included in a damp proofing specification

When applied correctly it will deliver an ongoing protection from water and moisture penetration ingress especially in areas where masonry is continually exposed to the elements of heavy rain along with driving wind so water splashes over a DPC.

Better insulation on hard to treat buildings

The product can be applied where cavity wall insulation isn’t possible because of the construction design or age of the building such as classified as (HTT) hard to treat, single brick solid walls, common in older dwellings built prior 1930’s and listed buildings. It will reduce the amount of heat loss passing through the brickwork leading to less carbon emissions and a reducing energy bills.

Help save energy

Test show that a dry brick has roughly twice the amount of thermal effectiveness than a saturated wet brick has. So this in turn will lead to a dry wall being a much-improved insulator than a wet wall is showing results of up to 29% savings.

The causes of cracking, bulging and bowing walls

There are a number of reasons why an external wall can become distorted and cracked. The wall can expand during the summer warmer months then contract back in the winter colder months. Other elements such as freezing and thawing, corrosion on blown wall ties, eroding weal mortar all ending in the sever weakening of the structural integrity of the wall.

Persistent vibrations in the ground from constant heavy traffic can also contribute to wall movement. An incorrect load from a roof or changes in moisture content to the wall freezing and thawing can all cause bowing and bulging. It is vitally important to correctly diagnose what is responsible for the movement and change to the structure so as to be able to adopt the appropriate repair solution best suited for the property.

Please feel free to contact Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) where a member of our team will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Lintel repairs

Lintels nowadays using current modern methods can be carried out quickly with minor disruption. It’s not an uncommon problem and is not just isolated to older properties, it can happen in new one too and all types of design. Lintel repairs have been found to be extremely common in Victorian Buildings. A failing wall structure can be tremendously dangerous and potentially be a serious health & safety risk to you and your family.

Our surveyors have extensive knowledge and experience regarding inspections of a variety of lintels such as brick, soldier course arched and have the ability determine if they are failing or not immediately on inspection. If this is the case it is of the upmost importance that you attend to them straight away to get them repaired.

If your lintels begin to fail and sag it will lead to the brickwork masonry directly above to crack and drop. It may well be a small problem to begin with but if left it can develop into a serious problem as your building begins to lose its structural integrity and the longer it is left the more risk there is for total collapse.

If you are in any doubt whatsoever call Plymouth Damp Proofing (PDP) where we can perform a visual survey and a member of our structural wall repair team can complete this straightforward procedure. Prior to us beginning works to your property we will perform a detailed survey investigation to determine the root cause of the lintel failure leading to the breakdown of the structure. Once the survey has been concluded we can offer our professional diagnosis and recommendation for a solution repair specifically designed for the problems requirements. We use a combination of solutions sometimes all working together such as resin injection methods and ties to reinstate the structural integrity of the lintel while preserving the appearance of the wall.

General maintenance
Why choose us

Structural wall repair guarantee

We pride ourselves on our reputation we have with our clients. We understand how important all work to your home or property is to you so is why we offer a guarantee for all our work we carry out.

If you decide to sell your home it is fully transferable to the new homeowner or someone who inherits the building. Our guarantees are underwritten on request. We are seeking membership with the Property Care Association to run along side our issue of guarantee so as we can protect our guarantee linking it to the (GPI) Guarantee Protection Insurance Ltd

On request and at extra cost we can appoint a Chartered Building Surveyor along with a Consulting Engineer to independently supervise all works to ensure they are completed to the very highest standard possible.

Our guarantees can vary depending on the task being carried out. However, it will be specifically detailed for the purpose it is issued for in our report setting out all the conditions. Please feel free to contact us for more help, advise or information.

Our Warranty/Guarantee

We are proud to say we take pride in our reputation and how we work. Upon completion of our works you will receive our personal workmanship warrantee along with our guarantee and a manufactures guarantee protected and backed up by the Guarantee Protection Insurance Scheme or (GPI).

We are also looking to become members of the Property Care Association, CHAS, Construction Line and Trust Mark for your peace of mind. All our warranty and guarantees are transferable to new owners of your home if you sell your property.

What lengths of guarantee do we offer?

Guarantee
Warranty

Every case of damp is different and depending on the scale and size of the problem costs to repair will vary. It is important that you have your property surveyed and an individual and specific report completed as soon as possible. Our service gives each customer an individual report with recommendations and quotation to fix the damp problem. To make sure we are giving you an accurate price, one of our surveyors will come to your property to investigate the problem. Once your property has been assessed we will discuss the findings with you and detail the way forward.

Our services we supply in short:


Remember your property is at risk if you let damp set in and do nothing about it!

Please feel free to contact us for further advice

If you are concerned about any of the above issues affecting your property, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to help, as we are Specialists in Property Surveying.


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