Damp Proofing Specialists in Chelmsford and Essex

Rentokil Property Care provides damp proofing services in Chelmsford with over 70 years of experience, making us the trusted partner for protecting your home or business.

Our local qualified team can carry out PCA approved damp and timber surveys and provide specialist solutions for damp, woodworm, wet rot, dry rot and structural issues on all types of properties.

Rentokil Property Care are a Which? Trusted Trader, an accredited Property Care Association (PCA) member and we are rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.

Chelmsford, one of only three cities in Essex, boasts a history dating back to the 12th century, and is notably the birthplace of the radio. The city features a mix of property types, ranging from Victorian and Georgian era homes in the centre to modern houses and apartment blocks on the outskirts.

Properties in Chelmsford range in varied construction types based on their age and location. Dampness is a frequent problem across all housing types and appears in many different forms. Properties that are poorly maintained are particularly vulnerable, and these issues can quickly become costly to rectify if left unchecked. Rentokil Property Care is happy to provide a thorough damp and timber survey that can outline exactly what repairs may be required, helping you maintain your property to either prevent damp-related issues or to effectively remedy current defects.

Should your property require damp proofing, you can rely on our Rentokil Property Care Chelmsford team for a professional service from survey to completion. We understand that undertaking such work can be a concern, which is why we guide you through every step of the process. Once recommendations are approved, our highly trained technicians perform all remedial treatments to strict industry standards. They will assess and replace any timbers affected by fungal decay or woodworm, restoring the health of your property. We prioritise minimising disruption; our teams use protective floor coverings and advanced dust extraction units to ensure your property is left clean and tidy.

Property owners often first become aware of fungal decay through signs like a strong musty smell, or by noticing discoloured, cracked, or damaged timbers. This decay falls into two main categories: wet rot and dry rot. Both require moisture in timber to grow, and both will eventually cause the wood to lose its structural integrity.

Dry rot is particularly serious as it can spread away from the moisture source to find new timber to attack, breaking it down and weakening it. If left untreated, a dry rot infestation can travel across an entire floor and even affect different stories of a building. This makes it essential to treat the problem as soon as it is discovered. A qualified surveyor can identify the full extent of the damage and provide clear recommendations for replacing any affected structural timbers.

It is crucial to handle any fungal decay correctly. If you aren't experienced in dealing with it, or if a detailed survey isn't conducted to find the full extent of the outbreak, the rot can return if a moisture source remains. The first step in any effective treatment is always to remove the source of moisture, whether that involves installing effective damp proofing, repairing building defects, or improving sub-floor ventilation.

If you suspect a fungal decay problem in your property, the best course of action is to book a qualified surveyor. They can fully investigate the issue, confirm the type of infestation, and provide you with a detailed proposal to resolve the problem permanently.

Many buildings across Chelmsford's historic centre and older residential areas, common in Victorian and Georgian housing stock, feature unused below-ground or ground-floor rooms. Converting these into watertight, damp-free habitable areas is a smart investment strategy. This process not only significantly increases your property's value but also frees up crucial space for a home office, gym, or secure storage, maximising the full potential of your older Chelmsford property.

The most important thing is to make sure that the newly waterproofed space is correctly installed - if the system fails it can lead to substantial water ingress and any contents could become water damaged.  This is why it is essential to use an experienced surveyor with a CSSW (Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing) qualification who will understand the complex nature of waterproofing below ground spaces.

Rentokil Property Care has CSSW qualified surveyors who can design comprehensive basement waterproofing specifications to meet British Standard 8102 - the recommended industry guidelines for waterproofing.

If you have noticed cracks on your property’s brickwork you could have structural problems or may even require wall tie replacement. Most older properties are built with solid walls, however in the 1920’s cavity walls became standard as they offer greater protection against wind driven rain and condensation. A wall tie is used to connect the outer and inner walls together at regular intervals, with a cavity in the middle.

Over time these wall ties can corrode, especially if they are exposed to moisture. They become rusty and will expand, causing horizontal cracks in brickwork which are visible along mortar joints.  Properties across Chelmsford are affected by corrosion and eventually these wall ties stop functioning which essentially means the out leaf and inner leaf are no longer connected, and can be susceptible to bowing or bulging, and eventually to total collapse.

Rentokil Property Care can inspect and assess the condition of wall ties, and if required provide a proposal for wall tie replacements. We work closely with structural engineers where necessary, and are an approved installer of Helifix structural products, including wall ties.

If you have a damp or timber problem in your property, you want to trust the company you are working with will get it right first time.

Rentokil Property Care has been working in peoples homes and businesses for over 70 years, correctly identifying property issues and providing long term solutions.