Cheshire & Wirral Property Care

Damp proofing is a general term covering several different methods used to keep excess moisture out of a building. Damp proofing treatments help to prevent water being absorbed through walls or floors and entering interior spaces of a property. If damp were to pass through the fabric of walls or floors it could lead to structural damage and timber decay (such as dry or wet rot) within the building. We provide an extensive inspection by a qualified surveyor who will diagnose the extent and type of dampness - providing recommendations on the most effective ways to treat the damp problem affecting a property.

The western edge of Cheshire forms part of England's border with Wales and is also a part of the Welsh Marches. Apart from the large towns along the River Mersey and the historic city of Chester, it is mostly a rural area, with a number of small towns and villages. The major urban centres of Wirral are to its east: these include Birkenhead and Wallasey. 

The distinctive Cheshire red sandstone has been used for many monumental and ecclesiastical buildings throughout the area: for example, the medieval Beeston Castle and Chester Cathedral. Surviving buildings from the 15th to 17th centuries are timbered, particularly in the southern part of the county. Examples include the moated manor house - Little Moreton Hall, dating from around 1450, and many commercial and residential buildings in Chester, Nantwich and surrounding villages. Chester’s central shopping area includes unique ‘Rows’ or galleries (two levels of shops) which date from medieval times and are believed to include the oldest shop front in England. From the Victorian era, brick buildings often incorporated timberwork in a mock Tudor look, and this hybrid style has also been used in some modern residential developments across the region.

Buildings of any age, style, period or size can be exposed to the risks of wood boring insects, wood rotting fungi or rising damp. These types of problems can affect the structure of the property and tend be more prevalent in older buildings, such as Medieval, Victorian and early 20^th Century dwellings or those that have been refurbished or repurposed over time.

Flooding in the Wirral and Chester area is not uncommon; the River Dee has burst its banks across Chester and the surrounding areas of Deeside, Sealand and Flint often due to tidally influenced river flooding. Yet notably 2013/2014 winter storms caused surface water flooding, as the sheer volume of intense rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems as well as river banks. The area remains vulnerable to surface water and sewer flooding from storm and heavy rainfall. Months after flood waters have retreated, damp may no longer be visible in a building. Yet moisture levels in some timbers within a property, can remain high enough (above about 20%) for dry rot to decay the wood.

The vital difference between dry rot and wet rot is the amount of moisture needed within the timber to allow growth. The term ‘Dry Rot’ would suggest no moisture, but in fact a minimum moisture content of about 20% is needed for dry rot to flourish. It’s often found in hidden voids such as the underside of wooden floors, beneath stairs & roof trusses – as it likes warm, damp unventilated areas. Wet rot is limited to very damp wood or plaster with a moisture content of at least 50% and will remain confined to that wet area. The high moisture content required for wet rot is often a result of defective plumbing, gutters or downpipes. We offer professional diagnosis of the type of rot affecting a property, and will tailor a solution to protect it from further damage. All our rot treatments carry a 30 year guarantee.

Woodworm is the generic term for the young of wood-boring beetles. Adults lay eggs in cracks in wood and the larvae (woodworm) burrow deep into it and feed, making a maze of tunnels over several years. They will happily eat away at wooden floors, furniture and timbers and if left untreated, can seriously weakens wooden beams in a property which can lead to structural failure of the timbers.

Spotting the early signs of woodworm is important; allowing a qualified surveyor to complete a woodworm survey assessing the extent of any problem, the type of woodworm involved and recommending the most effective, targeted treatment to eliminate the pest before it can spread any further through the property.

Parks and open spaces such as Grosvenor Park in Chester or Barony Park in Nantwich, could offer wood-boring beetles a safe haven. Lofts, cellars, garages and garden sheds throughout Winsford, Frodsham, Bebington and Ellemere Port could also unknowingly, shelter powder post or common furniture beetles. The larvae (woodworm) of these insects can cause serious damage to wooden timbers in properties if left untreated. However our skilled, experts know how to identify and effective treat any woodworm problems.

Any building can be exposed to the risks of wood boring insects, wood rotting fungi or rising damp. Unfortunately, damage caused by these problems is not always immediately obvious. Our team are professional Certificated Surveyors in Remedial Treatment (CSRT) and are experienced in understanding how woodworm, rot and damp problems can affect a property of any age, period or size and can offer the most effective ways to treat them. They also appreciate how traumatic wood-boring beetles, rising damp or wet rot issues can be, and how important a quick response is to eliminate a problem with the minimum of upheaval to your family or business. For additional peace of mind our treatments come with a 30 year guarantee.