After Job Complete

What mess can I expect once the job is complete?

We always strive to keep the property as clean and tidy as possible, and always carry dust sheets and other protection with us. During works however, particularly damp proofing, while we try to keep mess to a minimum, you will inevitably find that the property can be quite dusty for a couple of weeks after work. This is because of constant dust settling from the air. Unfortunately, while we can keep this to a minimum, we cannot completely prevent this from happening.

How long does drying out of damp proofed areas take?

The rule of thumb is 1 inch = 1 month. This means typically a 9 inch wall will take 9 months to dry out properly. We recommend that you allow 12 months for complete drying out. If walls have been boarded instead of plastered, drying out should only take 2-3 weeks (if you are unsure, please consult our office)

When can I decorate?

If walls have been damp proofed and plastered, you can apply a water based emulsion after approximately 2-3 weeks, which allows the wall to breathe, meaning it can continue the drying out process. You should not wallpaper or use any other forms of paint on these walls within the first 12 months, otherwise you risk voiding your guarantee. If walls have been boarded, they can be decorated when dry to touch.

Cracking has appeared on newly plastered walls

In most cases of damp proof installation, we use sand/cement render, with a finish plaster. The finish plaster dries within 1-2 weeks, however the render takes up to 12 months. Once the finish plaster is dry, the render behind can contract slightly in drying out, causing cracking to appear in the finish plaster. If the cracking is less than 1-2mm, this is not a problem and should just be filled with a suitable filler. Should the crack be wider than 1-2mm, please contact our office.

I’ve had a damp proof course installed within the last 12 months, however my walls had dried out, but now damp has reappeared.

In most cases of damp proof installation, we use sand/cement render, with a finish plaster. The finish plaster dries within 1-2 weeks, however the render takes up to 12 months. While the finish plaster is dry, giving the impression the wall has dried, the render behind is still a long way from drying out. During the drying out of the render, it can ‘re-wet’ the finish plaster, giving the impression damp has reappeared. Should this happen within the first 12 months, there is no need for action, please allow time for the plaster to fully dry out. It is normal for this ‘re-wetting’ to appear randomly, often in patches.

What Guarantees are offered?

We offer a 20 year guarantee on most damp proofing, timber treatment, wall tie replacement, and basement waterproofing. Your initial report will state whether a guarantee is available for the works to be carried out.

We have an additional GPI guarantee available. This is an insurance backed guarantee, and must be purchased separately. For more information, please contact us.