Tanking a House Built Into a Bank - Cavity Drain Type C Tanking System

We see a lot of bank houses (literally houses built into a bank) in the more rural areas that we serve around the Welsh Marches and Shropshire, etc. Traditionally, if the walls have been tanked, it is usually with a render, possibly with some kind of waterproofer mixed in or perhaps a slurry of some type.

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When we get called in it is usually because this has failed at some point in the past and the building has become very damp or possibly even flooded - this is the usual scenario we see. When renovating a bank house, and we can't stress this strongly enough, get the tanking right! Otherwise it can be a constant and expensive problem throughout the life of the building. When everything is stripped back it can be a relatively straightforward process but retrofitting later can potentially be much more complicated and time consuming... In scenarios where tanking is being considered we constantly hear people say, "it's bone dry"... It hardly ever is, and even if it was at that moment in time we still wouldn't trust it to remain so below ground. Our advice is very simply, never cover anything in an old building, especially underground, without first checking it with a damp meter. They are very cheap now and simple to use. Without meaning to preach this could save you a lot of pain later on!

Cavity Drain Type C Waterproofing

A 'from scratch' renovation presents an ideal opportunity to really show the power of a well installed cavity drain system!

A bank house may be treated like a basement conversion in terms of structural waterproofing but with the advantage that at least one side of the property will be at, or above, ground level.

Nothing to break down!

One great benefit here is that, unlike an average cellar cavity drain system, no mechanical pump will normally be required and you can rely on good old 'no moving parts' gravity to ship the water out to a soak-away, drain, watercourse or similar.

There are several ways you can achieve this but here is one way that we have devised for some of our customers. This is perfect where a new concrete slab is planned but may still be feasible with modifications if the current slab is to be retained - you may need advice from an engineer if the slab has to be cut as this may affect the stability of the wall in some cases.

The beauty of this system is that once the cavity drain membrane is correctly installed to the wall you can create the rest of the system from standard and relatively cheap materials from your local builder's merchant. For example, the membrane (shown in blue in the image) sandwiching the insulation and wrapping up to the cavity drain membrane can be standard Visqeen or similar and the land-drain pipe can be 80mm, 100mm or even 150mm; all 'off the shelf' items.

The other advantage with using standard land drainage techniques is that they carry far greater volume than the basement Aquadrain Channels (ideal if your house is built into the side of a Snowdonian!) and they can easily tap into a standard drain set-up as required.

Membrane Waterproofing To Stone

Brick and block-work will normally be suitable for the direct installation of a cavity drainage membrane, obviously assuming that any serious structural defects will be addressed prior to installation, but stone may need a little 'TLC' first. If your wall is constructed of random stone, in an unfinished state, it may be wise to render the wall first. This will benefit the building twofold.

Firstly, it will add to the structural stability of the wall - random stone walls, when cleaned back to the stone blocks can be prone to crumbling and even small pieces coming away behind the membrane can cause problems.

Secondly, a good, strong render (even a scratch coat) will provide far superior anchoring for the self-sealing brick plugs that are used to fix the membranes in place.

Where an Existing Floor Slab is to be Retained

Where there is a perfectly serviceable floor slab already in place, the bank house can, once again, be treated like a basement and channels may be cut into the slab (again advice from an engineer is recommended).

The chief difference between these two scenarios is that in this instance the floor slab is covered with a cavity drain membrane, such as Oldroyd Xv Clear for example or possibly Oldroyd Xv20 Black if the slab is uneven (Xv20 creates more space under the membrane for greater water dispersal), and it is therefore deemed to be a wet slab.

Your entire room, or rooms, will be contained within the membranes and then internal construction of standard studwalls, insulation, plasterboards, etc. can begin inside the protected area.

The aquadrain channels can be connected to pipework very simply, as seals aren't essential below membrane, to take the water away from the building via gravity as with the system above, and that pretty much completes the system! However, it is worth mentioning a couple of things to bear in mind if installing Type C Waterproofing in this way:

Firstly, it may be worth including rodding eyes in the aquadrain channel system in case they get blocked over time and need to be jetted through.

Secondly, and this can be really important, when taking the pipe-work outside to a soak-away, drain or other terminus, MAKE SURE THAT YOUR PIPE-WORK IS RODENT PROOF! A mouse chewing through your new cavity membranes and channels could be RATASTROPHIC!!! A result that could be even less funny than that gag...

For information about other forms of damp proofing that may assist you with your renovation/conversion work please see our damp proofing section.

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When we do trade shows, we always get someone who asks...

"So why should I use Conifer Damp Proofing then?" 

Anyone who has ever worked trade shows will have experienced this, the question is normally fairly abrupt, curt and followed by a pause with arms folded - ring any bells anyone? It's a bad start to a conversation, so we have written a page about "why". Hopefully people can read this and, with any luck, decide that they do indeed want to talk to us :o)

(To view this blog with images please visit Conifer Property Services)

A Brief History...

Conifer Property Services Ltd and Conifer Basements have been trading successfully since early 2009 but our combined experience goes back, what seems like, way into the depths of time! Our main thrust is obviously damp proofing and basement conversions but because we, as people, have come from different areas of the building industry we can tackle a multitude of construction related projects. 

We usually do this because we have cured a damp problem somewhere and the customer wants us to do other work for them because they've learned to trust us. This breadth of experience makes us better at our specialties because everything affects everything else after all!

Wise Old Sage...

Over the years we have gained a lot of experience with all types of damp proofing work and basement conversions, etc. We have also undertaken large barn conversions complete with full extensions, large concrete and steel retaining walls covered in stone, garden decking installation and design, etc., etc. It seems endless when you look back! It would be easy to say that we've seen it all…however, we see that attitude a lot in the building industry and we believe it can lead to hubris; after all, every day is a school day as the saying goes! Every job is different and we believe they should be treated so. We have to come up with unique solutions all the time, and this is literally true, especially with old buildings that have been built in "interesting ways". We always try to ensure that our customers can have confidence in us. Whatever problems or puzzles may present themselves, we will always find a solution!

Small but Tough!

One of the many benefits that you find in dealing with a small, but professional company (apart from the fact that we actually know and care who you are!) is that the firms that "make it" have had to adapt and problem solve every day of their lives because there is no-one else to call on! This makes this type of company competent and strong! We believe that Conifer Property Services Ltd exhibits these strengths and values and we're proud to be a hard working, small company. 

Lastly on this point, and with all humility, one of the things that we really think speaks to the character and determination of our little company is this: We've had to go many "extra miles" both in terms of service and promotion (not to mention geography!) to survive through the worst recession in living memory; we design and produce all of our own web and marketing material to keep costs down and we trade in the construction industry from a location where we are not indigenous - but we're still here! This commitment, determination and imagination we offer to our customers, (past, present and future) and we sincerely thank you for your business and for choosing Conifer!

Customer Service - Do Unto Others...

That's a big thing for us, we will always do everything we can to make any project as easy as possible for our customers. More than that, we are easily contactable and even if we do miss a call (which isn't often), we'll always get back as soon as possible. We reply to all emails and, this is a big one, courteously too! It seems that the first casualty of the IT age was manners, but that's a discussion for another day :o) Most importantly, we will keep you informed every step along the way, especially if there has been a delay! You will never be left wondering, "What is going on?" Nor will you be dumped in the middle of a project while we buzz off somewhere else! This is a matter of pride and principle for us, simply because we always hope to be treated the same way ourselves. At the end of the day, all we want is to work and earn our living and all you want is your home fixed/improved and to be kept informed... it should always be that simple.

An Englishman's Home is His Castle...

In terms of your property, we start with respect. This begins with boot covers, roll and stroll carpet protectors, sheeting, etc. but goes much deeper than that for us. It is the nature of our business that many of the properties we visit and work on can be older or even very old. We have a genuine interest in old buildings and history generally and it is surprising how this can often provide insight into how to treat some of the problems that old buildings suffer with. We try to retain and even enhance character wherever possible. We also have a lot of experience with reclaimed materials so if you want your 400 year old cottage to be dry and warm, but still look like your 400 year old cottage… call Conifer! On the flip side we have often built character into buildings that have been stripped of theirs, or never had it in the first place. It is our opinion that character should however, be applied with intelligence. What we mean by this is simple, if you are attempting a look and feel from 200 years ago there are ways of achieving this convincingly. Back in the day they may not have had our modern methods of construction but it is fair to say that they never went outside a building and painted the odd brick here and there! Nor did they attack beams with a chainsaw or leave their plastering in a mess to look "distressed" - We find that this only distresses the owner!

Not at all wuff around the edges!

Our small team are all polite, approachable, helpful and trustworthy. We are all doggie people too so don't worry if you have pets - we love 'em!

Thank you for taking the time to read about us, we look forward to working with you...

For more information call Conifer Damp Proofing on 0800 001 4213

We have worked all over the UK but the areas we cover regularly are in the Chester, Cheshire West, Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry, Shropshire, Welshpool, Wrexham, Clwyd, Powys, Gwynedd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Mid Wales and North Wales region.

Probably the most common question we get asked about membranes...

Can we Fix to Cavity Drain Membranes

(To view this blog with images please visit Conifer Property Services)

Hello again faithful readers (we hope it's OK to use the plural!). A common question we get asked after installation is, "Can we fix radiators, shelves, etc. to the cavity drain membranes that Conifer have installed?" ...Or words to that effect!

Obviously we have to be cautious here as EVERY installation is different. However, we feel that some general guidance is possible but always check with your installer before committing to anything.

Consider first the location

What do we mean by this? Well if the cavity drain membrane has been used in a basement situation, that is, underground we would urge extreme caution in making any holes in the tanking membranes, however small. If the application is above ground it is still wise to stay away from any wall/floor joints but, providing that the wall isn't built into a bank or anything, fixing is usually possible. In the perfect world it is of course best to fit radiators, shelves, etc. to walls that have not been membraned but we understand that this is not always possible. 

"So what can we do?" We hear you cry...

Well the answer where a direct fitting to the masonry is concerned is to either use Oldroyd Brick Plugs to create a fixing (these are the plugs we use to fix the cavity drain membranes, they are self-sealing and can take a screw like a Rawl plug) or where this isn't possible use a Rawl plug but fill the hole with silicon before you install the plug. In an above ground scenario, only dealing with rising damp or penetrating damp, this should suffice where a fixing MUST be made. As we have said always check with your installer before you do anything and never drill the cavity drain membrane in a known problem location.

A better solution where possible is to build stud-walling in front of the membrane and fix anything you need to to that. When we construct these we install timber baffles between the timbers at known fixing points (like where radiators are to be situated for example) so that an easy and strong fixing can be made without playing hide and seek for the timber studs! Also, and this is not really damp proofing advice but it may be useful, stay away from plasterboard fixings for anything heavy or likely to be leaned on, particularly if that thing is full of water!

No stud wall thanks, our cottage is nearly 400 years old!

Firstly, lucky you and secondly, we totally agree that character and historic properties should not be ruined by thoughtless building practices. So, when your house builders got back from fighting for, or with, Oliver's Army, they will have built something very much of that period, work that should be retained wherever possible. We have undertaken damp proofing work to a lot of old and very old properties over the years and there is almost always a way to improve their damp proofness and thermal performance carefully and with respect. Often provision can and should be made when the work is in process to provide adequate wall fixings; we suggest that thought should be given to factoring this in prior to commencement.

Ghostly goings-on on haunted building sites... or simply strapping lads flapping about nothing!

Helloooooo from the other side! (Of the keyboard). A few stories about about old buildings and things that go bump in the day for us... It is fairly well accepted, by some at least, that builders tend to see more ghosts than most! Occasionally we get asked by our customers if we have ever experienced anything? Well, we have a few anecdotes, so please lower the lights and prepare to have a good laugh at our expense :o)

(To view this blog with images please visit Conifer Property Services)

Shrewsbury

A few years ago we completed a full renovation project on a house and barn near Shrewsbury in Shropshire. The oldest part of the building was a barn built in the early 18th century and, at first, it was quite an unpleasant place to be! We heard slammed doors, bumps, heavy bangs and draggings from upstairs; we wondered what on earth we'd walked into if we're honest! 

The first week was fairly uncomfortable and one day when there were only two of us on site, rattling around in this huge place, I was patching a little area of render behind a closed door in the barn - a door which had not moved at all due to drafts or pressure changes all week - a door which was closed tight and latched. A door which then slammed open right into my face! After I'd finished exclaiming and remonstrating (politely... honest), I realised that the other chap who was on site with me was outside loading a cement mixer 50yds or so away, I could hear him shovelling!

We had been removing the plaster in this area with breakers for some days and knocking through walls, etc. It must have seemed to any watching Caspers that we were knocking hell's bells out of the place! However, the following week we started the damp proofing and building work and generally started to improve the building rather than, seemingly, to attack it and everything changed...

We were on that project for about 4 months and the place could not have felt more homely and welcoming after that first week was over. Clearly the watchers approved of our work!

Ludlow

The oldest basement we have ever worked in, to our knowledge, was in Ludlow, also in Shropshire. It was carved out of the rock and the rock was used to build Ludlow Castle, which is a very early Norman stone castle built in the 1080's I believe - a lovely place if you ever get a chance to visit. 

Anyway, the basement was like stepping back in time, as you walked down the steps the Georgian bricks gave way to some very narrow 2" hand-mades which could have been 17th or even 16th century and then you got down to the rock. 

It was a very nice house and a really pleasant lady that we were working for, however as soon as she went out everything changed! The cellar ceiling was quite low and the visible floorboards of the lounge above were only a few inches overhead so you can imagine what it sounded like when the rocking chair 8" above-head started rocking. Loudly! This accompanied by doors banging and dragging noises again was quite an experience! The first time this happened the effect was so, shall we say pronounced, that I ran out of the basement with tools in my hands thinking that someone had broken into the lady's house! As I dashed into the lounge the rocking chair suddenly slowed to a stop and everything went silent. Pretty creepy eh? When the lady came home everything went back to normal so we carried on and thought no more about it. 

The next day the lady went out again and it all happened again! I went upstairs again, this time not on my own because someone, who will remain nameless, refused to stay down there alone! Again nothing.

When the lady returned we asked her if she'd popped back and we just hadn't noticed and she gave us a knowing look and asked if we had heard any banging or strange noises. We explained what had happened and as it turned out she had recently had a spiritualist in to calm the place down... apparently the disturbance was frightening the lady's little dog! So now the spirits only come out to play when she and her dog are not in and, we have to say, when she went out it was like throwing a switch, the place woke up! Somehow having been told that it really was ghosts and that it was all fine, made it kind of friendly in a way... Although one of our party still refused to work down there on his own! :o)

Dolgellau

There are some buildings that resonate menace. We took a job up in the mountains in Gwynedd, Snowdonia Park, several years ago now, and this was just such a house!

If we're honest we had a nightmare of a time just getting there because the vans barely made it up the track. This house was a good mile from the end of the tarmac and a few miles from its nearest neighbour and, as we approached it perched at the top of the valley - it had "don't come in" written all over it!

What can I say, we needed the money, so off we went - into the unknown! We cracked on for a few days using cavity drain membranes, Oldroyd Xp Plaster Membrane to be precise - just in case you had forgotten that this is damp proofing and property renovation site :o). All the while we perpetually sensed someone watching, it felt like they were right behind your shoulder. The feeling was so intense that we occasional found ourselves turning round to talk to each other only to find that we were alone. In fact one of us, the same nameless one, refused to stay in there on his own - whatta guy!

When we were drawing near to the completion of the job the other shoe dropped - or so we thought... 

We stepped out of the front door, I say 'we' because someone wouldn't stay in there on his own again, and before us was a tiny, really wizened old lady in a dirty coat or cloak. This lady couldn't have been much over 4ft tall, we looked at her and she looked at us. Then she spoke... Her dialect sounded really harsh, not like the Welsh that I am used to hearing, almost like it was from the past... it seemed other-worldly to our dazed minds anyway! We looked at each other and the colour drained! We both thought this is the one! The one where we see something!

The old lady stopped speaking and looked a bit puzzled, she then asked us in perfect English if we were working there and said that she was from a farm a couple of miles up the valley and that she was walking her dog! Suddenly everything was normal again, and I have to say, she was ever so nice. Were we embarrassed? Not at all... well maybe a little... alright we looked like pillocks!

That building had us all jittery over nothing perhaps... but all we had really proved was that the neighbours, at least, were still alive!

Thank you for your time!

We hope you have enjoyed our little stories. I dare say that everything that has happened to us can probably be explained rationally but we think that what really matters is that old buildings can seem to have moods, not to mention stories to tell and they are always fascinating... We probably just wasted 5 minutes of your time but thank you for reading :o)

Drybase Flex Membrane and Adhesive

HI! It's been a long time since we've added to our damp proofing blog but over the last few years there have been materials advances that we really needed to talk about but haven't had the time with the usual pressure of work! So here goes my holiday... but hopefully it will be worth it if it helps people solve damp problems in their homes and, with any luck, that will lead to business for Conifer too and we can all help each other so here goes!

(To view this blog with images please visit Conifer Property Services)

Drybase Flex Membrane

We've been installers of membrane damp proofing across the Shrewsbury, Welshpool, Wrexham, Clwyd, Powys, Gwynedd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Mid Wales and North Wales, Chester, Cheshire, Telford, Oswestry and Shropshire areas for many, many years now; gone grey doing it! Or bald, depending on which of the company directors you talk to :o) We added Drybase Flex Membrane damp proofing to our bag-of-tricks a couple of years or so ago (2015) and it is ideal for certain situations with damp brick walls, or damp stone walls if they are fairly neat. As you can see from the, rather deadly, 'before and after' shot at the top of the page, it's pretty effective for contaminated walls! That job was plastered directly on to the membrane and it made for a very tidy application! It is also very useful for damp proofing to concrete slabs as a DPM (damp proof membrane). The main advantage that it has over loose-laid membranes is that it is very firmly glued in place with Drybase Flex Adhesive. This gives us or any home-owner or builder a lot more options in terms of possible floor finishes! Once laid on concrete floor it can be tiled, carpeted, boarded, laminated or otherwise covered with practically any floor finish. However, please note that if carpet is to be used we always insist on the grippers being glued down and not nailed through the membrane! That may sound blindingly obvious but it happens!

The posted image, if you'll forgive the appalling photography, actually shows a neat DPM (damp proof membrane) job using the Drybase Flex Membrane. The whole floor of this lounge in an old stone cottage in Aberdovey (Aberdyfi), Mid Wales was a concrete slab suffering with a lot of penetrating dampness more so from the walls than from underneath. 

The Drybase DPM completely solved the problem and created a nice up-lap for connection to the Oldroyd Xp Plaster Membrane on the walls. The walls were then plasterboarded using the 'dot and dab' method and plaster skimmed as you see from the picture. The walls were showing severe rising damp water marks but the plaster itself was structurally very strong. The Oldroyd went straight over the old plaster and saved a lot of mess as well as creating two cavities (one created by the cavity drain membrane itself and another by the drywall adhesive fixing the plasterboards) to reduce heat loss and cold-bridging. Win-Win for the customer!

Drybase Flex Membrane is a highly durable and flexible damp proofing membrane for direct application to walls that have been affected by dampness and salt contamination. The flexible nature of the membrane can also make it the ideal choice for walls where retaining some of the 'roll and shape' in the wall is desirable due to the character and age of the building. The fleece lined membrane can be applied to walls using the the same specially formulated Drybase Flex Adhesive used for brick wall fixing.

The great advantage with this type of membrane damp proofing system when used on walls is that it can be plastered onto directly, creating a versatile solution to the problem of damp walls when it is not possible to stop the damp at its source. This can be especially useful where a cavity drain membrane such as Oldroyd Xp Plaster Membrane is not practical due to drainage or substrate issues.

Drybase Flex Adhesive

Drybase Flex Adhesive is a polymer modified cement-based product. We have found that the adhesive is an excellent waterproofer in its own right and when the completely impervious membrane is added to the system it gives a protective barrier you can have confidence in.

For more information visit our Drybase Flex Membrane damp proofing page.

Damp Proofing Blooper Reel!

Damp Proofing Out-takes, Damp Horses and Cheeky Pensioners…

(To view this blog with images please visit Conifer Property Services)

We thought we'd share a light-hearted look at some of the more humorous enquiries we've encountered over the years.

Recently we had a flurry of e-mails from suppliers offering discounts on 'basment conversion' products. It reminded us of an enquiry we received from someone who had mis-read one of our vans and thought we offered 'damp ROOFING'. 

A little further digging and we managed to find a few more amusing slip-ups, so here are our top 5:

1. Typos: basment conversions, damproofing and membrain are the most common!

2. "I have a severe problem with damp in my horse." (Perhaps a vet…?)

3. "I need someone to install a Jacuzzi spa bath, double sink, double shower and WC, tile walls and floor (marble) and all electrics. The room is 15ftx19ft approx. I am a pensioner and on a tight budget so would like someone to do the work for £100 or less. (Yes, this was for real. Wish my 'tight budget' allowed for huge marble luxury bathrooms, don't you?)

4. "My husband fell through the loft and wrecked his Artex." (Ouch, sounds painful!)

5. "Ah, it says "Damp Roofing" on your van, can you come and look at our roof please?" (Not sure why you'd want a DAMP roof – aren't they all damp enough? Must be a British thing!)

Thank you for reading, and remember if you need assistance with damproofing (or even damp proofing) or your 'basment' needs waterproofing, find us online at www.coniferbasements.co.uk or call 01650 531 694. - Probably best not call us with any wet horses though, can't really help with that :o)

Cavity Drain Membrane Waterproofing vs Traditional Tanking

Benefits of Cavity Drain Membrane Waterproofing

Oldroyd Cavity Drain Membranes

(To view this blog with images please visit Conifer Property Services)
  

Hello again! As you will be aware if you have glanced through our web site, we get involved in all sorts of damp proofing and use all sorts of materials to treat the various problems we come across. We speak to people all over the country and it is fair to say that the existence of most of the membranes we use is still not widely known. The broad perception of damp proofing is still that you get your walls injected and that's it!

For some applications injection and waterproof render, or one of our new damp resistant plasters, is still the weapon of choice of course. We normally install Dryzone Dryrods these days as they get exactly the right amount of product into the wall. Also, when tanking a basement or any wall built into a bank the Vandex slurry systems we install can be ideal but there is a suite of materials that can cover both of these functions when conditions are right.

So if you are considering getting some damp/waterproofing work carried out there can be several advantages to a membrane system. We thought we would list some of them for your consideration:

The Oldroyd Cavity Drain Membrane System provides the following benefits:

1) There is no pressure on the damp proofing system or the structure, the water is simply allowed to follow the easy path back to the ground;

2) The walls are still allowed to breathe as there is at least 5 litres of air per sqm (often more) behind the membrane, this space can be sealed or vented as required;

3) Environmental note: In addition to its damp proofing properties, the membrane creates a small air gap, due to its profiled shape; this improves the U-Value of the wall. If unventilated, the air gap is not big enough to allow convection and so is an effective reducer of heat loss (double glazing works in a similar way). This coupled with plasterboard fitted using the 'dot and dab' method (if appropriate) gives two cavities in an otherwise solid wall which is beneficial in two ways.

Firstly the cavities create a thermal barrier, as stated, which helps with the energy efficiency of the building.

Secondly, because the surface of the wall is not cold due to this cushion of air, this greatly combats condensation which is of course a major cause of the more obvious signs of dampness such as mould and smells; Even without secondary insulation the membrane system will help to make the building more 'energy efficient' and take away the cold clamminess to the exterior walls making them feel warmer to the touch.

This coupled with the eradication of damp and associated smells in the atmosphere all helps to make a healthier, more comfortable environment. Oldroyd membranes are made of 70% recycled material and are recyclable again at the end of their intended life-spans (more than 50 years expected).

4) The Oldroyd membrane system is resistant to sulphate attack so all internal finishes will be fully protected from hydroscopic salts for decades.

5) Often, little or no preparation is required, the membrane can go straight over existing plasters and wall coverings as long as they are reasonably sound. As well as saving a lot of mess and waste, removing a decent, if damp, render can often leave the wall in a weaker state;

6) Traditional cementitious methods are mixed by hand and as such are susceptible to imperfections, they are constantly under pressure to repel water which also retains the water in the wall (this can lead to frost damage, structural loading and other problems) and also they have a much shorter intended lifespan – Oldroyd membranes have none of these problems;

7) Membranes are flexible and will not crack or leak during the seasonal movement usually found in old buildings. If a traditional, waterproof render cracks water will find a way through to the plaster again and cause dampness issues.

We also install the fairly new Drybase Flex Membrane system which also has unique benefits listed below:

1) The Drybase Flex Membrane System is resistant to sulphate attack so all internal finishes will be fully protected from hydroscopic salts for decades;

2) The membrane is chiefly designed to stick to exposed brickwork, but on occasion little or no preparation is required as the membrane can go straight over existing plasters and wall coverings as long as they are structurally sound and free of paint, etc. - a judgement should be made on this prior to commencement. As well as saving a lot of mess and waste, removing a decent, if damp, render can often leave the wall in a weaker state;

3) Traditional cementitious methods are mixed by hand and as such are susceptible to imperfections, they are constantly under pressure to repel water which also retains the water in the wall (this can lead to frost damage and other problems) and also they have a much shorter intended lifespan – Drybase membranes have none of these potential problems;

4) Membranes are flexible and will not crack or leak during the seasonal movement usually found in old buildings. If a traditional, waterproof render cracks water will find a way through to the plaster again and cause dampness issues. The fleece on the front and back of the Drybase Flex Membrane acts as a decoupling agent allowing slippage to further resist possible plaster cracking due to structural movement;

We hope this information helps and may offer more options to curing difficult damp related problems. For more information see our damp proofing section.

Timber and Composite Decking Installation and More!

New Decking Services from Conifer Servicing Cheshire West, Shropshire, Mid and North Wales

Garden Decking Services

(To view this blog with images please visit Conifer Property Services)

Hi Folks! As a company we started to offer decking installation and garden design services around Chester, Chesire West, Shropshire, Mid and North Wales. 

This isn't a 'U' turn, nor is it a great departure from much of the building work we undertake (which invariably involves quite a bit of carpentry); we're offering this service simply because we enjoy doing it and it gets us out into the sunlight now and again!

One of the things we've always been particularly good at here at Conifer is making the best use of a space; in renovation work generally, but basements especially, you have to. We've simply used that vision and imagination, along with the carpentry and building skills we've honed over many years, and taken it outside!

Conifer garden decking installers will provide you with a completely personalised service to transform your garden into a luxurious and functional area you can be proud to show off! Please email or call us now on 0800 001 4213 for an installed decking quote for your property. It is amazing how easy it can be to give your garden, and by extension your property as a whole, a complete face-lift without breaking the bank.

Whether you are thinking of summer barbecues with friends and family, or are simply looking for an affordable way to make your property really saleable, timber decking could be the answer you're looking for. Our range of skills could transform your home with timber fencing, timber walling (railway sleepers), steps and stairs, ballustrading and stone walling, we can help!

We supply a full-service decking design and decking installation service across: Chester, Cheshire West, Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry, Shropshire, Wrexham, Clwyd, Welshpool, Powys, Gwynedd, North Wales, Mid wales and surrounding areas.

We also provide caravan decking as well as a special timber decking and composite decking service for chalets. To request a quote for professional decking installed, landscaping and design services from as little as £1199+vat why not give us a call?

Creative decking installation services

We will provide you with a complete service from design to installation, and would be happy to discuss your decking project in detail with you. We love the design and creativity elements of changing and making the most of a space. So if you're not sure how to make the best use of a cracked paving area or parts of your garden that could use a little TLC, why not let our decking fitters come up with some great ideas for your decking?

Dryrod DPC Injection System

Dryzone Dryrod Damp Proof Course Installation

Dryzone Dry Rods installers

Salutations! It's fair to say that most of our damp proofing work tends to be with tanking membranes but we have used Dryzone Damp Proof Course Injection Cream for many years on projects involving straight forward, honest to goodness, rising damp; particularly in internal brick walls where there is no danger of penetrating dampness at higher levels.

In the last year or so however, we have pretty much switched to installing Dryzone Dry Rods (Dryrod). These essentially deliver the same product into the wall but the quantity is always exactly right every time. They are also a lot less messy to use than the Dryzone Cream and applicator gun - things move on...

On the face of it they are a little more expensive than the cream but with virtually zero waste and exact usage there probably isn't much in it at the end of the day. From our perspective, there really is little possibility of human error with Dryzone Dry Rods, so we know we've got it right at the point of installation.

These little inventions may not seem very exciting but we have installed them in a house where the owner was suffering from damp smells coming from behind skirting boards. Once the Dryzone Dry Rods were installed, as a chemical injection DPC (damp proof course), the skirtings were replaced and, as if by magic, the smells dissipated and have not returned. The Chemistry is very clever and particularly when used with Dryzone Damp Resistant Plaster, it has shown itself to be a reliable system for our customers. The new Dryzone Plasters are also impressive products in terms of their damp proofness and breathability, for more information on these see our Dryzone Damp Resistant Plaster page. The only snag with the plasters is that they are not easy to use as they seem lifeless and heavy. We're sure that any plasterers out there will be nodding their understanding of what we mean by that, if you are not a plasterer we respectfully suggest that you get a professional damp proofing company familiar with these products to undertake your installation. 

If you require damp treatment or just a little helpful information, please call us on 0800 001 4213 or email us.

StormDry: Breathable Protection Against Penetrating Damp & Even Floods

StormDry is a water-repellent cream used to protect masonry against penetrating damp and rain. Invisible once applied, this waterproofing treatment penetrates deeply into brick or stone creating a breathable barrier against water ingress.

Keeping the stone or brickwork dry with StormDry waterproofing cream effectively increases energy efficiency by up to 29%*, and thus saves money in the process. StormDry has an impressive expected lifespan of 20-30 years and can even be used over freshly pointed walls.

When used in conjunction with a cavity drain and pump system, StormDry reduces the amount of water able to pass through the masonry under storm and flood conditions, reducing the burden on the pump system and therefore the risk of "overload" or pump failure.

For more information on waterproofing treatments, damp remedies and flood protection systems, call our specialist team of damp proofing professionals on 01650 531 694, or visit http://www.conifer-property-services.co.uk/


*When applied to buildings of solid-wall construction. Research carried out by the University of Portsmouth. Data provided by Safeguard Europe Limited.

Insulative Properties of Damp Proofing Membrane

Did you know that, as well as creating a barrier of protection against damp, Oldroyd damp proofing membrane also provides a level of insulation?

This can help meet Building Regulations standards for insulation without compromising character or wall thickness. When the original plaster is removed, for example, and Oldroyd Xv cavity membrane installed with 15mm plasterboard applied, this gives a total wall thickness of 243mm compared with the original 233mm. If the air layer is unventilated there is a reduction in U-value from the previous 2.09 to 1.49 W/m2 K. There is a benefit from both the cavity membrane and the plasterboard.
(*information from Safeguard Europe Ltd)

Case study: Conifer Damp Proofing recently installed a membrane damp proof course at a commercial property near Aberystwyth, Ceredigion. Building Regulations had specified that the wall cavity must be insulated to a thickness of 100mm. Due to the reduction in U-value and increased energy efficiency provided by the Oldroyd membrane, the owners were able to reduce the insulation requirements by 50mm (values calculated by local Building Regs office), saving them a great deal of inconvenience and, of course, money!

Talk to Conifer today to find out how we can solve your damp problems and make life easier and healthier! Call 01650 531 694 or visit the website at http://www.conifer-property-services.co.uk/

'Basment Conversions', Damp Horses and Cheeky Pensioners...

As it’s Friday afternoon we thought we’d share a light-hearted
look at some of the more humorous enquiries we’ve encountered over the years.

Recently we had a flurry of e-mails from suppliers offering
discounts on ‘basment conversion’ products. It reminded us of an enquiry we
received from someone who had mis-read one of our vans and thought we offered
‘damp ROOFING’.

A little further digging and we managed to find a few more
amusing slip-ups, so here are our top 5:

1. Typos: basment conversions, damproofing and membrain are
the most common!

2. “I have a severe problem with damp in my horse.” (Perhaps
a vet…?)

3. “I need someone to install a Jacuzzi spa bath, double
sink, double shower and WC, tile walls and floor (marble) and all electrics.
The room is 15ftx19ft approx. I am a pensioner and on a tight budget so would like someone
to do the work for £100 or less. (Yes, this was for real. Wish my ‘tight
budget’ allowed for huge marble luxury bathrooms, don’t you?)

4. “My husband fell through the loft and wrecked his Artex.”
(Ouch, sounds painful!)

5. “Ah, it says Damp Roofing on your van, can you come and
look at our roof please?” (Not sure why you’d want a DAMP roof – aren’t they
all damp in Wales and Shropshire anyway?)

Hope you have a great weekend, and remember if you need
assistance with damproofing (or even damp proofing) or your ‘basment’ needs
waterproofing, find us online at http://www.coniferbasements.co.uk/
or call 01650 531 694. (Probably best not call us with any wet horses though,
can’t really help with that.)

Have you considered a back-up pump?

Should you consider a second, back-up pump for your basement conversion?

In the event of a power failure coinciding with storm and flood conditions - which is not an uncommon event - it would be advisable to have a secondary battery-powered pump in place to prevent potential disaster.

After spending money to damp-proof and convert your basement or cellar, the last thing you would want is to have the finishings, furniture and contents damaged by flood.

We always recommend a sump and electric pump to continually take away water and moisture from underground spaces such as converted basements and cellars. An ideal precautionary measure is to install, at the same time, a secondary back-up pump as peace of mind that, should the power fail your belongings and living space are safe from risk of damage or destruction.

If you would like further advice on whether a back-up pump is necessary for your cellar conversion or basement project, we are always happy to offer guidance and suggestions. Call our expert damp proofing team on 01650 531 694 for friendly, specialist advice.

Happy Christmas from Conifer Damp Proofing!

Yes, we know it's still over a week away but we wanted to let you know about our plans over the festive period.

We'll be closing the office at the end of business on Wednesday 21st December and returning on Tuesday 3rd January. During this time you'll still be able to leave us a voicemail or of course send us an e-mail, and we'll also be continuing to add information to the website (at http://www.conifer-property-services.co.uk/) and the Damp Proofing Blog over Christmas and New Year. In fact, we've got some very useful damp proofing information and articles to share about whether to consider a back-up pump when waterproofing for a basement or cellar conversion, and a case study on damp proofing injection services in and around Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Finally, we look forward to making 2012 a warm, dry and damp-free year in your home!

Have a great Christmas and thank you for your support this year. Cheers!

~The Conifer Team~

Conifer Damp Proofing – November 2011 Blog

As the year ends it’s time to start putting plans into place for your damp proofing projects for 2012.

Did you know that, as damp proofing specialists, Conifer can provide commercial damp proofing services for large projects such as underground car parks and hotel basements, as well as domestic damp proofing, waterproofing and tanking?

Such projects often require advance planning and preparation, and, as damp proofing is one of the first stages of most commercial projects of this type, it’s best to get in touch as soon as possible. Our team of damp proofing specialists can advise and assist with the planning stages of your commercial project right through to completion if required, so why not call on Conifer for our knowledge and expertise?

Conifer are experts in commercial damp proofing in Shropshire, the Midlands, Cheshire and London – however our service is UK-wide and we provide commercial damp proofing services across the whole country. For more information or advice call our team of damp proofing specialists on 01650 531 694 today.

We are quickly filling our calendar for 2012 – to ensure availability please enquire as early as possible to avoid any delay.

Updates from Conifer Damp Proofing – Autumn 2011

It’s been a busy year for Conifer and we’re currently planning our schedule for 2012.

A brief update to our Blog to keep you posted on what’s been happening:

We’ve seen more requests this year than ever before for mortgage-related damp surveys. Many mortgage lenders will now only approve lending if certain conditions are met, and signs of damp in purchased properties is one of the criteria which is now becoming increasingly prevalent.

Conifer can survey and report on damp issues in properties and produce written specifications and recommendations in line with requirements from mortgage companies and/or estate agents. For full details on this service please call 01650 531 694.

We’ve also seen a flurry of activity in new conversion projects, with lots of exciting plans for disused barns, old farmhouses and outbuildings in particular.

It’s worth bearing in mind that with projects such as this, it’s important to carry out damp proofing works first. This allows the DPM (damp proof membrane) to be tied into floors and wrapped around new joists etc. Along with any required roofing works, this should be the starting point for your project before any other work is carried out.

We are happy to provide advice and guidance for large projects and conversions, and our particular expertise is in stone and solid-wall construction. Give Conifer a call on 01650 531 694 for more information.

It’s time to start thinking about what progress you’ll make with your basement conversion, barn conversion or damp proofing projects in 2012. We’re already booking for Spring so now’s the time to get in touch and start making it happen!

Why not give our helpful team a call, or drop us a line to: i@coniferbasements.co.uk

Reasons to Call Conifer for your Basement Conversion

Do you have a damp, disused basement?
Increase the value of your home with a luxury basement conversion by Conifer.

Did you know that a well-finished basement conversion could add 20-30% to the value of your home?*

Particularly in London, where more living space is always welcome, you may be surprised at the difference a basement conversion can make to your property.

Specialists in completely effective membrane damp proofing methods, and using the latest membrane damp proofing technology, Conifer's team of experts will convert your disused basement to the living space of your dreams.

How about a home gym or fitness studio? A pool or games room? Large-screen cinema?

We cover West London, Wales, Shropshire and Cheshire - Why not give Conifer a call on 0800 001 4213 and find out how we can improve your home today...

10 Reasons to call Conifer - 0800 001 4213:

1. We offer no-obligation expert advice and will only recommend the most appropriate products and method for your individual project.

2. We are Safeguard-recommended contractors and our damp proofing products carry a minimum 10-year guarantee.

3. We provide a bespoke, fully itemised estimation service, complete with computer-generated diagrams showing the work to be carried out, so you know exactly what's happening and how much it's going to cost on a FIXED PRICE! No nasty surprises or going over budget!

4. Our trained team of professional damp proofers are also selected for their skills in general building, plastering, plumbing and finishing (as well as for first-rate customer service), so that you don't need to organise a myriad different tradesmen – we'll take care of it all from start to finish.

5. We're tidy in our work and our team wear branded workwear and hard hats so you know who's who on site!

6. We operate a one-project-at-a-time policy: we won't be nipping off to other jobs or leaving you living with a half-completed room for a fortnight while we do something else! Once we've started, we see it through until the project is finished to our high standards.

7. We're perfectionists. We dislike sloppy workmanship as much as you do, and take great care and attention to detail over our finished projects.

8. We're professional. We respond to telephone calls and e-mails promptly and courteously, and keep you in the loop and fully informed at every stage of your project.

9. You'll receive a full specification of the work carried out and copies of any guarantees - Our guarantees ARE transferable, a nice benefit if you are planning on selling the property!

10. We're OBSESSIVE about QUALITY and SERVICE. Everyone says it, WE MEAN IT!

*Source: The Independent - Property Section, February 2010

How does Conifer Damp Proofing work?

It's been a busy time for us here at Conifer Damp Proofing over the last couple of months. It's a time of year that people begin to plan large projects and home improvements in order to make the most of the good weather (yes, we do get some!)

When an extension or conversion project is being undertaken, homeowners naturally want to know more about the people carrying out the work. This trust is extremely important, and our advice when planning work on your property is to ask the company you invite to quote for the work certain questions to give you peace of mind and confidence in their quality of service. Are they adequately insured? Will they use quality materials? Do they have references from previous customers? Do they offer guarantees? Are they easily contactable by telephone and e-mail and do they respond promptly and courteously?

When comparing quotes, note how they have been presented. Is it a full and complete specification of the proposal, with explanations, diagrams and full cost breakdowns? Is it specific to your requirements? Was it delivered to you within the time promised? Estimates are an excellent indication of the dedication, care and professionalism that will be put into your project. (So those scribbled numbers on the back of a chocolate wrapper should be ringing alarm bells... for a very good reason!) You should never make a decision based solely on the cheapest price. That old saying about getting what you pay for has never been more true than in the construction industry!

Conifer Damp Proofing has been built on an outstanding reputation for its standards of service, as well as quality of work. Our own expectations are very high indeed, and we treat our customers with the level of attentive service and professional competence that we would wish to receive ourselves. Our office landline is almost always manned, and if it isn't, answerphone messages are replied to straight away on our return. E-mails are checked every day and if we have said we'll call you, then we will.

Our team are smart and instantly recognisable with matching Conifer uniforms and vans, and we keep you informed during every stage of your project, whether we're simply fitting a new damp proof course or converting your basement or old barns. We take exceptional pride in our work and make sure that every detail is finished as perfectly as if it were our own home.

It's our belief that Conifer Damp Proofing is a unique company within its craft, in our approach to quality and service standards. If these values are important to you, you need a company that can answer "Yes" to every one of those questions we talked about at the start. Conifer can!

For more information call Conifer Damp Proofing on 01650 531694 or see the website www.conifer-property-services.co.uk

Rendering and Damp Injection

At Conifer Property Services we, as do most companies who work within the damp proofing industry, still get involved in the old 'damp inject and render' solution for many of our jobs. Sometimes this is due to costs or site conditions, the length of time the treatment needs to last or myriad other constraints. Many damp companies only do this kind of work because it's probably the cheapest method and it's the price that gets them the business! Fair enough!

It really is 'horses for courses' though. In many situations we are now recommending membrane solutions because, if they are installed correctly, they are pretty much bullet proof! Also they work well with cavity drain and sumps for extreme or underground cases.

When we do damp injection work we usually use Safeguard Dryzone as we find this to be a good product and not unpleasant to use, for more see http://www.safeguardeurope.com/products/dryzone.php

As part of the process we also use a water proofing agent in the render, usually Renderguard Gold. When used in the correct measure this product really does increase the waterproofness of render and it also holds back the salts in the wall. You may ask, "why does that matter?". The fact is that salts can attack your plasterwork and paints, etc. if left untreated. By adding the appropriate admixture you can prevent this and add to the effectiveness of your render as a damp proofing system.

Don't forget that any existing render needs to come off the wall first or the system will not work to its potential; in fact it may not work at all! Now I won't lie to you, removing the old render can be a real pig of a job but it is essential. The render must be removed to the height of at least 1m (which is usually but not always the extreme range of rising damp - high external ground levels or old membranes can dramatically affect this, seek advice if you are unsure).

If you have penetrating damp, that is damp that is coming in laterally through the wall, injection is probably no good for you. This is good advice if you are thinking of tackling the problem yourself D.I.Y. but it's even better advice if you are thinking of paying a contractor. If they are just going through the motions of selling the traditional damp injection and render without taking note of the type of damp or the method of ingress we advise that you get another firm in to quote. To find out more please see http://www.conifer-property-services.co.uk/damp_proofing_water_proofing.asp?ID=12&Level1ID=13&Level2ID=2 we will be happy to offer advice if you are unsure.

When tackling the same problem with a membrane solution we usually go higher than the recommended metre in height. We normally dig the membrane into the concrete a few inches too, and go up to the full height of the membrane if running longways across a wall. This is very effective against rising damp or penetrating damp. Also, if you only get to the height of 1m with your membrane, you may sometimes find you get a salt line all the way across your wall in time. So it pays to go over if you can.


The diagram opposite shows a typical installation of a membrane to combat rising or penetrating damp, in extreme cases or if you are unsure please seek professional advice.

Happy damp proofing everyone! We'll be back with more tips and anecdotes soon!

http://www.conifer-property-services.co.uk
i@conifer-property-services.co.uk

01743 818 055 or
01650 531 694

Stone wall damp proofing

Hi Folks!

We recently damp proofed a farm house in Wales where the west facing walls had been allowing water penetration for many years despite the owners' varied and best efforts!

The house was originally slate tiled down that face but the many holes in the wall behind were a breeding ground for rats. Once the slates were removed the west elevation had a few windows blocked up (badly, unfortunately) and the walls were painted with an, allegedly, waterproof paint.

The problem with this house was three-fold: Firstly, there was a good deal of rising damp due to there being no DPC at all; Secondly, there was penetrating damp driven harder into the exposed wall by the weather and pressure created by being situated in a valley; Thirdly, there was excessive penetration around the blocked-up windows.

The walls of the property were at least 500mm thick with two outer skins of dressed stone infilled with rubble. As anyone in the damp proofing trade knows you can inject stone walls but only if it is properly coursed, a rubble centre creates a problem. So we decided to forego the usual inject and render method and use Oldroyd Plaster Membrane.

The old plaster still had to be removed because it was up to 75mm thick in places and the plastic plugs would not have been long enough to reach the stone! Once the plaster was removed we could see the water seepage around the blocked-up window and we knew we had made the right choice of materials. We removed sections of the suspended timber floor so that the membrane could pass straight through floor level and also protect the floor joists and boards by delivering any moisture much lower down into the floor void. Where the window had been blocked up, the stone work jutted 50mm out of the wall and there had always been a large lump in the wall that the owner had tried to disguise with decoration.

Due to the nature of Oldroyd Plaster Membrane, we were able to dot and dab on top of the membrane with plasterboard to bring them just proud of the window protrusion and then use a simple bonding coat to bring everything flush. Then it was just a matter of taping any joints and adding a skim coat of plaster to the now perfectly flat wall and refitting the skirting boards. Job done!

If you decide to use this method we recommend that you go more than 1m in height because although the rising damp may not get higher than 1m you may get a salt line showing on your plasterwork later on which will spoil the job; also in cases of penetrating damp it is possible to damp proof the entire elevation using this method. Be prepared for a lot of drilling, we used nearly 400 of the special fitting plugs in one living room wall alone and the plugs aren't cheap! However saying that, it does give peace of mind because it makes a job you can walk away from knowing that the damp will never come through there again!

Please view another type of membrane damp proofing project here: http://www.conifer-property-services.co.uk/damp_proofing_water_proofing.asp?ID=13&Level1ID=13&Level2ID=3

If you have a damp proofing or basement tanking problem please feel free to contact us on 01650 531 694 or alternatively visit our web site @ http://www.conifer-property-services.co.uk/. Our usual catchment area is Mid and North Wales, Shropshire and Cheshire but we do travel further for large projects. We would be pleased to hear from you.

See you all soon!