Damp Timber

Dampness in buildings can be a big threat to structural and aesthetic timbers alike. Damp timber caused by rising, penetrating or condensation dampness will often become affected by fungal decay which can then cause it to loose its structural integrity.

Timbers that are built into damp walls are most at risk from decay such as wet rot and dry rot (Serpula lacrymans). Damp timber areas most commonly affected when they are exposed to dampness are:

• Fixing blocks
  

  Damp Timber is a real problem in this property

• Timber lintels
• Joist and rafter ends
• Skirting boards
• Door linings

Wet and dry rot can be particularly destructive, causing high levels of damp timber. Constant wetting of damp timber will cause wet rot decay but this will normally just be isolated to the area of timber exposed to the dampness. Dry rot decay however is much worse and has been nicknamed ‘the cancer of buildings‘ due to its rapid growth and ability to grow through brickwork and even concrete and onto dry timbers. Dry rot will remove the cellulose and lignen (the binding ingredients of timber) leaving the timber brittle and weak, and can sometimes devastate whole buildings from a single damp timber source.

Dry rot thrives on a combination of two food sources – dampness and timber – which means that preventing the entry of water into a structure to prevent damp timber is an important factor to consider. Don’t panic too much as dry rot does need completely optimum and sterile conditions to germinate.

Preventing damp timber by isolating it or creating drier surroundings can easily be achieved using Newton Damp Proof Membranes.

Our HDPE and HDPP membranes provide the perfect protection against moisture from damp structures by creating a permanent and impermeable barrier separating damp timber from the adjacent substrate. Built in damp timber areas like lintels would probably have to be replaced with pre-cast concrete sections but joist and rafter ends can be exposed, wrapped with Newton Slimline 501 membrane or suitable dpm and linked to the Newton wall membrane. This ensures that continuity of the damp proofing to the walls is achieved and that full protection is afforded to the potentially damp timber bearing ends of rafters, joints and the like.

Refurbishment projects often involve fully stripping out existing fixtures, fittings and joinery items which is in the main necessitated because dampness in the building has resulted in decayed and damp timber.

Prior to the reinstatement of the timber joinery items like cupboards, skirting boards, door and window linings and architraves, Newton Damp Proof Membranes can be applied to damp walls to prevent any continuing damp or residual moisture from affecting the new joinery.

Newton Registered Installer Bob MacDonald commented “We renovate a lot of old and derelict properties which due to their condition are very damp, and damp timber can be a real problem. Even when we have replaced decayed damp timber, the roof covering, window and doors we would have to wait months for the walls to dry before we could replace the internal finishes. By applying Newton Damp Proof Membranes to the damp walls we can get straight on with replacing wall finishes, skirtings, doors etc with no delay to our works programme, which is essential”

For more information on how Newton Damp Proof Membranes can rectify damp timber problems, please contact us and our team of experts would be delighted to help.