How Many Times Do You Need a Damp Survey?

The alarm to get a damp survey must ring whenever you see a slight indication of dampness in your house. Whether it is a small rising damp patch, wet walls, or foul smell because of walls, get a damp survey done immediately to make your house damp proof.

Do You Need to Pay for Damp Survey Upfront?

Yes and no. Some companies ask for it upfront, and some do not. It depends from company to company. The best way forward would be to speak to them and then decide.

What is a damp survey?

A damp survey is a detailed inspection carried out on a property to identify any signs of dampness, its sources, and potential remedies. It ensures the building's safety and durability by detecting and addressing moisture-related issues.

How to Treat Damp on Internal Walls?

When it comes to damp on internal walls, the underlying cause behind the dampness is what matters the most. Once identified, the underlying cause is fixed by the damp treatment specialists. They might do it in any way, depending upon the various scenarios that come into play. It can be anything from the injection of damp-proofing creams to repairing pipelines that are leaking water.

How Does an Internal Wall Gets Damp?

Well, there can be many reasons, but the most common one is the surface condensation, that is formed due to various issues, such as penetrating water from clogged gutters, damaged pipelines, faulty damp-proofing, or broken tiles.

Is it Expensive to Fix Rising Damp?

Rising dampness is not easy to fix. It is the toughest one as it rises from the ground level up via a capillary action, which damages the structure of the wall, therefore demanding the need for plasters and paint. If not fixed on time, rising dampness often weakens the walls and leads to unwanted circumstances. It is not that expensive to fix it, but additional costs might be incurred because various things get involved in it.

When Should You Worry About Damp?

Actually, you should be worried even if a small wet spot is seen on your house's wall. But most people usually ignore these signs. They just overlook these symptoms only to see them turn into huge problems later on. Anything from a little wet patch to cold surfaces, musty smells, dark mould growth, or broken structures must be the signs to worry about.

What Signs Indicate Active Woodworm?

Frass. Yes, that's the most common sign that indicates an active woodworm. It is a powdery substance that is left by the woodworms after exiting the holes that they bore. Frass can be found on the surface as well as inside the holes of the timber.

How to Find Dormant Woodworms?

Look for holes in the flooring timber and structures of the house, maybe find some cracks too. Any fault in the furniture or involvement of substances that indicates the infestation of bugs means there are dormant woodworms in the house.

How Does a Woodworm Survey Work?

These surveys are conducted by professionals who look for woodworm infestation in the timber furniture and other exposed timber structures of the house. As a whole, they look for pest presence in the timber. What indicates the presence of woodworms is the holes they bore, frass, or chemical secretions that secrete.

Does Home Insurance Cover Woodworm Infestation?

Yes, it does. Conventional homeowners' insurance and maybe other types also provide coverage against woodworm treatments and-boring infestations. However, it might be limited to a certain extent only. The extent varies and may depend on how much structural damage or deterioration has been caused by woodworm.

Can You Paint on Walls That Have a Dampness?

Well, that is actually not recommended until the walls are completely dry. Exterior coatings, whether paint or any other material, only work well when the surface of the exterior wall is dry. Also, walls with dampness have quite a lot of moisture, which will make it hard to paint and give the desired finish. So, make sure the damp treatment is complete, and the interior walls themselves are free from any kind of moisture. Then only you must go with painting the walls.

Can it Be Painted Over Masonry Cream?

No, it can be. That's because of the water-repellent surface that is created by the masonry cream. Paint has a water substance in it, which, when applied to the masonry cream, will get repelled, therefore leading to an unwanted finish. But there's a solution to that. If you really want to paint over masonry cream, then use waterproof masonry paint, which won't get repelled and gives a nice finish to the surface.

Do You Need Planning Permission For Solar Panels

Free electricity for life? Solar panels are the answer to slash your bills and even earn money

It is estimated that the average Brit could save more than £21,000 over their lifetime by installing solar panels for their electricity needs.

It’s the perfect way to halve or even end those monthly utility bills, be more environmentally friendly and you can even make money if you have spare electricity to sell back to the national grid.

What’s more, it’s a lot easier to switch to solar energy than people think and, in many cases, you can get grants to finance the initial outlay of installing the panels as part of the government’s drive to a greener more energy efficient Britain.

Do you need planning permission for solar panels?

Probably the first question people ask is ‘Do I need planning permission for solar panels and the great news, is no you don’t.

You do however have to meet certain criteria. That is the building roof can support the panels safely and that your electricity supply is also installed safely.

For that reason, you should use a qualified installer and then you will receive a certificate that approves your solar switch.

FAQs:

How do solar panels work?

Basically, you are using the sun as a charger for batteries that you can then use to power all your electrical needs. These ‘batteries’ are known as Photovoltaic (or PV) Cells. They are normally put on a roof but can also be installed at ground level.

What if I get no sun?

As we know the weather can be pretty dreary in the UK, but you don’t need sunny days to get power. If it’s light, you will generate power which is why they can work in Britain as well as sunnier climes.

How much do they cost?

OK, so this gets a little complicated as it depends on how much energy you want and how many panels you can safely install. The latest stats show installation costs are falling by around £200 a year as solar power becomes more widespread. The cost per kilowatt of a small solar PV installation (0-4kW) average £1,458 in the UK now. That is because it is measured by the energy or wats the panels supply. It’s perhaps easier to grasp by looking at what this means in terms of a typical house. This comparison shows a three-bedroom house will typically cost between £5,520 – £6,040 for installation.

What grants are available to install them?

Well, it’s good news as there is a new ECO3 grant scheme introduced by the Government this year which means you could be eligible to free solar panels. You simply apply and if you’re eligible you will get a grant that you don’t need to pay back. This is because the government wants us all to be greener and is doing everything it can to help those who want to be more environmentally friendly.

Hopefully, we’ve shown you that getting solar energy is easier than you think and if you are thinking of a switch, then do it now as you could get it for free with the ECO3 grants!

Joe Bruckland

Construction Expert and founder of Loftera

Having immersed myself in the construction and home improvement world for over two decades, I’ve developed a deep-seated passion and expertise in the intricacies of the industry. My journey, beginning on construction sites and evolving to helm significant home renovation projects, has provided me with a hands-on perspective and a wealth of knowledge that I bring to Loftera. Holding certifications from premier industry bodies, I’ve been a go-to consultant for leading construction magazines, participated in industry forums, and collaborated with renowned tradesmen and architects across the UK. My mission is simple: to demystify the complexities of home improvement, ensuring homeowners are empowered with information that is both current and reliable. Through Loftera, I aim to provide insights that are a blend of field experience and data-driven research, cementing my commitment to be an authoritative voice in the home improvement landscape.

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Have A Project That Requires Loft Conversion & Renovation?

Do You Need Planning Permission For Solar Panels

Do you need planning permission for solar panels?

FAQs:

How do solar panels work?

What if I get no sun?

How much do they cost?

What grants are available to install them?

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Ultimate Guide: How to Clean Silicone Render Like a Pro

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