Damp can be stressful and difficult to diagnose correctly. You may have patches on walls, peeling paint, musty smells, salt deposits, mould growth or soft, decaying timber. The visible signs are often only part of the problem.
At Trace Heritage & Restoration, we investigate the cause of damp before recommending a solution. Whether you own a period property, manage a listed building, are renovating an older home, or have a damp issue that keeps returning, our team can help you understand what is happening and what needs to be done next.
We understand how moisture behaves in different types of buildings, from solid wall terraces and stone cottages to timber framed structures, listed buildings and commercial properties.
Trace has an MRICS, Chartered Surveyor, ACABE and Property Care Association accredited surveyors with experience across dampness in buildings, timber decay, insect attack, ventilation and moisture related defects above and below ground.
Older buildings often need to breathe. Where appropriate, we use lime plaster and vapour permeable materials that allow moisture to move and evaporate, rather than trapping it within the wall.
We do not believe in treating symptoms without understanding the source. A damp patch may be caused by rising damp, but it may also be caused by condensation, salts, leaking gutters, leaking drains, bridging, failed render, pipework or previous unsuitable repairs, etc., etc..
We work with homeowners, architects, conservation officers, developers and building professionals who need clear advice, accurate surveys and reliable remedial work. A 50+ years proven record.
Not every damp wall needs the same treatment. In older buildings especially, moisture can be caused by a combination of issues including leaking rainwater goods, defective pointing, ground levels, trapped moisture, poor ventilation, salts, failed past repairs or unsuitable modern materials.
We take a careful, building-led approach. Our surveyors assess the age, construction, materials and condition of the property before advising on the most appropriate damp proofing or breathable repair method.
For traditional and heritage buildings, this may involve lime plaster, ventilation improvements and repair of external defects. For modern properties, it may involve damp proof course repairs, localised remedial work or the removal of bridging plaster and finishes.
The aim is always the same: to identify the cause, reduce the moisture problem and protect the building properly.
In some buildings, a modern damp proofing system may be the correct solution. This can include retrofit damp proof course injection, membranes, isolated finishes and targeted remedial work.
A chemical damp proof course works by lining the pores of the masonry, reducing the capillary movement of moisture through the wall. In some cases, it may be combined with internal finishes or membranes to manage salts and protect new decoration.
However, these systems should only be used where they are appropriate. Our role is to advise whether a modern damp proofing method is suitable for your building, or whether a more breathable repair strategy would be better.
Lime plaster is often a strong option for older solid wall buildings. It is breathable, vapour permeable and better suited to traditional construction than many modern internal finishes.
Lime plaster does not remove the original source of damp on its own. That is why we first investigate the cause of moisture. Once the source has been understood and managed, lime plaster can help walls dry more naturally and reduce the risk of trapped moisture.
This makes it particularly useful in period properties, listed buildings, conservation projects and homes where previous modern plaster has failed.
We discuss the damp symptoms, the age of the property, any previous works and where the issue is appearing.
We inspect the construction, materials, external details and internal finishes to understand how moisture may be entering or moving through the structure.
Where required, we use appropriate moisture testing methods to help distinguish between surface damp, condensation, salts and deeper moisture movement.
We explain the likely cause of the damp and recommend a suitable course of action. This may involve repairs, damp proofing, lime plastering, ventilation improvements or further monitoring.
If treatment is needed, our team can carry out the work carefully and professionally, using the right materials for the property.
We provide guidance on drying times, decoration, ventilation and maintenance, helping you protect the building after the work is complete.
