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Wyedean Damp & Mould Control offer remedial timber treatments and repairs against woodworm, wet rot and dry rot. All these preservative treatments are backed by a twenty year guarantee.

Woodworm

The most common form of timber infestation is by Common Furniture Beetle which is commonly known as woodworm and will infest most woods and is most often seen in joists, floorboards and roof timbers.
There are several other types of woodboring insects including Death Watch Beetle, Wood Boring Weevil. House Longhorn Beetle and Powderpost Beetle,

The treatment of woodworm generally involves the spray application of structural timbers within a house i.e. floor boards and joists, staircase and roof timbers with an insecticide. Where the infestation is more severe and generally in the case of Death Watch Beetle the application of a penetrative paste or gel is often also necessary. Sometimes the infestation has caused timbers to lose structurally integrity in which case replacement of the timbers will be necessary. Wyedean Damp & Mould Control are able to carry out both the chemical treatment and the replacement of timbers as necessary using qualified Technicians and Carpenters. Our treatment fluids are virtually odourless, non-toxic, water based and have a one house re-entry time. All woodworm treatments come with a twenty year guarantee and Wyedean Damp & Mould Control offer a free, no obligation inspection of any suspected woodworm infestation to house-owners.

Dry rot and wet rot

The treatment of dry rot and wet rot infestation is more intensive and generally involves removal of the affected timber, finding the source of dampness which has caused the rot to occur and eliminating it.

Treatment of Dry Rot infestation will also involve the stripping back of adjoining plaster work and timbers to beyond the last sign of dry rot growth to enable complete eradication of the fungus and prevent future infection by sterilising all exposed brickwork and masonry.

All wet and dry rot treatments come with a twenty year guarantee and Wyedean Damp & Mould Control offer a free, no obligation inspection of any suspected woodworm infestation to house-owners

Condensation Control

Condensation is the single biggest cause of dampness in the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and surrounding towns such as Ross and Hereford and is responsible for many significant dampness problems in residential buildings. Wyedean Damp & Mould Control offer a wide range of solutions for problems of mould and condensation dampness.

Many properties, especially tenanted flats can suffer from condensation, resulting in black or green mould growth developing on furnishings, clothing and the walls / ceilings within the property.
Mild cases of condensation can be alleviated by the occupants managing the moisture production, ventilation and heating. Simply covering pans when cooking, opening windows and avoiding drying clothes indoors can be helpful.

In many cases however, modern living styles result in an accumulation of moisture vapour within the property, which combined with poor heating and ventilation arrangements, provide the ideal conditions for mould to develop.
In order to provide a reliable, effective solution to such problems, especially in cases where the owner does not occupy the residence, the most effective methods of preventing condensation are to improve the air quality, by removing the damp laden air and ensuring a supply of fresh, filtered air in to the property.

Wyedean Damp & Mould Control have a range of condensation control systems, from simple extractor ventilators, single room solutions, incorporating heat recovery ventilators, to full positive pressure ventilation systems, which displace and dilute moisture laden air and ensure air circulation within the property.

Our Surveyors will inspect the property to identify the cause of the problems and provide a report detailing the extent of the problem, along with our recommended solution and a quotation for any proposed works.
Wyedean Damp & Mould Control Condensation systems are installed by our own highly trained operatives, with minimum disruption to the occupants. The installation is usually completed within one day and involves installing the appropriate condensation control unit, in conjunction with passive ventilators where specified.

Preventing damage to the external fabric of the building is a key consideration to freeholders and therefore Wyedean Damp & Mould Control utilise low impact, specialist diamond cutting equipment, designed to prevent damage to external renders and brickwork. Additionally, the vents are installed using high level dust extraction, allowing the property to remain occupied during installation and preventing dust nuisance to tenants or occupants during the installation. Once the equipment is installed, the electrical connection is made and an electrical certificate issued along with our certificate of guarantee. Our condensation systems utilise low energy technology to ensure minimal operating costs.

An improvement in air quality will be apparent immediately following the installation and after around 14 days the mould will dry to powder form which is normally removed by washing. Our installations are a cost effective method of preventing condensation and 0% interest free credit is available.

Condensation dampness is an increasingly serious problem in dwelling houses and offices. It affects over 50% of buildings in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Accompanying condensation dampness there is an increase in the presence of mould growth with many of the household pollutants which can have health implications. Positive Input Ventilation units along with our Passive Ventilation Units are a cost effective and guaranteed way to control condensation dampness and black spot mould problems.

A recent report by Mackintosh Environmental Research Unit (MEARU) said most homes try to be air tight which causes a build-up of harmful, toxic chemicals and moisture if householders do not open windows or vents. There are clear links between poor ventilation and ill health so houseowners have to be aware of the build-up of CO2 and other pollutants in their homes and their potential impact on their health.

Levels of pollutants can be five times higher indoors than outdoors and when vents and windows are kept closed these toxic chemicals have nowhere to go. Common pollutants include carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds from carpets and soft furnishings, formaldehyde in MDF and plywood, and phthalates which are used in plastic. This cause a build-up of harmful chemicals and moisture leading toxic mould growths on walls and other surfaces which can in turn to health problems such as asthma.

Proven, safe methods of reducing condensation and harmful toxic pollutants is to a install a Drimaster or Flatmaster or fitting Passyfier vents to allow trickle ventilation
Positive Input Ventilation units (Drimaster-for houses and Flatmaster for flats)

Drimaster

The DRIMASTER provides whole home ventilation using the Positive Input Ventilation principle. This form of ventilation is becoming increasingly recognised as the “best value” approach to ventilating a home. Essentially, the concept is to introduce air to the home at a continuous low rate, encouraging movement of air from inside to outside. A single unit situated in the loft space will normally be sufficient to continuously dilute, displace and replace the old contaminated air in the home with drier, tempered (by utilising otherwise unused heat in the loft space) and filtered air. The result is a significant contribution towards providing a healthy, condensation dampness free, energy efficient home. With only one electrical connection and no trickle vents normally required, the installation costs for this type of damp proofing system are generally less than for a conventional set of extract fans with trickle vents – and the entire home benefits from the ventilation provided.

Good quality loft mounted units normally incorporate a heat recovery function to introduce more heat into the home when the loft is warm during the winter months. Heat recovery functions are normally either “Fixed Temperature Heat Recovery” which adjusts the flow rate of the unit to suit the loft temperature; or “Intelligent Heat Recovery” which adjusts the flow rate to suit the loft temperature and the way the home is heated. The latter type is particularly good in terms of energy efficiency. These systems are highly effective but do require proper application and installation for optimum performance. Units incorporating low watt motor technology (Low Energy Positive Input Ventilation Units) can provide a significant net energy gain to the home. These units are therefore very energy efficient, even when compared to natural ventilation systems such as Passive Stack Ventilation.

 
All DRIMASTER low energy input ventilation units are supplied and fitted with a 60 day, no quibble, money back guarantee and also comes with a 5 years parts & labour warranty. An average sized 3/4 bedroom property, without extension, can be fully installed, including all electrical connections for a flat fee of £650.00.

The benefits of installing a Drimaster PIV unit are great and some of the advantages are listed below:-

• First, it means that a significant proportion of external pollutants are prevented from entering the home
• Secondly, the use of the otherwise unused heat in the roof results in the ventilation unit providing a significant net energy gain to the home
• Thirdly, there is no better way to ventilate a home than from the inside out via a single, centrally located, supply air diffuser

The installation of a low energy positive input ventilation unit will ensure the air in your home is completely replaced with better quality air around 20 times a day. This is the recommended rate to maintain good air quality. The old air exits through the thousands of air leakage points found in all homes. Indeed, positive input ventilation will even help to suppress unwanted infiltration (draughts).

The end result of installing a DRIMASTER PIV unit is improved indoor air quality and an environment in which condensation dampness cannot exist.

To arrange free no obligation feasibility survey then please call Wyedean Damp & Mould Control on 01594 723123 or e-mail enquiries@wyedean-dampmould.co.uk .

Drimaster Heat PIV units can be supplied for Builders/DIY fitting and cost £350.00 including delivery.

Flatmaster

The Flatmaster operates in a similar way to the Drimaster but is designed for homes without lofts.
Input air is directed across the ceiling (usually in your hallway). This uses a scientific principle called the Coanda effect, which has the impact of mixing with the wasted warmer air that has risen above head height in your home. It therefore increases the efficiency of your heating system. We can also supply and fix heat exchange units if preferred.

The unit will cure and/or prevent the problems associated with condensation dampness in your home, providing a healthier living environment for all occupants. The unit will prevent mould growth on walls, ceilings, furniture, clothes and curtains. The unit also eradicates the musty smells evident in homes with severe condensation problems. (When using your air conditioning in the summer, fresh air will circulate the house and help to prevent dry throats and congestion).
The price for this unit supplied and fitted is £750.00 which includes all making good and localised re-decorating.

To arrange free no obligation feasibility survey then please call 01594 723123 or email enquiries@wyedean-dampmould.co.uk.

Passive Ventilation Units
In some instances where cost is a concern and only individual rooms require to be treated we can recommend the ‘Passyfier Vent’ which has no running costs, has minimal heat loss and is scientifically proven to reduce condensation dampness.

The Passyfier combines a through-the-wall ‘warm’ telescopic sleeve with a slab of mineral wool inside, which is impervious to the exodus of moisture vapour whilst an internal louvered vent and an external cover simultaneously preventing cold draughts.

A typical house may need for or five Passyfier units and they operate by taking advantage of the differential partial moisture vapour pressure that is normally higher inside an occupied building than on the outside. This pressure is completely independent of that in the air, for example, a typically cold misty British winter’s day may have an outside temperature of 5oC and humidity at 100% while the inside temperature is usually around 20 oC. Keeping the inside relative humidity to 70% generates a difference between inside and outside moisture vapour pressure of 8 millibars which is ample to alleviate condensation. All this is achieved with little or no heat loss and the Passyfier will significantly reduce condensation dampness, steamy windows and unsightly, unhealthy mould growth.

Building Regulations require background ventilation for habitable rooms require a vent opening with a total area of not less than 8,000mm2 and that these openings should be controllable, secure and located so to as avoid draughts. Passyfier vents surpass all of these requirements and are the ideal way of controlling high humidity levels, condensation dampness of unsightly mould growth.

The Passyfier operates continuously without noise 24 hours per day and can extract up to 2.3 litres (roughly one and a quarter gallons- which is ten pints) of water per day even at low pressures.
The diffusion rate of a Passyfier vents are slower compared with mechanical extract fans and they are not designed to cope with high amounts of water vapour produced in a short time ( i.e. in kitchens and bathrooms) and we recommend that if your kitchen or bathroom is suffering from condensation dampness that extract fans are fitted.

If the Relative Humidity of a room is around 70%, above which condensation dampness will occur at 20oC, each kg of air would hold 0.0104kg of water. Local Authorities recommend a maximum velocity of 0.9m/sec through vents, this is to avoid complaints about perceived draughts from occupants, and this would remove 0.023m 3 of water vapour per day. The average speed of air flow through a Passyfier vent is around a tenth of the maximum speed allowable but it is still able to remove 2.3 litres of water vapour per day and this greatly reduces the possibility of condensation and unsightly mould growth from occurring.

For more information on the supply and installation of Passyfier vents please call 01594 723123 or e-mail enquiries@wyedean-dampmould.co.uk.

Passive dehumidifiers can be supplied for builders/diy enthusiasts to fit and cost £45.00 each including delivery
Call us on T: 01594 723123 or M: 07801 255370

Freezteq frozen damp-proof courses
The most popular method of damp-proofing with clients of Wyedean Damp & Mould Control is a diffusion process using frozen damp-proof ice sticks using the Freezteq process.
This transfusion method of damp-proofing is widely acknowledged by scientists and professionals within the damp-proofing industry as being the most effective means of retro-fitting a chemical damp-proof course.

It is a patented method of treating a porous structure in which a frozen rod or pellet of siliconate solution which is liquid at ambient temperature is placed in a bore in the structure and allowed to thaw. This slow melting of the siliconate treating solution allows it seep gently into the porous structure. This method has been used with great success to introduce aqueous solutions of sodium or potassium methyl siliconate into masonry walls to form an effective damp course and therefore prevent the upward passage of rising dampness. The use of Freezteq frozen damp-proofing rods was awarded Agrément Certificate No. 81/827 by the British Board of Agrément and has been used successfully in thousands of properties since it was invented in 1965.

A silicon based water repellent liquid is introduced into the base of the walls via drilled holes which are normally into the mortar joint. The siliconate absorbs or ‘transfuses’ into the capillaries of the masonry; this lines the capillaries with a hydrophobic layer which reverts capillary attraction therefore controlling rising dampness. The silicone material does not block the capillaries; the masonry can still ‘breathe’ , allowing moisture to evaporate from walls. The silicon water repellent used in the transfusion system is water based, non-toxic and it is completely inert once cured and has no deleterious effect on the masonry into which it has been introduced.

Due to the installation process generally being via drilled holes in the mortar joint there is minimal disturbance of the actual stone or brickwork and once installed the holes can be re-pointed with negligible aesthetic impact.

The slow diffusion process of the Freezteq frozen ice-sticks ensures that a waterproof barrier is formed across the whole section of a treated wall. Frozen ice-sticks of Freezteq damp-proofing fluid are inserted into pre-drilled 22mm diameter holes. The ice-sticks then melt gradually and the siliconate damp-proofing fluid transfuses into the capillaries of the masonry, lining the pores of the brickwork or stone with a hydrophobic layer which reverts capillary action and therefore prevents further rising dampness. After the initial ice-sticks have melted further frozen ice-sticks are inserted a further three to four times to ensure that a continuous damp-proof barrier is formed. The silicone material does not block the capillaries and therefore allow the masonry to breathe and the structure of the wall remains unchanged. The water repellent used in the transfusion process is non-toxic and completely inert once cured and has no deleterious effect on the masonry into which it has been introduced.

Rising damp is caused by capillary action where water is drawn up the pores in the brickwork due to the surface tension of the walling material. The hydrophobic siliconates in the Freezteq ice-sticks are pore-lining water repellents, preventing water from being drawn into the pores, which reduces the surface tension of the brickwork so the meniscus normally found in normal capillary action is inverted and damp is therefore prevented from rising.

The slow diffusion process of the Freezteq damp-proofing ice sticks ensures that there is no viscous fingering and that the active damp-proofing fluids are deposited across the entire cross-section of wall ensuring that there is an effective barrier against rising damp from the ground.

A lot of damp-proofing companies in the Forest of Dean and Gloucestershire use cream or gel based damp-proof courses but anecdotal evidence indicates that these are not as effective as claimed by manufacturers. We have often been called to jobs where a cream based damp-course has been installed and inspected holes that were treated around 9-12 months previously and found that cream was still in the holes and had not been absorbed into the brickwork and therefore not forming an effective damp course. We found the same thing when inspecting jobs which had a Safeguard Dry Rod damp-proof course or Rentokil Damp Rod damp-proof course installed where even after a year after insertion the rods had not dissolved and therefore had no damp-proofing effect.

The ineffectiveness of these forms of damp-proofing is therefore an added reason to have a Freezteq damp-proof course installed as the frozen damp sticks melt before you and the diffusion process starts immediately and the damp course is effective almost instantly and damp walls will start to dry from day one of the new damp course being installed and the Freezteq damp-proof course is guaranteed for 20 years.

For a free estimate or advice about Freezteq frozen damp-proof course please call us on

01594 723123 or 07801 255370

Penetrating damp treatment improves thermal efficiency
Properties with solid walls lose around 45% of their heat through walls. These properties are often referred to as ‘hard to treat’ when it comes to trying to insulate them as the options are restricted to expensive external cladding which alters the appearance of a building or fitting insulated plasterboard internally which reduce room dimensions
Wyedean Damp & Mould Control’s external waterproofing treatment with STORMDRY prevents heat loss and is much cheaper and less disruptive than having solid wall insulation installed.
The treatment is best explained by the following analogy: If you get caught in a heavy rain shower without an umbrella you are going to get soaked through and you begin to feel very cold and you’ll want to take off the wet clothes as soon as you get home.
The reason behind this is that all wet materials such as clothes, brickwork –anything that gets wet, conduct or transfer more heat readily than dry materials. In the case of building materials a completely saturated brick will transfer approximately twice as much heat as an identical dry brick.

By keeping a building’s wall drier it is possible to significantly reduce the heat that is lost through them and STORMDRY water-proofing cream will help provide a warmer, drier home.
Applied externally as a single coat of cream it will last for 20 years and STORMDRY is a specially formulated waterproofing cream that penetrates deeply into walls and reduces the amount of moisture they can absorb. A dry wall conducts much less heat that a wet or damp wall and therefore more heat is retained within a property as less heat is being transferred through the walls.
This unique waterproofing cream is formulated to line the pores of masonry rather than block them, so vapours can still pass through the fabric of the building allowing it to breathe.
When applied the cream is white but within 48 hours it will have penetrated deep into the wall leaving no discolouration , residue or sheen.
Independent tests have showed that in damp weather a house treated with STORMDRY used between five and ten percent less energy. Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) tests for heat loss showed that when driving rain was present the energy saving in a treated house increased to 29%.

A house treated with STORMDRY waterproofing cream will have lower carbon dioxide emissions and the heat saved will result in a higher grade Energy Performance Certificate

SAVE ENERGY AND REDUCE BILLS WITH A STORMDRY WALL TREATMENT
Some of the benefits of having a STORMDRY water repellent masonry protecting treatment are:-

• Prevents penetrating dampness-Guaranteed for 20 years
• Improves the thermal efficiency of your home by keeping it dry
• Offers energy savings of up to 30%-sometime more in really porous brickwork
• Reduces heat loss and energy bills
• Maintains the thermal properties of cavity wall insulation
• Provides insulation for solid wall properties that cannot have cavity wall insulation fitted
• Provides a self-cleaning surface
• Reduces maintenance due to water damage and algal growth

STORMDRY-20 YEAR GUARNTEE
STORMDRY water-proofing and insulation treatments are backed by a twenty year guarantee
STORMDRY is manufactured by Safeguard Chemicals who are members of the BWPDA and Property Care Association (PCA)
For a free quote on applying STORMDRY water-proofing and insulating cream please call Wyedean Damp & Mould Control on 01594 723123 or 07801 255370 or send and email to enquiries@wyedean-dampmould.co.uk