How we differ from your average waterproofing company
In this short article, we wanted to highlight the key differences between LABS and other water/damp proofing companies within Sheffield and surrounding areas. Throughout, clear examples are given to try and help inform prospective clients of how we operate, our company culture and how customers benefit from choosing LABS for their basement conversion. LABS is a waterproofing and damp proofing specialist company based in Sheffield with the highest of standards. Our company culture emphasises continued improvement, pushing ourselves to be more technologically advanced compared to your run-of-the-mill building firm. We’re always at the forefront of waterproofing design and damp proofing methodology. Traditional builders and company owners rely on training completed during apprenticeships and typically are resistant to change and/or continued professional development. We pride ourselves on advancing along side emergent waterproofing technology.
At LABS, we attend regular CPD sessions in our industry and have even hosted some of these and shared our expertise with other professionals in our industry. So why is this important to our customers? Simply put, this translates into a superior finished basement for you. As we’re using the most up to date methods and technologies, our clients can be reassured that their project is as modern as it can be. Generally, other companies in our field tend to stick with what they know and go for the cheaper options, meaning clients essentially have an inferior and cheaper end product. For example, LABS install pump systems with telemetric alarms and install complete climate control systems to manage condensation and regulate heat. We were shocked recently to hear that a competitor told a client of theirs that condensation wasn’t their company problem as they had been employed to waterproof the basement, and that condensation was the customers problem. This isn’t surprising as your average company might install a cheap 4″ extractor fan that you can pick up for circa £30! Needless to say these aren’t fit for purpose, but superficially such companies can tick a box that they have provided some ventilation!
Advanced Full Climate Control Systems:
At LABS, we’re also damp proofing specialists and understand that you need to factor in 3 key elements to manage condensation adequately: barrier protection, heat, and ventilation. Superficially these can all be achieved on the cheap, its only a few months down the line when you experience problems. As some clients are none the wiser they put up with the substandard cheap builds that are often seen as standard, convinced that the condensation is their own fault. Rest assured however that under BS8102: waterproofing below ground structures standards, assert the need to manage condensation as part of the design and build. As noted above we at LABS use the most advanced climate control systems, these are comparatively the most energy efficient systems when compared with traditional electric and gas heating.
Adequate Insurance fit for Purpose:
Alarmingly companies working in this specialist area aren’t adequately insured. Once again superficially companies present clients with what’s called “all risk” policies and in fairness to many of these companies they aren’t even aware that they have generic efficacy clauses, which basically means if an operative of the company by mistake or negligence installs some of the system incorrectly then the insurance is null and void!! How crazy is that? Insurance should be there for mistakes, human error like it is with car insurance for example. At LABS we have a detailed policy that doesn’t have such efficacy clauses, and we pay a hefty premium but this ensures that our customers are protected adequately which in turn protects our company. We could get one of these cheaper “all risks” policies for a 1/10 of the cost we pay. This would only provide superficial cover and when you’re structural waterproofing and underpinning people’s properties this simply won’t do. We will always put our customers first before company profits.
Back-office Support:
Unlike your typical and more traditional building companies, we have invested in a high street presence, with an office in Crookes and one on Ecclesall Road in Sheffield. Why is this important? This means we have a back office set up and from start to finish and through to post works, you can always get hold of someone should you need to discuss your requirements. Your call will always be taken by someone during normal working hours and via dedicated WhatsApp groups per-project out of hours for emergencies, overseen by a dedicated management team. We’re there every step of the way in contrast to the stereotypical building firm who limit contact, and who disappear into the sunset in their white van once they’ve had their fill of a project or when the proverbial hits the fan! Check out our extensive Google reviews here, whereby we’re proud to have the most positive Google reviews when compared to our competitors. Also check out our customer testimonial videos where people share their experience of LABS here!
Partnerships With Market Leaders and Radon Mitigation:
Other key advantages of working with LABS is that we’re approved installers of market leading systems by companies such as Wykamol, Saniflo & Elta. We enjoy strategic partnerships with these companies that ensure warranties are honoured in the unlikely event that something goes wrong or fails during your project with us. This gives our customers added peace of mind that we’re working with market leading companies who have proven quality and longevity and share with LABS a desire for continued development and advancement in our field. Other areas covered by LABS, which aren’t typically addressed by our competitors, is Radon mitigation works, where as standard we will measure the Becquerel(bq) levels of radon in a basement before works are carried out. This is beneficial as we can then install appropriate measures and give our clients the ability to make informed choices as a result. Radon exposure >200 bq is correlated with higher incidences of cancer, in particular lung cancer. If you would like to know more about this, please refer to our previous article on the subject here. Once again, if BS8102 is followed correctly, Radon levels must be considered along with condensation as highlighted above. Feel free to contact the team at www.l-a-b-s.co.uk by filling in one of our customer enquiry forms. Alternatively, during normal working hours contact LABS on 01142302865 for a no obligation chat.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, we hope this has given you a better impression of what LABS can do for you and the steps we take to stand out from out competitors. We hope to hear from you soon!
Despite its name, woodworm is a catch-all term not for worms, but for wood-boring beetles that lay eggs in timbers. The name derives from the spots that the larvae leave behind as they emerge from the wood: small holes as if a worm has eaten its way through.
As you might imagine, the larvae in the timbers don’t stay that way forever. After devouring the timbers internally, they will pupate and emerge as a beetle before leaving to repeat the cycle. Having a lot of beetles emerging from and eating the timbers in your basement can cause a lot of damage. The larvae can fester for years and while one alone isn’t an issue, they are never found in isolation. If left unchecked or untreated, the infestation can spread to attack the timbers and furniture in your home, which can lead to widespread structural damage within your property. It can also go undetected for some time as the larvae develop within the timbers, only becoming an issue once the damage has begun.
Prior to the emergence of the beetles, it will be almost impossible to detect, making it difficult to pre-empt. The larvae can spend years eating before emerging from the woodwork as a fully grown beetle, however when this happens you will easily be able to identify them based on the following:
Similarly, to rot, woodworm thrives mostly from damp wood and warm spaces. Their ideal food source is hard woods with a moisture content of 30% or higher, such as a damp timber support or piece of furniture. They can support themselves otherwise, but these are the ideal conditions and the ones you will want to avoid.
If you’re worried about woodworm or want to get your timbers chemically treated as a precaution, call LABS. Our timber professionals will be happy to help with any issues you may be experiencing.
Dry rot is one of several types of fungal growth that, with the right conditions, fester in a basement or other suitable space. It is important to note the distinction between woodworm, wet and dry rot, while all can be damaging, dry rot is the most damaging and serious of the three. Wet rot is more common in a household and requires a higher moisture level (50% rather than 20%), so it is easier to avoid and less harmful to the building.
If left unchecked, the rot can cause catastrophic damage to a building by attacking and eating the supporting timbers in a property from a basement all the way up to a loft, which can lead to the structural integrity of the building becoming compromised.
Dry rot can be identified with the following: spore dust or mycelium growth, a musty, mushroom odour, timbers found to be rotted or crumbling on contact and white mycelium growth appearing like plant roots or cobwebs on affected surfaces. The mycelium, a thread-like fungal growth, can appear to resemble cotton wool and is generally found in voids, such as under floors and in walls. The fruiting body itself will resemble a fungal growth with a deep orange/red centre and lighter outer coating. Spore dust may also be apparent throughout the property where dry rot is present, this would be a rust-coloured orange-brown deposits of dust.
It can be caused by several factors such as defective rain and sewage pipes or other means of water ingress into the building or any other sever moisture levels in the building. Its growth is triggered by excessive moisture levels, allowing it to proliferate as dry rot requires moisture, a dark place to grow and a food source to thrive, the food source being wood such as the timber joists of a basement, though the moisture levels of timber must be over 20% for it to grow. Dry rot spores are airborne and invisible to the naked eye, so it is best to avoid the conditions needed for rot to grow whether you appear to have any or not.
Call the LABS Team. Get a suitably qualified professional to deal with dry rot as it is not easy to deal with without the correct tools and equipment but leaving it can be very hazardous to the building integrity. Our advice is to only allow professionals to attend to the issue as it is a living body and can grow back if not dealt with properly. We have years of experience behind us and can provide insurance guarantees on all our works, making LABS a reliable and dependable choice for any timber related issues.
It is an unfortunate truth that damp conditions can occur at any given time, even if you have the best-kept house on the street! While damp walls can cause all manner of problems for your property, but also for your health, as well as for anyone in your home. Therefore, the moment you notice a wet wall in your property, it’s always a good idea to get it checked out.
Damp proofing and damp wall treatment can help to turn your property around without you even realising it. Unfortunately, there are all kinds of things that can cause damp and mould in your home, and none of them are particularly pleasant. Therefore, if you are starting to notice the cold and wet coming into your house, it really is worth reaching out to damp experts who can help make things crisp, dry, and warm again for you.
A damp wall is going to be a cold wall as it has significantly lower thermal properties than a dry one. The temperature of a wall is influenced by the rate at which it exchanges heat with the environment. Since water has a considerably higher heat conductivity than air, the wall will lose heat more rapidly when it’s covered in water. When a wall is wet, the property will lose heat more rapidly than when it is dry. As the Second Law of Thermodynamics informs us, two independent systems (A radiator and a cold wall, for example) when brought into contact seek to reach the same state of thermodynamic equilibrium. A cold entity absorbs heat and vice versa. In practice, this means lot of that heat you are paying for could be drawn out through damp patches on your wall.
Think about the problems this may cause if, for example, you have a radiator or heater on the wall that’s growing progressively wetter or colder. It’s going to negate the effect of the radiator being there! The colder your wall gets, the less radiant heat you’ll benefit from it. That might just mean you end up wasting more energy fixing the problem by cranking up the thermostat. That, as you might imagine, is not advisable if you want to save money.
Are you looking to insulate your home? You may want to consider damp first! It is a fruitless endeavor to put energy saving measures into a damp property. The moisture it creates can travel through the insulation and damage whatever is closest to it. Furthermore, insulation can aggravate damp issues, so mechanical ventilation needs to be considered when installing any energy efficient fabric measure.
Ultimately, a damp wall is something that’s going to need fixing sooner rather than later. Damp proofing, or damp wall fixing, could mean you end up wasting less energy and therefore less money.
A wet wall isn’t just going to be cold or unsightly – it is a genuine hazard. If something as nasty as black mould is left to fester and persist, you could be causing serious breathing problems for anyone in your property, especially for any asthmatics or smokers. Even if that’s no issue, there’s the unavoidable, musty and lingering smell that you’re never going to be able to get rid of with an air freshener alone.
Consider, too, how much of a problem a damp or wet wall is going to do for the value of your property. If you are considering selling up in the near future, you might find that a damp wall has already done enough damage to your property to harm it’s value. Painting over the damp won’t be enough, you’re going to need to deal with it at the source.
If any of this sounds like a bit much, there’s no need to worry. That’s what the experts here at LABS are on hand to support you with! Our Damp wall treatment will ensure that what could be a recurring problem is eradicated once and for all.
You might even wish to set up damp proofing elsewhere in your home, too, if you are worrying that wet walls are likely to become a further issue for you further down the line.
The moment you notice wet walls in your home, the best thing to do is get in touch with a team of experts at LABS who can help you and your property recover. A small patch of damp can become a big problem in no time at all! We have years of experience in Sheffield and beyond helping homeowners recover from these problems.
We will conduct a full inspection of the problem and will suggest an affordable, swift plan of action to get your walls back to their former glory.
Call us now on 0114 230 2865 or admin@l-a-b-s.co.uk and start saving yourself time, money, and any further stress!
Radon in Sheffield
Despite working in the city for many years now, Radon was not on our radar until recently. We noticed a rise in our clients having queries on the subject and have since then done some research into the matter.
What exactly is Radon? It is a noble gas that occurs as a product of Uranium decay in rocks and soils, building materials and, to a lesser degree, water (95% of exposure to Radon is from indoor air and about 1% is from drinking water sources). It is radioactive, with a half-life of 3.82 days, colourless, odourless and tasteless, with the potential to cause significant health issues.
From this we have decided that Radon should be part of our considerations when waterproofing basements to the British Standard BS8102. As we begin our journey into tackling this issue, we would like to share these 4 things we believe you need to know about this potentially harmful ground gas.
Please note we are far from experts on this subject!
1. Health implications:
First and foremost, just how damaging is radon exposure to our health, and should you be concerned? As has been proven, Radon is a hazardous element that can lead to the following problems:
Smokers and ex-smokers are at a much greater, essentially doubled risk as the correlation between Radon exposure, smoking and lung cancer is a linear progression. It is estimated that 2,500 lung cancer deaths a year in the UK occur due to Radon exposure. All in all, it’s better to be safe than sorry on this one.
2. Detection and Measurement:
Radon can be measured in the unit of becquerels (Bq) using a specialist tool. A Becquerel is a minute measurement (a single nuclear disintegration per second) and is often prefixed with Mega, Giga, or even Tera, but don’t let that intimidate you!
One can be excused for assuming that radon is not a problem for us in Sheffield, a cursory look at the Radon map for the UK identifies Sheffield as a low Radon risk.
Feel free to examine the UK Radon map for yourself! (UKradon – UK maps of radon)
However, as is the case with all forms of radiation, it can spike in very concentrated spots and present the same issues as high-risk areas. Conversely, areas in high-risk zones can have individual properties that are well within the safe limits outlined by public health England.
Contrary to our initial interpretation and seemingly others within the industry this is only a snapshot as we have since learned. We have found this in several properties we have carried out measures on.
For reference, Public Health England have set an action level of 200 Bq per meter cubed (BqM3), and should a home meet or exceed this, measures should be taken.
Their recommended target level is 100 Bq per meter cubed or less and is the ideal result remedial works or preventative measures on new buildings. These levels refer to the annual average concentration in a home and have been endorsed by the UK government. They recommend a measurement should be taken with two detectors, placed in a bedroom and living room of a property, for 24 hours to gain an accurate reading.
3. Managing radon exposure and remedial works:
What can we do at L.A.B.S do to help you with this? On our end, the main measures we can take are:
4. Further information and resources:
At LABS we never like to sit still, our company ethos focuses on continual learning and developing our practices by applying the highest standards and waterproofing methods that are backed by empirical research. We as a company have enrolled on some basic online training and have also become members of the UK Radon Association. Further to this we have purchased our very own testing kit.
Additionally, we have devised our working policy on Radon. This is an ongoing policy that is subject to amendment the more we learn about the topic. In summary;
In summary, while this new development may seem potentially dangerous and unsettling, we here at L.A.B.S. are committed to doing all we can to help deal with Radon and the associated issues across Sheffield.
Is your basement not quite doing the job it’s supposed to? Are you finding that your cellar or basement is pretty much just a breeding ground for damp and mould, and not much else? It may well be time to start thinking about fixing those damp conditions for the sake of your health and at the same time: you might want to think about getting in touch with a basement conversion specialist!
There are plenty of great reasons why you might want to get in touch with a specialist in basement construction. There’s a whole space at the bottom of your home which could be massively useful when it comes to hosting guests or even when it comes to storing everyday items. How you use your basement is up to you! However, before you make a start on any kind of renovation of your own, always make a point of getting in touch with experts in basement conversion Sheffield that families and homeowners already know and trust.
There are plenty of reasons why delegating basement conversion to a specialist just makes sense, but ultimately, it can be a pretty fiddly and complex job! There are plenty of different things you need to keep in mind when it comes to converting a basement, meaning it is less about just tidying up a place and is more about making sure that your space is structurally sound and waterproofed.
The base of your house is perhaps more at risk of water ingress and damp than any other. That’s why many people, unfortunately, find themselves struggling with nasty mouldy conditions that are often a pain to handle on your own. When you call someone to help with basement conversion Sheffield or elsewhere, you are investing in the best tools, as well as years of intensive knowledge and training.
LABS’ team of basement conversion experts make a point of carefully analysing your space before taking up any physical work. We always make sure to carry out conversion and proofing work in line with BS 8102 standards. This means you can always be sure that with LABS, you’re receiving expert support that’s governed by a strict code of conduct.
You might have plenty of great reasons for wanting to convert your basement. If it’s just sat there doing nothing, then you could turn it into a completely new room. You could install a guest bedroom, for example, or you might even fancy setting up a utility space or extended kitchen! There are also plenty of people up and down the UK who convert their basements into dining rooms, games rooms and more.
However, to achieve this new dream space, your basement is going to need to be fit for purpose. As mentioned, damp proofing your basement is a must. A basement conversion specialist will take the time to consider the practicalities of converting and refurbishing your space and will therefore approach you with a realistic plan of action.
We make sure to be as meticulous, yet as concise, as possible. There’s an awful lot of jargon and confusion floating around regarding basement conversions and waterproofing – which is why it’s all the more reason to get the facts straight. We understand that basement conversions take time and effort to get right – and you can be sure that we are never going to cut corners.
LABS offers a comprehensive basement conversion service, along with expert advice and guidance across spaces of all shapes and sizes. We don’t just waterproof and damp-proof basements and cellars. We help to transform them!
Getting your head around the finer details of basement conversion can take a lot of time and effort to get right. That’s why it’s all the more worthwhile approaching a basement conversion specialist in your local area. Otherwise, you’d be at risk of causing yourself a real headache – and increasing costs along the way!
Call LABS now to learn more about basement conversions – we will educate you on the technical ins and outs of the process and provide you with ideas on how you can maximise the potential of your space in the most cost-efficient way possible. If you’re suffering with a damp basement and really want to make the most of it, do get in touch with us as soon as you can – and we will make a point of steering you and your home in the right direction.
Are you struggling with damp, mould, or condensation in your home? Are you already wondering if you are doing enough to stave off nasty damp conditions which could cause health issues for your family? As the winter rolls along, we are more and more likely to start switching up the heating. Therefore, damp is likely to run rampant! However, providing you have the best damp specialist Sheffield has to offer on side, there are no reasons why you can’t keep things safe and healthy on the way up to February.
LABS is a seasoned team of damp experts, helping to both damp proof housing as well as to help remove some of the nastiest conditions properties suffer from. However, when looking for damp experts Sheffield and elsewhere, there are always going to be a few things you should keep in mind as a priority.
Everyone has to start somewhere, but when it comes to looking for damp proofing specialists, as well as those who can help to eradicate nasty mould conditions in your home, you’re going to need to look for years of expertise. It takes years of knowledge to help ensure mould and damp is dealt with safely and removed without concern. After all, this is a problem which could cause more problems than a little if left to persist!
The best damp proofing companies in the region will know what works when it comes to fighting against all kinds of damp conditions. Therefore, instead of signing up with a team who is only just getting started, make sure to check out a company’s credentials, reviews, and years of knowledge.
The more expertise you hire, the quicker and safer your problems will be resolved. Surely it makes sense to hire a service you can be confident in!
The best damp specialist Sheffield has to offer won’t just try the same old methods again and again if they don’t work out. At LABS, we’ve fine-tuned our processes and only ever make sure to use materials and practices we know work flawlessly from situation to situation.
That’s why we are so keen to help prepare and protect your home against the rise of damp and mould. The fact is, there are multiple ways to fight against these conditions. There’s no guesswork involved – all of the products and techniques we use are guaranteed to prevent and fight back against the nastiest mould and damp conditions your home is likely to face.
There’s simply no point in hiring a damp specialist Sheffield or elsewhere if they aren’t confident in the services or tools they provide! Make sure to check this out with your team before you go ahead and put any money down.
The very best damp proofing companies don’t just offer you physical solutions and remedies to your damp conditions and scenarios. They also work to offer you advice and guidance both before and after your consultation, and any work done. What sets LABS apart from the pack is our fantastic aftercare service, where we will always be on hand to confirm how you can keep your home or premises free from damp and mould-growing conditions for years to come.
The fact is, mould can persist in many different ways. We understand that it’s not always easy to try and combat it at home. Ventilation and limited heating are all well and good, but sometimes, you are going to need a little more in the way of TLC to really clear up a bad patch, or to damp proof your home for the months and years ahead.
When looking for damp proofing specialists, don’t just look at the price. Yes – it is something you will need to budget for – but when it comes to the health of your family, you should never be willing to cut costs and thus cut quality of service and care.
At LABS, we strive to offer incredible value in all that we do. We know that our customers don’t have the money to hand, necessarily, to throw everything at damp proofing. That’s why we are a damp specialist people turn to when it comes to affordable, comprehensive protection and management of damp and mould conditions across the board. You should never have to pay more just for the sake of it.
For more details call now on 0114 230 2865 for a free consultation with the LABS team.
If you have a cellar or basement space which just isn’t working out for you, it might be time to consider a conversion. As you can expect, cellar spaces can be ripe for damp conditions and potential flooding. This is all the more reason to consider getting a cellar conversion if you are in Sheffield or elsewhere. But what is the average cellar conversion cost, and is it really worth it in the long run?
If you’re considering ways to damp proof a cellar or basement space in your home, call LABS for a quote. Before you do, however, keep reading for more information on what to expect from pricing.
At LABS, we price the average cost of a cellar conversion on the size and scope of a job in question. For example, it will likely cost you at least £8,000 to install a simple fail-safe waterproofing system, for what we refer to as a Storage Basement.
The next option is the Storage Plus, which means that we will add decorative features, plastering and more in order to make your basement more aesthetically pleasing. On average, this cellar conversion cost will normally come to at least £12,000, but sometimes as much as £17,000.
If you require a habitable room i.e. bedroom, cinema room, playroom, home office, there are extra requirements regarding fire escapes to make them comply with building regulations. For a typical terraced house basement circa 14 square metres, prices start from £18,000 up to £25,000.
The prices we charge for cellar conversions and damp proofing covers a full dimpled membrane covering. This means that we plug and seal membranes to your walls and excavate a chamber for a sump pump. This means that your cellar can continue to breathe and will drain water from the outside instead of letting it build up, causing damp and mould. We also install aluminium stud frameworks to make sure that everything is firmly in place.
We make sure that all of our work is conducted to standards set out in BS8102:2009 ‘Code of practice for protection of below ground structures against water from the ground’.
Absolutely – the average cost of cellar a conversion will be more than offset in the value that’s added to your home. Studies carried out by the Nationwide Building Society have found that homes could benefit from a revenue boost of between 15% and 20%. That could be a fantastic increase on the overall price of your property in the long run!
However, this is assuming that you obtain a reputable and fair quote from a leading, regulated company. You must make sure that any company you obtain cellar conversions from is carrying out work in strict compliance with the BS8102:2009 standard. Otherwise, you may be left with more headaches than what you started with.
Our advice would be to measure the market carefully. There are going to be some cellar conversion companies who state that they will convert your basement for you for around £2,000 to £3,000. If they are keeping in line with regulations, this simply isn’t possible.
In order to make sure that cellar and basement conversions are safe, secure, and operable, we invest heavily in the best materials and the best equipment. Conforming with BS8102 means that we take genuine care with all the work we do, and we are proud to show off this certification through our website and online packages pages.
A cellar conversion cost is only going to be worth it if you can be sure that you are receiving regulated work which conforms to British safety standards. Just because it might seem as though you are getting a bargain with some companies, doesn’t mean you are getting a great value service. Shop carefully.
With the wet and windy seasons set to pull up in the next few weeks and months, the clock is ticking to get your cellar or basement proofed and protected against the threat of damp, mould, and flooding.
Make sure to reach out to LABS for more information about cellar conversion cost, and why a cellar conversion Sheffield or elsewhere is always going to be worthwhile in the fight against nuisance damp and rising mould. What’s more – why not turn your cellar into a whole new space?
Unfortunately, your home is always likely to come under threat of a variety of natural problems and external concerns. One of the biggest problems you’re likely to come across, in fact, is damp and mould. No matter how much you take care of condensation throughout the year, there may still be a chance that your home is going to come under threat of damp conditions in time to come. If you have a basement or cellar, you’re certainly going to want to damp proof it if you stand any chance of fighting back against the threat of damp and mould.
But exactly how does damp proofing a cellar work? Cellar damp proofing is something that many homes have to go through to ensure that they don’t experience ongoing issues with wall rot and mould. At LABS, we are always ready to help support you when it comes to cellar damp proofing. While it is certainly possible to try and damp proof a cellar or basement on your own, it’s never advisable – why not rely on local experts to help take care of the nitty gritty for you?
Essentially, what you are going to need to do is try and prevent water from entering your home at all costs. Your cellar or basement, as it is at the very bottom of your building and foundations, is always likely to be at risk of water ingress.
The best way to start looking onto cellar damp proofing is to focus on the outside. Of course, there is work to be done inside and out – however, to be able to understand how water could enter your property, we advise running a complete audit of the outside of your property to check for any signs of potential ingress.
A damp proofing expert will be able to take a look at sealing your exterior walls for you. In many cases, this will require installing a waterproof membrane, of sorts, to ensure that your basement is not letting in any water, or moisture from soil outside. However, it’s also important to understand that waterproofing is not necessarily the same as damp proofing in practice.
In the vast majority of cases, regardless of what you may be using a basement or cellar for, a simple membrane should be applied to prevent water pressure from causing serious damage to your home. This membrane is installed with a gap of air, too, to allow for breathability and to reduce pressure along the way.
Of course, when damp proofing a cellar or basement, you must also think carefully about how you are going to drain excess water away. Crucially, in case of high waterlogging, you are going to need to have a pump in place which will work to reduce water levels for you in case of heavy weather or soil moisture.
A sump pump is normally recommended for installation in case there are occasions where water starts to build up in your cellar. This can be easily connected to your electrical power, meaning that you can rely on our team to do all the complex installation for you.
You can also cement your basement to make it waterproof. However, this may not always be an efficient option in all cases. Therefore, do make a point of reaching out to LABS to learn more about what will work best for you.
The cost of cellar damp proofing, as you may imagine, can differ from case to case. This is because the size of your cellar, and the job required, may need additional support and tools. Therefore, when you reach out to LABS, we will be sure to let you know of a fair and competitive rate for damp proofing before we go ahead and start any work for you.
Damp proofing a cellar takes time, effort, and an expert hand. It is never advisable to try and tackle the procedure on your own. Paying for experts to audit, consult and proof your cellar or basement for you will be a worthwhile investment. This will especially be the case if you know your home is particularly at risk of flooding.
The average ballpark for our conversions is as follows:
Circa £8k – £12k Storage conversion
Circa £12k – £15k Storage+ conversion
Circa £18k – £25k habitable basement
Want to know more about damp proofing a cellar? Not sure what the process entails, or how much it is likely to cost you? Be sure to get in touch with our team of experts now on 0114 230 2865 and we will happily break it all down for you.
Do you have a crawl space or two in your home that are currently going unused? If so, you may need to ensure that you’re not falling prey to damp and mould growth! However, with the right tools, the best solutions, and a team of experts to hand, there are no reasons why you can’t take care of these issues safely and efficiently.
However, what’s really interesting about these common areas of the home is that they are primed for insulation. Crawl space insulation, believe it or not, may actually help to make your home that little bit more efficient! This means lower energy bills, and it also means that your property is doing its bit to care for the environment.
Your crawl spaces are also likely to be where you’ll find sump pumps. These are essential in helping to prevent home flooding.
Let’s take a closer look at how you can transform the way you use your crawl spaces for the better.
As you can imagine, any gaps or spaces in your home are likely to create draughts, and to let hot air escape. This is going to be hugely inefficient! Unfortunately, if a crawl space is not ventilated, it’s at massive risk of developing damp conditions, as well as standing water. Therefore, you need to be proactive about how to manage these areas.
Crawl space encapsulation is a process through which you can set up a barrier to prevent vapour and moisture from running rife. This is where you might block build-up of water or set up waterproofing beneath your house. If your crawl spaces are not blocking moisture, they are only going to continue getting damp and mouldy as time goes by.
Therefore, encapsulation is just one way to make sure that your spaces are working as efficiently as possible for you. However, have you ever considered crawl space insulation if your crawl spaces are not ventilated?
It’s worth remembering that crawl spaces often split into two types – ventilated, and unventilated. For those spaces which aren’t ventilated, you should make a point of setting up some form of insulation. These are empty spaces which could help to warm up your home with just a few minor touches.
For example, you could install insulation foam to create barriers for draughts. You may also consider air leaks in your crawl spaces, too, which you will naturally need to patch up.
You can, of course, also insulate ventilated crawl spaces. However, the way that you do this, and the materials you use, are likely to be a little different to that which you’d use for an unventilated unit. For example, you might use fibreglass as a solution to seal off seams and joists. Essentially, when it comes to ventilated spaces, your aim is to create vapour barriers – while at the same time, locking in as much heat as you can.
Installing a crawl space liner or foam will help to lock in as much heat as possible in your home. Working alongside with proper ventilation, it’s perfectly possible to prevent damp conditions and mould growth with just a few simple touches. However, as always, it’s a good idea to reach out to local experts who can help with this!
Crawl space insulation might not be the most obvious route to take when it comes to saving money on energy bills, however, it may surprise you just how effective this method of attack actually is. Crucially, if you have any gaps or spaces in your home which are letting cold air in, and letting warmth out, you are going to end up spending more money, and wasting more energy, on heating up your property.
Therefore, it makes sense to insulate as much of your home as you possibly can – even your crawl spaces and hard to reach areas! However, again, be sure to reach out to a team with years of expertise, and the right tools for the job.
It is likely that your crawl spaces will also host a sump pump. Your home sump pump is a crucial component which helps to drain away excess water from your property. Therefore, it actively pumps potential flood water out of your home, therefore protecting you without you needing to reach for the sand bags.
It’s essential you flush and maintain your sump pump(s) regularly. This means, again, that having access to crawl spaces is ideal. Whether you are insulating or encapsulating your spaces, do always make sure that you have a regular sump pump testing and cleaning process in place with local experts.
Crawl spaces are actually more useful than you might think. Providing you use them efficiently, they can help you to keep your home warm and ventilate it to free you from damp and mould. However, you can also use them for storage spaces too – if you have anything you’re struggling to store elsewhere at home!
If you’d like to know more about crawl space insulation and how it might benefit your energy bills and comfort levels in the months and years to come, get in touch with LABS now for a free consultation!
