Good weather is well on its way, and for many people, that means doing plenty of home improvements to the external areas of the property, around the home to try and protect it against the elements. For example, you might already be taking a look at painting the outside of your house, or you might be thinking about adding a layer of protection or two to your gates and fences. In any case, now is also the time you should start thinking about house rendering.
But what exactly is house rendering? How does it benefit you and your home? When should you do it, and why? In this short article, we will take a look at the key things you need to know and will advise you on what to expect when you take on house rendering.
House rendering is a solution that many people swear by. It’s a process that’s not entirely dissimilar to cladding and painting. In fact, it probably falls somewhere neatly in between. Many people choose to render their homes to change the looks of their properties, while others will have protection on their minds.
In fact, one of the best reasons to look into home rendering is for the dual purpose it serves. Not only can it change the look of your home, it’s a great defence against some of the nastiest damp conditions likely to pervade your property during the wet months and seasons. Yes – we’re coming into summer now – but there really isn’t a better time to prepare your home with the best render available.
There is plenty that you can do to protect your home against potentially harmful damp conditions. Here at LABS, we’re always pleased to offer a variety of preventive solutions as well as cures. However, one of the best things you can do to set your home up in the defence of damp and mould is to get your property rendered using our specialist system consisting of an anti-crack mesh, with a vast array of colour to choose from .
Rendering is great at preventing rainwater and moisture from getting into your property. Your brickwork, if you indeed have any, is likely to be more sensitive than you think when it comes to resisting wetness and damp conditions. Rainwater seeps through the tiniest and slimmest of cracks, and via capillary action. Rendering represents a fantastic preventative measure to protect your home with.
Therefore, take advantage of this damp solution which stops water penetration. That solution, of course, is house rendering – and you’re going to need to get it up and running while the weather is good, I order to be all ready for the forthcoming winter months!
LABS’ range of fantastic anti-damp services will ensure that you have plenty of protection against the rising nastiness from wet conditions. In fact, our house rendering solutions offer a fantastic anti-crack system. This means that, even if this summer we get hammered by wind and rain, your rendering will protect your home at all costs.
There’s plenty of worth in getting rendering set up and good to go during the dry season. After all, it is in the wet when you are going to need it the most. Set up a house render solution with LABS soon, and you’ll not only have access to a great-looking cover for your property, but a protective layer to stop anything nasty and irritating from getting in. Well, apart from unwanted guests, of course.
It’s time to set up house rendering sooner rather than later. Take advantage of the sunshine and set up a home rendering solution to protect you and your family against the wettest and dampest of conditions. LABS is here with some truly brilliant, flexible, and weatherproof solutions which will look great and will protect you against everything Mother nature wants to pelt us with.
Don’t let damp, mould or condensation take control of your home. Set up house rendering now and be sure to keep your property looking fantastic and protected for months and years to come. Call us on 0114 230 2865 or drop us an email to learn more whenever you are ready to go ahead!
The situation over Coronavirus evolves daily and as a result, all of us must evolve with it. At LABS, our Management team are regularly holding online strategy meetings to discuss the impact on the community and our business, and how we might go about mitigating the risks to both our staff and our clients. Our IT and management infrastructure are working well, with the facility provided for home working and we are asking all our employees to be as flexible as their personal situation allows. Our primary aim is to protect our staff and those of the wider community that we are working with, in order to carry on providing our services, as safely and efficiently as possible. As the situation changes and the Government bring new initiatives into force, we are adapting to meet the criteria they outline, in regard to personal hygiene and distancing. We continue to provide a full operational service. Currently we have no reported cases of the Coronavirus within our employees and their families that we are aware of. We are monitoring this on a daily basis, in order to provide a safe working environment for all our staff, and most importantly our valued client base. This includes precautions such as wearing a mask and gloves, washing hands upon re-entry to a property, and maintaining proper distancing measures between workers and clients as per the NHS England guidelines.
Normally we would offer our clients a free visit from one of our surveyors, who would attend your property with our specialist MMS2 protometer, to assist with identifying any damp issues, and advise on the correct course of action to mitigate the issues. However, with the current situation, we understand it may not be appropriate for clients to receive a visit in their property from our assessors, especially if NHS England safe distancing measures cannot be adhered to. At LABS we have a few options for people who are looking to get a quote for remedial damp treatments, in these difficult times.
The first option would be to provide us with detailed pictures of the affected areas, to our email address (admin@l-a-b-s.co.uk). From here we can assess any issues you might have and provide a remedial quote for any issues identified via email. With this option, it is best if you can provide us with a measurement of the affected area, so that we can price accurately for the correct quantity of materials and labour. It is also helpful if you can provide us with a full address of the property, your name, a best contact number, an email address for yourself (to receive the quotation) and any past surveys or quotes that have been conducted at your property. In addition to the emails, we would have the option to follow this up with a Zoom or WhatsApp call.
Via video calling one of one of our assessors, can then look at, and discuss any issues you might have. Zoom is totally free and easy to use and is proving a great tool during this crisis. Please contact us either on our landline 0114 2302865 or via email (admin@l-a-b-s.co.uk) in order to book in a zoom call with one of our specialist surveyors.
Our regular, in house surveys can also be carried out as normal, Where NHS England safe distancing measures can be followed. We would not however, carry out an assessment at any property whereby the inhabitants are self-isolating and/or in an ‘at risk group.’ Therefore, you the general public, we expect to inform us of your situation, so that we can determine the risk levels.
We are also still providing our service, whereby we can advise and assist with any designs, for things such as basements, and extension projections. You can get in touch with us via the aforementioned channels for help with designs and specifications.
During normal working practices, we are able to supply any specialist damp proofing materials, that are ordered before 2pm, on a next day delivery. However, due to the current situation our supplier has closed down, and as such we have a slight shortage of damp proofing materials.
Our shop (66 Crookes S10 1UG), does however have a number of materials stocked, and as such, should you require any materials, it would be best to either give us a call on 0114 2302865, or email us at admin@l-a-b-s.co.uk in order to discuss your requirements.
At LABS, we are still endeavouring to undertake and carry out general damp proofing works, and basement conversions. In doing so, we are carefully following the guidelines outlined by NHS England, in order to maintain the safety of our clients, and staff.
We cannot undertake any works in a property whereby the client is self-isolating, or has shown symptoms of covid-19, therefore it is of the upmost importance that the client notifies us of their situation when contacting us to discuss works. With basement works, it easier for our staff to isolate themselves from the client, especially on a habitable project, where they will have a means of escape to enter/exit through. Staff will also be instructed to wear face masks at all times, wash their hands when entering and leaving the site and to keep 2m distance between each other and the clients, as per the NHS England guidelines.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today, if you need any specialist damp proofing materials, or require any works relating to damp proofing or basements!
Telephone number: 0114 2302865
Email: Admin@l-a-b-s.co.uk
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to people all over the world making big adjustments to their daily lives. The same applies to businesses and local services, too. What happens if you have a problem in your home and you’re self-isolating? What if it’s an issue you need help with immediately, but you can’t risk anyone coming into your home? It’s time to start thinking a little outside the box. Have you thought about what you might need to do regarding damp surveys?
As experienced damp surveyors, we want to remain as flexible as possible for all our customers. While retaining our professional standards as always, we are announcing a new virtual damp proofing survey service. Therefore, you won’t ever have to worry about letting an expert in to take a look at your potential damp issues!
LABS offers in-depth surveys to help address mould issues, condensation, damp and more. On the majority of occasions, we will advise that we need to see a condition up close to ensure we offer you the best diagnosis. However, in light of social distancing and the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, we have made sure to adapt our damp surveys to help as many people as we can during this difficult time.
Instead of setting up a physical appointment for one of our team to visit your home, we can address your inspection via the magic of modern technology. Why not send us photos or videos of your damp condition? Using popular video conferencing services such as Zoom; we can also take a closer look at your potential damp issue in clear detail through video link. This means that we can actively diagnose and support your household concerns without you needing to risk letting anyone in.
Simply show us the condition or damp patch you are worrying about through email, conferencing and more. It may be a quick way for you to get peace of mind on a condition that isn’t necessarily anything to worry about. If it is likely to be part of a bigger problem, you can rest assured that we will address the problem for you and make recommendations as to remedying the situation.
However, please be aware that – of course – a virtual survey will have its limitations. We cannot, unfortunately, guarantee exactly what we will and won’t be able to diagnose from afar. Of course, should your problem or condition need immediate attention, we will recommend a visit takes place.
In the current climate, it’s important to avoid as much social contact as possible to help slow down the spread of COVID-19. However, there are still going to be a few household issues and concerns which you might need help with over time. For example, these might include condensation problems, or rising damp which could develop into something a little harder to contain.
Instead of sitting on these household problems, it makes sense to still reach out to your local experts. It’s tempting to think that many businesses are closing their doors as a result of the ongoing crisis. However, as essential service providers, LABS is pleased to be able to offer customers across our region the help and assistance they need in getting rid of nuisance damp conditions.
During times like these, it may be tempting to either leave damp issues alone, or to try and handle them yourself. However, this is rarely going to be beneficial. In fact, leaving these conditions to fester could result in you developing health conditions, or causing serious damage to your property.
Therefore, it makes sense to get in touch with a leading name in the local damp proofing and surveying trade. LABS is here to ensure you receive the expert advice and support you need to help ease back into a healthy way of life.
At times like these, it’s important to reduce stress as much as possible. Unfortunately, at the time of publishing, we are still unclear as to where UK lockdowns will end, nor what will happen with COVID-19 in the long run. Therefore, millions of people are striving to adapt to life as normal, as they usually might, amidst varying stresses and worries.
LABS is here to make sure you have virtual support with damp conditions in your home as and when you need it. Rather than risk your health and cause further stress, why not contact a team who can inspect damp for you from afar? LABS is pleased to help anyone looking for advice on damp and mould from a distance.
Contact LABS now on 0114 230 2865 for full details – we’ll be ready to set up video conferencing or to arrange virtual analysis of your damp problem as and when necessary.
Condensation is something which can affect homes of all sizes across Sheffield. It’s a common problem, and one that is mainly a minor nuisance. However, sometimes, condensation Sheffield and elsewhere can develop into a problem which can affect both your home and your health. Reducing these droplets and damp build-ups is going to take more than just a little bit of a wipe down every now and again. However, there is no need to panic – as it is easy to remedy and control!
Here’s a quick guide on what to expect from condensation control in your home, and why it matters.
Before you start trying to tackle condensation, you need to understand what it can do. While it may seem like the odd build-up of moisture in your home is normal, continued condensation and damp conditions could lead to the growth of mould. This, as you can imagine, could lead to unsightly-looking areas which, when left to fester, can be a nuisance to remove. The earlier you address and remedy condensation, the better.
Damp conditions aren’t just unsightly and a pain to get rid of. If left to build, they may cause health problems. However, it is perfectly simple to control and curb condensation before things ever get this far.
Before you call in the experts to help handle condensation Sheffield and elsewhere, you need to make sure that you know what to look for in condensation and household damp. As mentioned, this doesn’t necessarily mean a quick wipe or two here and there, but it will mean keeping your eye out for the various factors and problems which might develop.
When it comes to condensation, the best thing you can do right away is to prevent it from occurring. The phrase that prevention is better than the cure really does make sense in this scenario.
Right away, you should be conscious of how humid your home is. A humid property is going to be a hive for condensation, meaning that you should be careful to regularly ventilate your home. Think about keeping windows open at times and using extractor fans. Try and close doors to humid rooms such as bathrooms, for example, to help control the humidity levels from space to space.
You might even think about using a positive input ventilation system, or PIV, to ensure that fresh air regularly circulates through your home. It’s a good way to ensure you never have to worry about damp conditions and condensation, and it certainly pays for itself in a very quick space of time.
Of course, condensation Sheffield and elsewhere is likely to spike if your home is too warm. Condensation likely happens in winter as the weather is cold outside and our homes are extra humid and hot. Therefore, make sure to crank the heating down, when you can, or to rethink your insulation strategy.
Don’t worry! As stated, prevention is key. However, even once condensation, damp and mould start to appear in your home, there are plenty of quick and practical ways in which you can monitor and address the situation. It pays to act quickly, but there’s no need to panic.
One of the best ways, of course, is to consider setting up an inspection with a ventilation expert. The team at LABS, for example, will make sure that you benefit from the best tools and the best course of action to ensure that your home is happy and healthy for the months and years to come. Condensation is an issue that many people don’t take seriously enough! Therefore, do be sure to take a look at our advice and to take it into account – as if you let condensation Sheffield homes suffer from fester, it could make things much more difficult for you.
LABS is here to help homes across Sheffield fight back against home damp issues. Condensation may seem like a common problem, and it really shouldn’t cause much concern. However, it makes sense to keep an eye out for the right – or wrong – signs!
If you’re worrying about condensation and damp, there’s really no need to. Make sure to take down the number of a local specialist. LABS is here to help protect you against condensation Sheffield and elsewhere. Call us now on 0114 230 2865 for an appointment as soon as possible, and let us keep the rooms in your home damp-free for years to come.
Condensation on windows is, unfortunately, something we might all have to deal with at one point or another. Condensation generally occurs when there are large differences in temperature on either side of a pane of glass. For example, if you are generating a lot of heat in your home, and it is freezing cold outside, you might start to notice condensation creeping up in little droplets.
Condensation can be a nightmare. That’s because, if you leave it untreated, it can create damp conditions, and can lead to mould growth, staining, and even potential health issues for people in your home. Therefore, it makes sense to try and tackle condensation head-on. But do you know how to stop condensation on windows? What are some of the best strategies to reduce the damp in your home? Let’s take a look at a few ideas.
One of the key causes of condensation on windows is poor ventilation. This doesn’t mean you have to have your windows open all the time, particularly not in winter! However, if there is no way for the temperature level to balance, your rooms are going to get very muggy, very quickly. That, unfortunately, is a breeding ground for mould and for fungi growing in and on your windows.
There are plenty of affordable and efficient ways to vent your windows and the rooms in your home. One option is our wall mountable PIV units which have been specifically designed to eliminate excessive moisture and so help to prevent condensation with the inherent risks to property and health whilst retaining up to 80% of heat contained within the outgoing air. Another great option is to use trickle venting. These units are fantastic at helping to bring fresh air into your property while filtering all the mugginess outside. Another option is our humidistat vents which are continuously running, low energy, ultra-quiet extract fans for use in kitchens, utility rooms, bathrooms, shower rooms, en-suites and toilets. Unlike conventional intermittent operating extract fans, continuously running extract fans such as our humidistat vents, do not have a high dependency on background ventilators (e.g. trickle vents in windows) to effectively ventilate a dwelling.
Of course, it really won’t hurt to open up your windows regularly! If it’s the middle of winter, we will understand if you don’t want cold air blasting through all the time. However, it’s one of the best ways to fight mould if you want to know how to stop condensation on windows.
Think about some of the more humid, muggy spaces in your home. These are most likely to be your kitchen and your bathroom. That’s because you are likely to use hot water regularly in these spaces. Heating and hot water can help to add to room humidity very easily. Therefore, instead of curbing your heating use, you should think about closing these spaces off wherever possible and using extractor fans to take care of any excess vapour.
Extractor fans are, on the whole, great at getting rid of smoke when cooking. However, it’s a crucial piece of equipment which you will also find useful if the air starts getting thick and muggy.
As stated, we are never about to suggest that you should stop heating your home at all! However, it’s worth keeping in mind that higher temperatures in the home are going to increase moisture. Therefore, you might need to think and act smarter when it comes to how you use your central heating.
Condensation on windows can occur even when you have your heating turned up high for short bursts. Therefore, it may be worthwhile trying to find a happy medium. Or, you could invest in a smart thermostat, or underfloor heating, both of which are actually very cost-effective when it comes to energy bills and maintaining moisture levels.
Alternatively, think carefully about insulation. Insulating your home properly will not only save you money on regular bills, it will also ensure that you have less cause to crank your temperature up so high. The best insulation will keep your home warm at an even rate, which also means you can expect your property to fight back against condensation on its own.
Condensation on windows might not seem like much of a problem. However, if you’re going to leave it to fester, you may find it causes you a lot of headaches in the long run. If you want to know more about how to stop condensation on windows, or if you’re at a point where you need a professional to attend your property, LABS is here to help.
We are leading damp specialists. We are a family-run firm, offering cost-effective solutions to damp and mould conditions across South Yorkshire. Want to know more about what we can do to help you? Call us today on 0114 230 2865 or contact us via web form now.
No matter where you establish your home in Sheffield, you may always be at risk of damp. Damp is something that’s not always easy to handle, meaning that if you start to see moisture climbing your walls, or if you spot mould start to form in the corners of your rooms, it’s high time you called in the specialists. Even better, however, would be for you to invest in damp proofing in Sheffield. This way, you can make sure that your property is fighting fit against any and all risks of damp conditions ever arising.
Finding the right specialist to help with damp and mould conditions can be hard. You’re going to need to balance affordable rates with expert care. However, here at LABS, we offer damp proofing and mould care that homes across the region can feasibly afford and can always be proud of. You only have to take a quick look at our ratings and reviews to see what local people have to say!
But why else should you invest in damp proofing and other services from LABS? Here are just a few points for you to consider before you get in touch.
LABS’ team of specialists are fully registered with the Basement Waterproofing Association, or BWA. Not only that, but we’re Gold Members. This means that we are recognizable as leading specialists in our field, offering tried-and-tested support for a variety of home damp and mould concerns. Crucially, our specialism lies in making sure properties are fully prepared for damp conditions. However, you can also rely on us to take care of such problems as and when they’re underway.
Our work is backed by full insurance and a series of warranties. Therefore, whenever you choose to take out damp proofing with LABS, you receive our professional guarantee. You’ll receive a full warranty on work we do, meaning that we are especially confident we’ll provide you with the perfect remedy. Quality care and damp proofing assurance is what we do – and you only have to look at some of our previous work, and industry plaudits, to see that for yourself.
When it comes to the punch, all homeowners will look for damp proofing that’s cheap and quick to undertake. We offer an affordable and competitive inspection service. What’s more, we make sure to work with the best tools and accessories in the trade.
Beyond this, we are also efficient at what we do. We will never rush any jobs we undertake. However, we do understand that you will need help with damp proofing on an urgent basis, especially if you have just moved in.
If you’re in a flood risk area or already know through surveying that you’re at risk of damp, you should call us. It’s very important that you have the support of a professional damp proofing expert to hand, especially if you’re desperate to avoid nasty mouldy conditions from creeping up your walls.
What sets LABS apart from other damp specialists in Sheffield is our passion for the work we do. Our team is dedicated not only to doing fantastic work for homeowners in our region, but also to learning on the job. Despite years of experience in the trade and working with thousands of homes, our experts understand that there may always be things yet left to learn or know more about.
Therefore, when you hire LABS for your basement damp proofing, you’ll have access to passionate experts and tradespeople who genuinely care. We never leave a job until we’re certain you have the protection you need. Once again, you will receive full warranties and guarantees across all work we do. If that doesn’t give you peace of mind, nothing will.
LABS is the highest rated damp proofing company in South Yorkshire according to Google Reviews. We also have great ratings on TrustPilot and MyBuilder. We strive for 100% customer saisfaction and are very pleased to hear our clients agree that work is being carried out to the high standards we set for ourselves.
LABS’s popular team of damp specialists are always ready to help homes across Sheffield. Preparing for damp conditions is tricky to manage on your own. Even if you are not at high risk of flooding or water ingress, it is still important to run a survey on your basement and your property.
The moment you know that damp is a risk in your home, you should get in touch with the team at LABS. Working across Sheffield and South Yorkshire, we are the number one choice for quick, affordable and comprehensive damp and mould protection. Even if you already have a damp condition arising, we will help turn things around for you.
Call us now on 0114 230 2865 for a free consultation, or book with us through web form today!
Unfortunately, most homes are likely to fall prey to condensation at some point or another. Condensation occurs when water vapour is created, and when it builds up and saturates. You may be causing condensation through boiling kettles, or even simply hanging a few clothes out to dry. It is important to understand how to stop condensation, simply because if left untreated, it can lead to mould growth, which can lead to breathing problems.
For that reason, LABS is always here to help you find new ways to stop condensation. Here are a few tips you can use, as well as some devices and ideas which will help to cut down the moistening of your interior walls.
When learning how to stop condensation, you must first understand that without proper ventilation, water vapour is simply going nowhere fast. It is going to build up on walls and windows, and it could produce mould or growths that could pose health risks.
To ventilate properly, you could use extractor fan units, or you could simply choose to open a window or two more regularly during the day! Opening windows, sadly, isn’t going to cut down on the problem completely. This is especially the case when it comes to heavy condensation, or serious mould growth.
Believe it or not, condensation build up can occur as a result of problems in your building’s overall structure. This can occur in older homes where there is no efficient moisture control system in place. Modern homes shouldn’t really suffer in this regard. However, it makes sense to have your property fully inspected wherever possible.
You can look online for tell-tale signs of poor moisture control, however, it is likely going to be quicker and easier for you to ask for help from an expert who can look at a clean course of action to take. You should never try to adjust or fix structural problems in your home on your own.
DPC is a standard which we always recommend when it comes to fighting back against moisture and condensation. Homes built with a solid DPC in place will be better protected against moisture build-up. This means you have a frontline of defence, at least, should mould start wanting to creep up the walls.
Poor DPC systems or homes without moisture control are those which tend to date back decades, even centuries. It is a modern standard in most contemporary homes and new builds. Therefore, if your property is fairly new, you shouldn’t have much to worry about. However, it always pays to check just in case!
We understand that it can be hard to live without constant heat during the colder, wetter months. However, intense heat on a constant basis is always going to breed moisture, and therefore condensation. If you have any hope of learning how to stop condensation in your home, you are going to need to focus on finding heat in different ways. Can you work with a lower heat for a while? What about making sure your home is completely insulated?
There is no harm in making the most of your central heating. However, when left to power on at its top setting all day and all week, you may well start to see signs of condensation and mould. Try not to dry your clothes on radiators all week – hang them up in plenty of advance in cool, dry areas and they will be ready for you to iron in a day or two. That is, of course, if you can’t get your garment outside for wind drying.
One of our preferred options for reducing condensation here at LABS is a humidistat. This technology will accurately measure the humidity in your home, and will let you know when moisture levels are getting too high. It works in a similar fashion to a thermostat, in that it analyses the atmosphere and lets you know what you can expect.
You should ventilate your home if your humidistat advises that levels are particularly high. Therefore, make sure to install such a system as standard as soon as physically possible.
Want to know more about how to stop condensation in your home? Are you in need of damp-proofing for your basement or elsewhere? Come and have a quick chat with our team. Call us directly on 0114 230 2865 for friendly advice and guidance, or do email us via form if you’d like to know more about what LABS can do for you.
Keeping your home safe and protected from all kinds of damp and mildew is important. Your house is sadly going to be at risk of developing all manner of issues unless you look after it properly. If you have a basement, the best place to start is at the very bottom level. Basement damp proofing has become a crucial process for many homes and families who find themselves at risk of developing damp or moist conditions which could pose serious risks to their health. Here at LABS, we are always happy and ready to take on any damp proofing tasks and concerns you may have.
Your basement is going be the room, which is closest to the ground, and therefore, it is going to be at most risk of developing damp conditions by letting water in. Consider where your home is built. Are you at risk of flooding from nearby water sources? Then you are also likely to be at risk from damp and other potentially harmful conditions. For this reason, we always recommend that you damp-proof your property in case the worst possible case scenario occurs.
It may seem simple just to leave your basement to its own devices. While in many cases, there may not be any harm in doing so, we always advise that you take caution. Damp proofing is going to mean that your home is always going to stand resistant against the threat of harmful moisture. Damp conditions can lead to mould, especially black mould, which can have a huge effect on the breathing quality of the air in your home.
As mentioned, the closest room or space to the ground floor is going to suffer the most when it comes to external moisture and damp. For this reason, you need to be very careful with what you store in your basement. Electrical equipment, for example, could be at risk of getting irreparably damaged from season to season, also timber joists are particularly prone to moisture ingress, unless they’re adequately protected with some sort of barrier protection, such as the membrane protection pictured below.
Damp often starts out in a basement thanks to its lack of waterproofing. While other rooms in your home may be waterproofed and protected, this doesn’t mean your basement benefits from the same protection. Damp and water can easily penetrate the walls of your basement, which puts it at huge risk of developing mould and other problems.
Damp may not seem like much of a problem on the face of things. If you don’t use your basement much, you may wonder what the fuss is all about. Ultimately, leaving damp to take hold can mean that you are putting your whole home and your family at risk. Mould and fungus have a habit of rising and crawling through your home, and both can carry enormous health risks. What’s more, if you have ever seen mould or fungus growing on a wall, no matter what room, it is never pleasant to behold.
Basement damp proofing is the perfect solution, if not the best preventative measure, to ensure that your home stays free from nasty damp, fungus and mould which can rise up through the building. By waterproofing your basement, and by preventing moisture from getting through, you are keeping your home clean to breathe in, and pleasant to look at. Damp proofing may not seem like something you need to enter into as a priority, however, it is greatly recommended. This is especially the case if you intend to grow a family, or if you really want to develop your property.
LABS offer passionate, knowledgeable experts who have worked with thousands of different basements and other damp proofing jobs over the years. This means you can always rely on us to offer you the most efficient, cost-effective preventative measures for keeping moisture out of where it’s not wanted. Some moisture in the air is necessary – but too much, and your home is going to become a hotbed for nasty bacteria and disease. Why take the risk? It is surely worth the investment to ask an expert to come and take a closer look.
LABS operate in and around Sheffield, and even beyond. Call our team at any time to arrange a free quote and consultation, and to learn more about the damp proofing process. We’re here to help keep your home fighting fit for years to come! Call us on 0114 230 2865 or drop us an email today for more details and let’s get started ASAP.
Tanking, also known as ‘Type A barrier protection, is a form of waterproofing typically applied to basement spaces, however it can also refer to general waterproofing. Tanking means to block water and deny it access to a structure, usually by means of applying a barrier product to spaces that are vulnerable, such as in between the wall and plasterboards or stud work. It can also be applied externally.
BS8102 is the industry accepted best practice when undertaking structural waterproofing of below ground structures. Your builder should always consult BS8102 and or engage with a specialist waterproofing company before undertaking any basement waterproofing project to ensure that everything is done to the correct standard.
BS8102 covers types A, B and C waterproofing types, and gives guidance on correct installation. Please continue reading below for more information on the different types of waterproofing systems.
Drained protection involves using an internal drainage system, which includes a perimeter drainage channel and sump pump. This system involves installing a dimpled membrane on both the walls and floor, this then allows for any moisture that is gathered behind the membrane, to fall in to the perimeter drainage system which installed around the edge of the room, from here it runs in to the sump pump chamber, whereby it is discharged externally in to a drain. This is the most common type of basement waterproofing that we do at LABS, and it is in our experience the most effective. It is also desirable, as the system is completely hidden once the walls have been boarded and skimmed, and the flooring details are finished.
At LABS we do two variations of this system. The first one, is where the client intends to use the space as a habitable area (such as a living room or kitchen.) This system is essentially the one mentioned above, whereby everything is hidden once the project is finished, habitable basements also require a means of escape from the basement such as a window (minimum size of 600mm x 900mm). The second variation is for a storage basement, which comes in at a slightly cheaper cost. This is because in this system, the membranes installed on the walls are left exposed (no plasterboards/skim), and no means of escape is required to be installed.
Waterproof concrete is only really an option on a newly built basement. It is defined as ‘Type B structural integral protection’ within the code of practice BS8102. Waterproof concrete shares similarity with ‘tanking,’ in that water is blocked out of the structure, it differs in the fact that there is no physical barrier product included (such as a membrane).
There are some criticisms leveled at waterproofing concrete, from experts in our industry. Within our industry, it is fairly commonly reported that basement systems have failed, when this type of system has been used, when it has not been installed correctly. Typically, this is due to weak points at the construction joints, when concrete is being poured.
This is completely dependent on what you intend to use the space for but can also be affected by the levels of risk that are acceptable to the client.
BS8102 states that ‘even when a site investigation indicates dry conditions, the risk of future waterlogging should still be assumed’. The majority of water that finds its way into a basement is rainfall. However, there can be other causations such as a burst water mains pipe. It is for these reasons that it is important to always consider that, whilst it may not be wet or damp now, the issue can arise fast and cause a lot of damage to structures.
It may be acceptable to take small risks and spend a little bit less on damp proofing with a very basic basement space, however if you’re planning on investing a lot of money in to your basement space, it doesn’t make sense to try and cut costs on the waterproofing measures, as materials such as plasterboards will deteriorate over time, even if they are seemingly dry.
This is purely dependent on what you intend to use the space for. What you intend to place, and or store in the area and if you intend to inhabit it. If you can answer these questions, we can help you decide and design a project appropriate to your needs.
The drained protection system that we install at LABS, actually tends to benefit both sides of the party wall, because the system relieves any potential ground water pressure, meaning that any ingress of water on both sides, will be slowed. However, this is not the case when concrete tanking systems are applied, as this tends to increase the pressure of ground water on party walls, leading to more prevalent water ingress.
Whether or not you have to serve a party wall notice depends completely on the works that are being undertaken. For example, if you are underpinning or undertaking any structural alterations, you would have to service a party wall notice. If you are simply installing a dimpled membrane, with plug fixing, you may not have to.
LABS is here to help with basement conversions, damp control and much more. Looking for a new habitable space? Thinking about pricing up a basement storage conversion? Turn to a local team of experts you can trust. Call us today on 0114 230 2865 or make sure to send us an email through our web form. We’ll get back in touch with you as soon as we can!
Sometimes, we all need a little bit of extra space. Whether it’s for storage, to host guests, or to welcome in new family members, many of us find we outgrow our properties. While plenty of people choose to move elsewhere and to find bigger properties, it may actually make sense to stay put! While you can downsize as much as you like, you may wish to consider a house extension. Alternatively, why not think about setting up a loft conversion in an unused attic space?
LABS is well-known across South Yorkshire and beyond for damp proofing and basement renovations. However, as experienced builders and architects, we have also helped thousands of people extend their properties over the years. Extending your home may be a quick, easy and cost-effective way to get hold of the added space you sorely need. Let’s take a closer look at what’s involved.
There are many reasons why you might want to take on house extensions. As mentioned, it may be that you need the extra space. Alternatively, you could be looking at increasing the value of your property. You may even want to modify and modernise an old property or may be looking to rent your home out to prospective new tenants. These are all great reasons to consider home extensions.
You could extend any room in your home for added convenience and space. Many people like extending their kitchens, for example. These extensions can help them turn small or cramped kitchen spaces into fully-fledged dining areas. Plenty of people also choose to extend their lounges into playrooms for young children. You may even be looking to set up a proper office while you work from home.
The possibilities really are endless. However, it’s important that you look for help from experienced contractors. LABS works with quantity surveyors on large projects, and closely with private builders for those extensions which require only a slight adjustment. What’s more, we always make sure that the extensions we build are fully approved by relevant authorities. Getting permission from local councils is crucial before any work begins!
LABS is well-known for basement conversion. However, did you know that we can also help to convert spaces at the top of the house, too? Attics and lofts go unused more often than you might think. Many people use these spaces for insulation purposes, to store heavy boilers, or to simply hold random items and possessions that simply won’t fit anywhere else. I’m sure we’ve all been in a house where a loft is ‘off-limits’ thanks to storage issues up top!
However, you really don’t have to use your attic or loft as a dumping ground. With a loft conversion or extension, you could transform your space into a smart storage unit, with everything neatly organised and easy to access. That means you won’t have to fumble around in the dark in random boxes, either!
Otherwise, many people choose to convert their lofts into extra rooms. If you are growing your family or want to welcome guests to stay over, a loft room can be a fantastic addition to your existing space. Plumbing, heating and other household facilities can be easily set up in attic spaces, meaning that all you need to do is let a professional know what you’re looking for. Our team will do the rest!
Throughout all of our projects and services, we make sure to keep you and your needs at the very heart of our operations. That means you can be as hands-on or as hands-off as you like with your house extension project. We’ll welcome discussions during the design phase, and will always make sure that a project is going to plan and to your expectations. It matters to us that we get your extension or conversion set up as you expect it.
We will also help you look at new ideas and options for your home. If you’re stuck for inspiration, or want to know more about what experienced architects think, all you have to do is ask. From the very start of your project with us, we’ll invite you to sit down and have an informal chat. We can then plan out the details with you closely, ensuring we never miss a beat along the way.
LABS is here to help with basement conversions, damp control and much more. Looking for a new house extension? Thinking about pricing up a loft conversion? Turn to a local team of experts you can trust. Call us today on 0114 230 2865 or make sure to send us an email through our web form. We’ll get back in touch with you as soon as we can!
