Damp Proofing & Weather Proofing Specialists

The area of damp proofing and weather protection is an area London Elite Trades have years of experience in.

We provide professional surveys for your convenience, this way we plot a path with you on completing your project.

London Elite Trades carries out damp proofing treatments on both residential and commercial properties.

Providing the full-spectrum of damp-proofing services for residential projects, we also provide a wide variety of works for commercial buildings, like injecting, survey and waterproof rendering.

For example, just some of the types of projects we have worked on include churches, schools, hospitals and high street retailers.

We are experts in

Basements
Internal

External
Injecting

Water Proof Rendering
Damp Surveys

Damp proofing or water proofing what is the difference?

We offer both services of damp proofing and water proofing homes. The difference between the two relates to what or why it is needed and where.

We can offer you advice about the environmental concerns of each, advantages for you and ongoing maintenance.

Most structures and buildings are prone to water damage at some time in the future, more quickly if they are heavily exposed to the elements. If left unchecked, it can result in causing severe problems to the property, structural failure being at the more serious end.

Contact London Elite Trades today for a free consultation!

Types of Damp Proofing

There are a few different types of damp proofing. Some of them are:

- Damp-Proof Course (DPC)
- Damp-Proof Membrane (DPM)
- Integral Damp Proofing

Surface Coating
Cavity Wall Construction

Pressure Grouting
Guniting or Shotcrete

Damp-Proof Course (DPC)

Damp-proof course describes an impermeable material like bituminous felt paper, metal, slate, mastic asphalt, plastic or specially engineered bricks. These are then embedded between two layers of blocks or bricks within the mortar.

This is usually done at the foundation level to keep moisture and dampness away from the interior of the building.

The material usually employed for this process is lime cement plaster mix. Generally this is used in surface treatments of sodium and potassium silicate for water proofing – Other options are magnesium sulphate, barium hydroxide and zinc sulphate or aluminum for surface treatments.

Installation of DPC damp proofing

Normally a bed of fresh mortar is laid down and the DPC is put on top of the mortar, making sure there are no holes or gaps. Then it is covered with fill material such as concrete.

Cavity Wall Construction

Cavity wall construction is when you separate the interior wall from the exterior wall leaving a cavity. This is done by leaving a physical separation, or hollow space, between the inner and outer walls.

These are usually called ‘skins’ and is done by using masonry which is absorbent. The masonry blocks pull the moisture from the inner walls of the structure helping to keep it dry.

There is also a layer of cavity wall insulation that goes in-between the two walls which helps stop heat loss from inside. This technique is also good for sound-proofing.

Do you need cavity wall construction? Contact Us!

Integral Damp Proofing

This is the most popular option for damp proofing. The masonry we use for this is multi-layered allowing for optimum protection for the surfaces and room.

The mortar is sandwiched between various materials to form an impregnable and water-proof structure.

Pressure Grouting

Pressure grouting is a mix of sand, water and cement that is placed by pressurising grout into the cracks, voids, fissures and joints in the masonry materials used to build with. This type of grouting can be used to improve bearing capacity, repairing and to prevent seepage by forming water cut-offs.

Surface Coating

Surface coating is layering a thin waterproof material that resists rain, like a thin layer of concrete that is mixed with compounds that help it to be water resistant or water proof.

Damp-Proof Membrane (DPM)

Damp-proof membrane is when a material like polyethylene sheeting is placed under a concrete slab. This creates a barrier to keep the moisture from the ground from getting into the concrete. DPM normally lays under the DPC as the liner.

Guniting or Shotcrete

Guniting or Shotcrete is when a layer of rich cement mortar mix or a fine aggregate mix is used for water proofing exposed areas like pipes or cisterns. A highly compressive strength can also be used for reconditioning and repairing as well.

Options We Offer Our Clients

- Damp Surveys – We will come to your home or business and investigate common areas that see water damage and evaluate your need for damp proofing those areas. You will receive recommendations on what we feel would best suit your needs.
- Basements – Common areas that need damp proofing are basements. We will discuss with you the various options available and decide which solution works best based on our investigations.
- Internal – We can damp proof from the inside as well as the outside, so those areas will be evaluated also, we will then give options as to the risk and solution
- External – Since the exterior of your home or office is exposed to the elements, there could be many options of areas that need damp proofing. We will provide you with the best options to choose from.
- Injecting – We will inject your open areas with a sealant to keep the damp out. This can also be used for repairing areas that have lost the mortar, and for keeping water away from the area.
- Water Proof Rendering – When damp proofing isn’t enough, we can do water proof rendering, usually used for areas like earth retaining walls and cellars. This will prevent damp walls or leaks in the future.

Do You Need to Damp Proof Your Home or Office?

If you live in an area that has any kind of humidity you will want some sort of damp proofing. Rain, fog, mist and underground water tables will all cause water damage (over time and if not protected).

When building to prevent dampness, we consider all variables of the project or build, but specifically focus on exposed walls, location and layout.

We think it is better to be safe than sorry. Rather than pay for the potential repairs if something were to go wrong, why not be the wiser and save some money in the long-run. Simply having the wall, room or space looked at by one of our highly skilled trademan is free and could save you £’s! We’ve worked with a large list of clients just like you, across London and the home counties