Dry rot is the most serious form of fungal decay. Once it spreads it can damage the structural integrity of the building.

What is Wet Rot?

Wet Rot occurs more frequently, however it is less serious than dry rot. Decay occurs on wet timber which continues to remain damp.

Although usually confined to wood, decay can also occur on damp plastic, wallpaper and carpets. Why does wood rot occur?

If timber remains damp for long periods of time, soft wood rot will begin to develop causing the timber to soften. However if the timber has a moderate moisture content but is also freely accessible to air, a dry rot can develop which can be far more serious.

If structural materials begin absorbing damp from either a leaky pipe or a leaky roof, wet rot will begin to develop. To solve this problem it is important to stop the cause of the damp or isolate the timber from the damp source before treating the affected areas. When treating the area, do not forget to treat the areas that are not yet affected as this will prevent future outbreaks of the decay.

The appearance of wet rot may darken the timber and develop a characteristic cracked appearance. Some wet rots may result in bleaching of the wood; these are more common in doors and window frames. Eventually, the wood loses its strength and in some situations may become dangerously unsafe.

Dry rot is far more dangerous as it digests the parts of the timber that gives it its strength and stiffness. Dry rot can spread without any source of moisture because it is able to generate moisture through the digestion of wood. This helps the fungus maintain atmospheric relative humidity under poorly ventilated conditions. As the decay spreads, it will begin to cause problems with the structural integrity of the building. If the dry rot is not identified immediately, it is necessary to remove and replace all of the affected timber. Masonry surfaces will need to be sterilised with a masonry dry rot treatment and all remaining sound timber should be treated with a dual purpose dry rot treatment fluid to prevent any further outbreaks of the decay.

It is important that the two types of decay are distinguished since they require different treatment. However, both decays require professional diagnosis and treatment.

It is essential that your property is well ventilated. Opening windows after a bath/shower is a great way of getting fresh air to circulate within the property. If you are drying washing, keep the windows open so moisture can escape.

What can landlords do to prevent mould growth?

Condensation control can be achieved using various methods, from a simple dehumidifier to high-performing ventilation systems that can be installed to ventilate the whole property. The Perma-Vent Compact is a sophisticated ventilation system designed to combat condensation and associated health risks. For maximum ventilation, the system should be installed in a central position in the property; therefore it can replace stagnant air with fresh air all throughout the property. This will significantly reduce or eliminate surface condensation which is the main cause of mould growth.

Here are a few benefits of the Perma-Vent Compact:

• Stops streaming windows

• Eliminates mould

• Removes musty odours

• Improves air quality

• Reduces surface condensation

For monitoring of operational life and verification of usage, an integral Hours Run Meter is fitted.

Damp in bathrooms

To solve damp problems in bathrooms use fungi and mould treatments to get rid of any unwanted mould growths. Mould Wash Concentrate is a concentrated fungicidal cleaner and surface biocide for amateur and professional use against mould fungi, mildew and algae on internal and external surfaces such as masonry, tiles, wood and painted surfaces. This is often used before anti-mould paint application, however it can just be used as a general biocidal cleaner.

As the landlord, you are legally responsible to treat damp problems so it is best to plan ahead and install equipment that will help prevent the issue. If a damp problem does significantly get worse, act fast as you do not want your tenant to sue. If both tenant and landlord actively try and prevent mould growth, it will decrease the chances of the property suffering from damp problems.

External waterproofing has always been a difficult task. Due to the rise of water tables, an increasing number of basements and earth retaining foundation walls are being subjected to hydrostatic water pressure leading water to enter the building. The problem can be solved by using a combination of waterproofing products. It can be solved by using 3 simple treatments.

First of all, you will need to make the masonry pores narrower, making the surface water repellent. The product to use for this is Aida’s Kiesol silification spray, simply spray on the affected areas and leave to dry.

Next, you need to create a waterproof coating. To do this, add two coats of the plastic modified bitumen coating.

Now you can cover the surface with a cavity drainage membrane. This system will automatically elevate the hydrostatic water pressure from the building as it allows the water to drain freely through the filter fabric into the cavity.

Cementitious waterproofing, often known as waterproofing slurries, offer a thin layer of waterproof cement when applied to walls, floors, and ceilings of basements. These are designed to bond with the existing masonry substrate and will set to create a durable layer. This method will ensure that the basement walls remain dry and breathable.

Newton Membranes and Delta Membrane are designed to control the passage of water using cavity forming membranes, drainage channels and sump and pump water evacuation systems. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit any damp proofing job. If you are damp proofing your own basement, follow this basic steps before you get started:

• Remove everything from your basement

• Clean your basement, removing any debris, dirt and dust

• Access the walls for any damage. You might need to fill in holes or dents before surfacing

• Be prepared, read the instructions before attempting to install any damp proofing solution

If you are concerned by the severity of your damp proofing problem, seek specialist advice. Technical staff will be able to advice you on the correct products and solutions to achieve effective basement waterproofing.

What does the cream do?

Aida Injection Cream has a unique formulation, based on a silane/siloxane pure cream emulsion for masonry injection against rising damp. The ready-to-use cream is highly effective and enables long lasting and deep penetration of active material into the mortar layer, creating a horizontal barrier against rising damp. The cream has a unique consistency which allows for horizontal application techniques without the injection agent running out. Most importantly, the cream is solvent free and can be used on alkaline and pH neutral building materials as well as acidic substrates. Environmentally friendly, the cream is ecologically safe and non-hazardous. Effective treatment and consistent consumption rates are guaranteed due to Aida's controlled installation technique.

How to apply the cream

Damp proofing cream can be applied using just 3 easy steps.

Firstly, drill 12mm diameter holes, horizontally, into the mortar joint at 120mm centres with a depth of 10-20mm from the opposite face.

Secondly, fill the boreholes with the injection cream using a low pressure sprayer or cartridge gun.

Thirdly, cap the holes.

Application is simple. Once installed you have an effective damp proofing course in place to protect your property against rising damp.

Why choose Aida Injection cream?

Aida Damp Proofing Cream has been independently tested in Germany by KBB Kompetenzzentrum Bautenschutz Bausanierung (Competence Centre of Building Protection and Building Restoration) and has been proven to effectively control rising damp in masonry substrates. Aida Injection Cream is a damp proofing cream you can trust.

It is currently the only product on the market that consists of a pure water/oil emulsion in cream consistency.

When applied, the cream reverts to a liquid base allowing the cream to be completely absorbed, resulting in superior penetration. This high-performing solution will reduce and eventually eliminate your damp proofing problems.

The unique consistency of the cream provides superior stability in the boreholes, ensuring penetration of the cream in all affected areas within the wall.

The product is suitable for anyone wanting to damp proof their property due to its ease of application.

Remember that application rates for porous or highly absorbent masonry may vary, so consider the building material you want to damp proof before applying the cream.

For those who are experiencing mould on internal walls, including kitchens and bathrooms where condensation is most likely to occur, Multicide is a highly-effective cure to treat fungi, mould and algae problems. Multicide is a water based product that ensures lasting protection against fungi, mould and algae problems. Although the product is tough and effective, it leaves no stains or deposits and can be used on the most delicate of surfaces. To prevent further outbreaks of mould and algae, you can use the product on clean surfaces to ensure mould cannot grow and thrive. Multicide is not just for indoor use, it can also be used on timber as a preservative against wood rotting fungi. It is one of the most useful products for condensation control.

Curing black mould on walls and ceilings

Ideal for protecting against unsightly and unhygienic black mould, anti- mould paint is the perfect solution. Guaranteeing premium quality and lasting-effects, this low odour paint combines modern paint technology with highly advanced biocides. You may be thinking, what does this mean? Well, both the anti-mould biocide and the anti-mould paint are combined in the paint film which makes the product tough, elastic, water resistant and durable. The paint is washable and relieves the effects of condensation once the paint has dried out.

Cleansing internal and external surfaces

This mould wash is a concentrated fungicidal solution that can be used to cure mould fungi, algae and mildew on a variety of surfaces including, tiles, wood and painted surfaces. The product contains biocide and is used mainly to cleanse surfaces before Antimould paint and Anticondensation applications are applied. Users often use the wash to get rid of flaking wood, paint and mould. By using this product it ensures you have a smooth and clean surface to treat, reducing the any further outbreaks.

Precautions against condensation

These are all treatments to effectively eliminate your problems associated with condensation; however there are precautions you can take to reduce the likeliness of condensation occurring in your home. Home ventilation systems are designed to provide a continuous air change, replacing stale and humid air with fresh and clean air. This continuous air exchange will ensure that condensation and mould growth problems will not grow and thrive. Home ventilation systems also fight against health risks associated with condensation. Fresh, filtered air will reduce the risk of allergies and asthma which are the most common risks caused by condensation problems.

How does the home vent work?

Drawing clean air from the outside, the vent filters the air before delivering it into the property. Moist air is replaced to maintain humidity levels at around 55%. Due to the stagnant air being replaced by clean air, the unit reduces or eliminates surface condensation, actively reducing the likeliness of mould growth.

Can it save you money?

In most cases people have to leave their windows open in the winter months to improve ventilation, causing homeowners to leave their heating on for longer. With the Permavent Compact, you do not need to keep your windows open as it provides fresh filtered air into the home, replacing the existing humid air. This significantly drops energy usage and saves homeowners a lot of money.

The unit is powered by an Ultra Low Watt Brushes DC Motor, utilising the latest energy saving technology. The unit ensures maximum ventilation for minimum energy consumption.

Perfect for homes with loft space, the unit takes full advantage of the benefits of solar gain. Did you know that the temperature in a loft is approximately 3 degrees higher than outside? This saves a staggering 150 watts per day in an average property.

Because air accumulates at ceiling level, by introducing clean air into the dwelling of the loft space, the unit distributes heat around the property reducing the need for heating to be on for long periods.

Can the unit be monitored?

An integral Hours Run Meter is fitted into the unit, meaning the incoming air is monitored by a sensor that ensures temperatures are held to pre-set minimums. The unit comes with three independent safety cut-out devices that will shut down the heater in an event of fan failure.

Installation and Maintenance

You must make sure that the unit is securely attached to the joints using cross batons for lifetime installation. A full guide on how to install the vent is provided with the product. There should be no need for any maintenance within the first 5 year period. This unit is covered by a 5 year warranty, subject to the completion of enclosed form.

This product ensures condensation control and is the perfect solution to tackle poor ventilation and resolve condensation related problems.

Alternatively failure may be a result of a buildings’ aging process, whereby wall tie corrosion may have compromised the load-sharing capacity of the wall structure. Whatever the cause, the most effective way of solving the problem is replacing the cavity wall ties.

The corrosion of the metal steel cavity wall ties cause the wall ties to expand because the metallic oxide occupies a greater volume than the pure metal. This force separates the bricks above and below the bed joints in which the wall ties are laid.

The corrosion of the cavity wall ties or the lack of sufficient cavity wall ties used in the original construction means that many properties require either further remedial wall ties to be inserted or the original cavity wall ties need to be replaced.

Here at Permagard, we are excited to inform you that we have just realised a new range of replacement wall ties. The Easi-Fix Helical Drive Tie is made from austenitic 304 Stainless Steel, providing an effective solution for tying cavity and solid walls.

Ideal for anchoring building façades, structural members and stabilising multiple width brick walls, the Permagard Easi-Fix Helical Drive Tie has many benefits. Furthermore, the product can also be used as remedial wall ties to re-tie a wide range of differing materials like air-crete blocks, clay bricks, stone, concrete blocks and timber studs.

The Permagard Easi-Fix Helical Drive Tie can be easily installed by using a proprietary setting tool. Simply use an SDS-Plus shank hammer drill to drive and countersink the tie. What is so useful about this design is that it allows the tie to be driven quickly and easily into the pre-drilled hole. When the tie is secure in the substrate, the fins of the tie undercut the masonry to provide an expansion-free anchorage that will withstand tension and compression loads.

The Easi-Fix Helical Spiral Tie provides a mechanical connection between the masonry façade and its backup material or between multiple widths of the brick. This can be used once the helical drive has been installed.

The easiest way to install the Permagard Easi-Fix Helical Spiral Tie is to use a light hammer drill, no more than 1.5 NM impact and not less than 3000 impacts her minute.

Promising quick and easy installation, no resin or neoprene and no mechanical parts, this product is simply fantastic.

Ideal for walls and ceilings in commercial buildings and both private and social housing, this quick drying anti - mould paint is easy to use and cost effective.The product comes with a 5 year guarantee, promising to prevent the reoccurrence of black mould. The paint is also approved under the HSE Control of Pesticides 1986 Regulations as a surface biocide treatment against mould.

To apply you will need to remove the existing surface mould and make sure that the area that is to be painted on is free from flaking paint and dirt. Wash the area that you are going to paint thoroughly and allow it to dry.

Once the area is dry you can begin painting, applying with a brush or roller. Always remember to stir the product well before use.

Get your antimould paint today.

The system is a full-service, basement-oriented operation encompassing a HDPE sump chamber, locking access cover (pedestrian duty), a powerful waste water submersible pump, all internal pipe work and shut off valves (50mm high pressure) and a high water level alarm system.

The Perma- Seal Basement Sump and Pump System is high quality, reliable and long lasting.

Here at Permagard, this system costs £390.00, beating the RRP of £580.00

If you are using your basement as storage space, ensure that your belongings are protected. Irreplaceable family items can get damaged by water, so think ahead, as you will never be able to get those precious items back.

Basement waterproofing can be achieved through blocking the passage of water into the building with external waterproofing or  cementitious waterproofing and  controlling the ingress and flow of the water to a pre-determined evacuation point by the use of cavity drainage systems.

John Newton Membranes and Delta Membranes are designed to control the passage of water using cavity forming membranes, drainage channels and sump and pump water evacuation systems. These come in a variety of sizes and types. Some membranes are plain, designed for flooring while others have a mesh welded on the face for direct rendering or for fixing dot and dab plasterboard systems.

Adding to our extensive range of basement waterproofing products, we now have P-Seal Quick Plugs.

These are used to secure Perma-Seal membranes to building substrates and to fix battens or tracking systems.  P-Seal Quick Plugs are designed to give a rapid fix into various substrates. Plugs can be installed into either 10mm or 11mm holes depending on the substrate.

P-Seal Quick Plugs are quick and easy to install. Simply drill at 10mm or 11mm hole (depending on the substrate) to a depth of 70mm.  Next, put the P-Seal Quick Plug into the hole and use a large head hammer to gently drive the plug in, making sure that a good even seal is achieved.

Buy P-Seal Quick Plugs online from Permagard today. Plugs cost £36.00, saving you £14.00 from the RRP.