Restoring a domestic Somerset property with damp proofing and timber treatments - case study

The project: Restoring a four-bedroom family home to a healthy condition

Storm Remedial Services transformed a four-bedroom property with the help of Permagard, creating a safe, healthy living environment. The priority was long-term protection against general damp, timber decay and wood-boring insects.

The brief: Long-term protection against damp, timber decay and infestation

Deliver a robust, trade-trusted system to stabilise and protect the building fabric. Works needed to address widespread timber deterioration and rising damp while allowing the home to be finished and reoccupied without recurring moisture or infestation issues.

The challenge: Coordinating timber repairs, damp proofing and reinstatement

There was significant timber rot across multiple areas, meaning some sections needed replacing before any treatment could take place. Ensuring the structure was sound, substrates were appropriately prepared, and new and existing timbers could be treated effectively was critical before damp proofing and reinstatement.

The solution: Integrated timber preservation and damp proofing with breathable finishes

Storm first replaced decayed timbers and completed local masonry repairs. All accessible new and retained timbers were then brush and spray treated with PermaTREAT Universal Wood Treatment to protect against woodworm and both dry and wet rot.

PermaSEAL PRO DPC Injection Cream was injected to form a reliable damp proof course that protects against rising damp - all with minimal mess. The walls were then treated with PermaSEAL Tanking Slurry to isolate residual moisture and enable quicker reinstatement, before being finished with PermaSEAL Renovating Plaster. This created a breathable, salt-resistant base ready for final skim and breathable decorative finishes.

The products:

• PermaTREAT Universal Wood Treatment – Water-based, ready-to-use dual-purpose preservative that penetrates deeply to prevent and control wood-boring insects and protect against wet and dry rot; suitable for brush or low-pressure spray and approved for professional and DIY use.
• PermaSEAL PRO DPC Injection Cream – High-strength, 80% active-ingredient cream that penetrates the mortar bed to create a durable chemical DPC with minimal mess and reliable protection against rising damp.
• PermaSEAL Tanking Slurry – Grey – Single-pack cementitious coating with acrylic polymer for adhesion and durability; applies to damp substrates and cures to a vapour-permeable, watertight barrier that should be overcoated with render or renovating plaster.
• PermaSEAL Renovating Plaster – Pre-mixed, lightweight, salt-resistant and breathable backing plaster that controls damp and salts, inhibits mould through alkaline composition, and is compatible over cementitious tanking systems.

The results: A dry, stable home ready for long-term occupation

By combining targeted timber preservation with an effective DPC, cementitious tanking and a breathable replastering approach, Storm delivered a robust restoration with faster reinstatement and long-term performance.

The property now maintains a dry, habitable environment with no signs of previous damp or salt contamination on finishes. Timbers are protected from future decay or insect attack, delivering a stable, healthy structure and a reliable base for long-term decoration and occupation.

Permagard – Providing Solutions. Inspiring Confidence.

Speak to our friendly technical team for free advice and complete system design support across damp proofing, waterproofing and timber preservation. Permagard provides trade-trusted solutions with reliable 1–3 day delivery and 35+ years of experience. Give us a call on 0117 982 3282 or drop us an email at [email protected] – we’re here to help with your next project.

Further Reading:

For more guidance on protecting your property, explore these helpful resources:

• How to Identify and Treat Dry Rot & Wet Rot – learn how to spot the signs early and choose the right treatment approach.
• A Complete Guide to Treating Woodworm – essential advice on identifying woodworm activity and selecting effective treatment solutions.