Domestic Property Restoration – Damp Proofing & Timber Treatment, Somerset – Case Study

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

See how 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

Significant timber rot was present across multiple areas. Sections required replacement before any preservation. 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/spray treated with PermaTREAT Universal Wood Treatment to protect against woodworm and both dry and wet rot.

External walls were injected with PermaSEAL PRO DPC Injection Cream to form a reliable horizontal barrier against rising damp with minimal mess. To isolate residual moisture and enable quicker reinstatement, the walls were treated with PermaSEAL Tanking Slurry before being finished with PermaSEAL Renovating Plaster to provide a breathable, salt-resistant base ready for final skim and breathable decorative finishes.

Products Used

• PermaTREAT Universal Wood Treatment – 5L – 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 – 310ml – 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 20kg – 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 – 20kg – 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.

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

The property now maintains a dry internal 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.

Why This Matters

Treating the cause and the consequences of damp in one coordinated specification ensures durability and value. 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.

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.