For more information call 020 8398 0096

LSE Preservation (London) Basement waterproofing, cavity membrane systems, damp proofing, dry and wet rot eradication, timber preservation, wood boring insects

LSE Preservation (London) provides a professional and efficient service to Architects, Building Contractors, Surveyors and homeowners in the field of building preservation. We are qualified experts in the following areas:

Basement waterproofing

Basement and cellar waterproofing is increasingly popular as property prices increase. Converting a damp cellar or basement can be a surprisingly inexpensive way of increasing living space and can substantially increase the value of a property.

Cavity membrane systems

Cavity drainage membrane

Cavity drainage membranes create a barrier within a building on the negative side of water pressure allowing the natural drainage of ground water to enter the structure and be collected behind the system to be effectively dealt with by a pre-designed drainage and pump system.

The membrane system reduces the risk of condensation and does not put pressure onto the structure of the building, unlike cement-based systems. In many cases it can be fixed directly onto existing surfaces using sealed fixing plugs.

A correctly installed and maintained system should last for the life of the building providing peace of mind to the occupants.

Our qualified surveyors will specify the appropriate design and products for your project.

Cementitious system

A Cementitious system is applied to the floor and walls of the basement in multi-coat layers. The system is designed to physically hold back water pressure and leave you with a hard plaster finish. We undertake all preparation work.

In some projects a mixture of the two waterproofing solutions may be incorporated, depending on the nature of the structure. Our qualified surveyors will specify the appropriate design and products for your project.

Damp proofing

Rising Dampness can develop within walls due to the lack of an effective damp proof course or the omission of damp proofing course during earlier construction.

In most cases, rising dampness (the capillary rise of moisture is obtained by the moisture readings at the base of the walls) occurs due to the lack of an effective damp proof course, which can include the breakdown of an existing damp proof course, the bridging of existing damp proof courses, or buildings not originally constructed with a damp proof course.

In case of prolonged dampness visible damp patches will appear in conjunction with hygroscopic salt contamination of the wall plaster and finishes.

For a full effective damp proof system the injection of the damp proof course must be carried out in conjunction with our specialised re-plastering.

Timber preservation

Timber has been used as a structural material for years and is in many ways it is perfect. It can be described as strong, beautiful and sustainable. However, wood-rotting fungi and the wood-boring larvae of certain insects (also known as woodworm) feed by breaking down wood cells and, if left unchecked, ultimately destroy the timber in your home. Fungi and woodworm consequently threaten the structural integrity of your home, leading to substantial financial costs.

Dry and wet rot eradication

Fungal decay of timber by either wet rot or dry rot can occur when timbers are in contact with damp. The successful treatment of dry rot normally involves a number of key factors.

> Removal of the moisture source(s)
> Establishing a dry environment
> Eradication of fungal growth
> Replacement of defective timber elements.
> Isolation of timbers

Dry rot normally requires cutting out, disposing of defective timbers and targeted treatment to areas affected to eradicate fungal growth. This could involve targeted timber preservation using deep penetrating Boron gels and masonry sterilization.

Irrigation is the term used to describe the eradication of dry rot from masonry and involves drilling the masonry and injecting a fungicidal preservative. The adjacent area may also require sterilising with a fungicide to eradicate fungal spores.

Wet rot treatment usually involves the removal of severely decayed timbers. Localisation in situ preservation can be undertaken to less severely affected timbers, preventing further decay.

Eradication of moisture sources, promoting a dry environment and timber replacement will still be required.

Wood boring insects

We specialise in the treatment of all wood boring insects, including common furniture beetle (woodworm), deathwatch, long horn and wood boring weevils.

The surveyor will determine the most appropriate treatment required depending on the type of infestation, and the species and size of timber

For more information call LSE Preservation on 020 8398 0096

HOME | OUR SERVICES | APPROVED CONTRACTORS | TRADE ASSOCIATIONS | CONTACT US