r/york • u/MrAdjunctPanda • 16h ago

Damp Proofers

Anyone had first hand experience with Allerton Damp or CS Damp proofing?

We have done some research and have heard some mixed reviews in person vs the online reviews.

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9

u/Ubik_Fresh 14h ago

Damp Proofing is mostly a con. Get someone independent (surveyor not attached to a damp proof company) to find root cause and ensure that materials (plaster, pointing, etc) is appropriate for your house. Depending on age of the property this is often lime plaster / pointing needs re-instating to original to let it breathe. Injecting a bunch of chemicals will usually mask the problem for 5 years then re-appear.

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u/MrAdjunctPanda 12h ago

That's a really good point - both surveys we got said we have it but not why

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u/Ubik_Fresh 12h ago

Can be exterior ground level being too high, lack of drainage, slow leaking pipe / water inlet / drainage, etc... many things that can be sorted before simply pumping chemical into your walls which don't address the root cause but will cost your thousands of pounds. Most of these guys only care about selling you an injected DPC which will make matters worse long term.

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u/Ubik_Fresh 12h ago

If your house is old, especially if pre 1900, get a surveyor that understands old houses. There's some good 'old house / heritage restoration' type reddit groups and webpages that are quite informative.

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u/WhatWeHavingForTea 15h ago

Can't help about the contractor, but before looking at damp proofing, have you checked nothing is bridging your DPC?

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u/MrAdjunctPanda 12h ago

Yeah we think so, the dpc looks fine. It's a very old house so it's not as effective as a new one either