At Kennedy Damp Proofing, every successful project starts the same way – with a comprehensive damp survey and a detailed quotation. This recent basement flat renovation on Havelock Road, Brighton, Sussex, is a perfect example of why correctly identifying the source of damp is far more important than simply treating the symptoms.
The Initial Damp Survey
When we attended the property, it quickly became clear that the damp problems were being caused by several different defects rather than a single issue. Our survey identified multiple sources of moisture entering the building, all of which required addressing before any internal damp proofing could begin.
1. Failed Clay Drainage
One of the first concerns was the original clay drainage system located at the rear of the property. The surrounding ground was noticeably damp, immediately suggesting there could be an underground drainage issue.
Further investigation confirmed our suspicions. The clay drain had developed a large hole, allowing water to continuously escape into the surrounding ground. Over time, this saturated the soil against the external walls, creating ideal conditions for penetrating damp.
2. Failed Earth Retaining Wall Waterproofing
Being a basement flat, the property relied on earth retaining walls to keep moisture out. These walls had previously been treated with a cementitious slurry waterproofing system approximately 20 years ago.
Although these systems can perform well, they do have a lifespan, and in this case the waterproofing had deteriorated significantly, allowing moisture to penetrate through the walls once again.
3. No Existing Damp Proof Course
Our survey also revealed that sections of the property had no effective damp proof course. This allowed ground moisture to rise naturally through the masonry, contributing to rising damp throughout the basement.
4. Cracked External Render
The external render had developed several significant cracks. These cracks allowed rainwater to penetrate directly into the wall structure, causing further moisture problems internally.
5. Cracked Concrete Steps and Faulty Patio
The entrance steps and patio leading down to the basement flat had deteriorated over time. Cracks and incorrect falls meant rainwater was being directed towards the property instead of away from it.
This allowed water to penetrate the hallway walls, adding yet another source of damp.
6. Hidden Water Main Leak
Perhaps the biggest surprise during the project was discovering a leaking water mains pipe beneath a drain cover located on the pathway above the front bedroom.
Although the leak was only a slow drip, it had likely been leaking for years without the homeowner’s knowledge. Over time, the constant supply of water saturated the surrounding ground, eventually allowing moisture to track into the property and damage the bedroom ceiling.
This highlights why a thorough damp survey is so important. Small leaks can often create major damp problems over many years.
Solving the External Problems First
At Kennedy Damp Proofing, we firmly believe that damp should always be treated at its source wherever possible.
Before any internal works began, we arranged for both a qualified plumber and drainage specialist to attend the property.
Their work included:
- Replacing the damaged clay drainage system.
- Repairing the leaking water mains pipe.
- Eliminating all sources of external water ingress before internal damp proofing commenced.
External Repairs
With the drainage issues resolved, we turned our attention to the external fabric of the building.
The cracked render was ground out to approximately 4 inches wide before receiving a reinforced scratch coat containing waterproofing additives. Reinforcing mesh was embedded into the render to strengthen the repair and help minimise future cracking.
Once fully cured, a matching top coat was applied to blend seamlessly with the existing finish.
The damaged patio and concrete steps were also removed. We stripped everything back to the original concrete base before preparing the surface and laying new porcelain paving slabs.
The new patio was installed with the correct falls, ensuring rainwater now drains safely away from the property rather than towards it.
Internal Damp Proofing Works
Only once every external defect had been rectified did we begin the internal damp proofing.
All contaminated plaster was removed from the affected walls and the damaged bedroom ceiling.
A new damp proof course was then injected into the partition walls and external masonry where required to prevent rising damp.
The external walls were subsequently treated internally using a BBA-certified 3mm damp proof membrane system, providing a highly effective barrier against both residual moisture and future damp ingress.
The walls were then finished by installing plasterboard over the membrane before applying two coats of finishing plaster, creating a clean, smooth finish ready for decoration.
Throughout the project, all skirting boards, radiators and electrical sockets were carefully removed before work commenced and reinstated once the plastering had been completed.
The Finished Result
By addressing every source of moisture rather than simply covering up the symptoms, we successfully eliminated the property’s external water ingress issues while protecting the interior against both rising damp and residual moisture.
The client was left with a dry, fully restored basement flat and the confidence that every contributing factor had been professionally identified and resolved.
At Kennedy Damp Proofing, we don’t believe in temporary fixes. Every project begins with a detailed investigation to identify the true cause of damp, allowing us to provide long-lasting, professional solutions that protect your property for years to come.
If you’re experiencing damp, mould, or water ingress in your home or basement property anywhere across Brighton, Sussex, or the surrounding areas, contact Kennedy Damp Proofing to arrange a professional damp survey and quotation.
