Damp Proofing Services for Lancaster & Cumbria Homes and Buildings
Lancaster and Cumbria’s varied property stock—including heritage buildings, terraced homes, and newer developments—faces persistent issues due to the area’s damp climate, high rainfall, and often porous building materials. Traditional stone masonry and solid wall construction, common in many Lancaster homes, are particularly vulnerable to moisture ingress. These structures often lack modern damp protection measures, making professional damp proofing an essential investment.
RTC Group offers bespoke damp proofing treatments tailored to the individual characteristics of both modern and period properties. Our experienced technicians understand the nuances of Lancaster’s architecture and apply solutions that are not only effective but also sympathetic to the building’s original materials and design.
We carry out detailed inspections and use cutting-edge technology such as thermal imaging, moisture meters, and hygrometers to diagnose the type and extent of damp before implementing the most effective solution. This thorough approach allows us to deliver long-term results with minimal disruption. Learn more about our Damp Proofing services.
Rising Damp Treatment
Many Lancaster homes suffer from rising damp due to failed or missing damp proof courses, a problem especially common in period properties and those constructed with traditional masonry. These damp proof courses, often installed decades ago, may have deteriorated or been bridged by alterations to ground levels or internal finishes, allowing moisture to travel upward unchecked.
As groundwater rises through porous materials like brick or stone, it brings with it salts that contaminate plaster, stain walls, and create unsightly tide marks. Over time, this moisture can degrade internal finishes, promote mould growth, and compromise structural timber such as skirting boards, joists, and flooring. Without timely intervention, rising damp can cause long-term damage and reduce the comfort, value, and safety of your home.
Chemical Damp Proof Course (DPC)
RTC Group installs a modern chemical DPC that forms an impermeable barrier to stop moisture rising through walls. This method is a fast, clean, and highly effective solution for addressing rising damp, particularly in properties with older or compromised damp proof courses. Our technicians drill small holes into the affected masonry and inject a specialist damp proofing fluid that spreads through the wall, creating a reliable and long-lasting moisture barrier. Learn more about Rising Damp treatments.
Salt-Resistant Replastering
After DPC treatment, we apply specialist salt-resistant plaster to ensure internal walls remain clean, breathable, and durable. This plaster is specifically formulated to resist salt contamination brought up by rising moisture, which prevents future staining and deterioration. In addition to improving the aesthetic finish, it helps maintain a healthier indoor environment by reducing the chance of residual damp resurfacing.
Long-Term Protection
All rising damp treatments come with insurance-backed guarantees for peace of mind.
Penetrating Damp & External Waterproofing
Lancaster and Cumbria’s frequent rain, prevailing winds, and widespread use of traditional masonry construction contribute significantly to penetrating damp in many homes. This form of damp occurs when water enters the building envelope through porous external walls, cracked render, or poorly maintained mortar joints. Over time, rainwater saturates the wall and begins to travel inward, often leading to damp patches, discolouration, mould, and damage to plaster and decorations.
Homes without cavity wall insulation or those with worn or weathered stone and brickwork are particularly vulnerable. Penetrating damp can also occur around windows and rooflines where flashing or sealants have failed. It is essential to diagnose and treat the issue early, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to timber decay, higher heating bills, and deterioration of internal finishes.
External Masonry Protection
We apply breathable, weatherproof coatings to protect external walls without trapping moisture inside. These advanced coatings form a protective barrier that helps prevent water ingress while still allowing the wall to breathe, which is especially important for older Lancaster homes built with traditional materials. By reducing moisture penetration and helping maintain a balanced internal environment, our treatments safeguard both the structure and appearance of your property. Visit our External Waterproofing page.
Basement & Cellar Tanking
Our Basement Waterproofing systems protect lower ground areas from lateral damp and ground ingress. These systems are especially vital in older Lancaster properties with cellars or basements that were not originally designed to be habitable spaces. By installing tanking membranes, waterproof render, or cavity drainage systems, we create a barrier that channels moisture away from interior spaces and ensures the basement remains dry and structurally sound. This helps preserve the integrity of the building while allowing for safer storage or conversion into living areas.
Condensation & Mould Control
Poor ventilation and insulation in Lancaster homes often lead to condensation, a widespread issue that becomes especially problematic during colder months when warm indoor air meets cold surfaces like windows and external walls. This process results in moisture accumulation on surfaces, which in turn creates ideal conditions for mould spores to thrive.
The consistent presence of condensation not only damages wallpaper, paintwork, and plaster but also contributes to a decline in indoor air quality, which can negatively impact the health of occupants—particularly those with respiratory conditions. Proactive ventilation upgrades and insulation improvements are essential to break the cycle of moisture build-up and safeguard the integrity and comfort of your home.
Ventilation Systems & PIV
Our Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems and extractor upgrades reduce humidity and improve airflow, helping to prevent the build-up of excess moisture that leads to condensation and mould. These systems work by introducing a constant flow of filtered, fresh air into your home, pushing out stale, damp-laden air and maintaining a balanced indoor climate. This proactive approach is especially effective in older properties and rooms with limited natural ventilation, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable living environment year-round.
Expert Mould Removal & Prevention
Our Mould Removal service includes thorough cleaning and protective coatings to prevent regrowth. We target both visible and hidden mould spores, using industry-approved cleaning agents to sanitise affected areas safely and effectively. The anti-mould coatings we apply form a long-lasting barrier that helps prevent future outbreaks, especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. Our service not only improves the look of your property but also contributes to healthier indoor air quality and greater long-term comfort.
Woodworm Treatment
Lancaster’s timber-rich properties, especially older homes with original floorboards, roof beams, and joists, are particularly susceptible to woodworm infestations. These infestations are caused by the larvae of wood-boring beetles, which burrow deep into timber to feed, often remaining undetected for years. As they tunnel through the wood, they create internal damage that weakens structural timbers over time, posing serious risks to a building’s safety and integrity.
Homes with high humidity levels or poor ventilation are especially vulnerable, as these conditions encourage the development of woodworm activity. Telltale signs of infestation include small round exit holes, fine dust (known as frass), and damaged or crumbling timber. Regular inspections and timely treatment are key to preventing long-term damage in Lancaster properties where historic construction and timber features are common.
Comprehensive Timber Care
Our Woodworm Treatments eliminate infestations, preserve healthy timber, and replace damaged sections where needed. We begin with a comprehensive inspection to determine the extent of the infestation and identify affected timber. Treatments are applied using industry-approved chemicals that target the larvae within the wood while being safe for your living environment. We also provide aftercare guidance to prevent future reinfestation, ensuring your property remains protected long-term.
Dry Rot Treatment
Dry rot is a serious fungal decay problem that can spread quickly in damp, unventilated areas, particularly in properties with persistent moisture issues and poor airflow. It typically targets timber with a moisture content above 20%, which allows the fungus to thrive and extend across large sections of a building undetected. As it develops, dry rot breaks down the structural integrity of wood, making it brittle and crumbly, and it can even spread into adjacent masonry in search of new moisture sources.
This type of rot often goes unnoticed until it causes visible damage, such as cracked or distorted timber, rust-coloured spore dust, or mushroom-like fruiting bodies. Once established, it can compromise flooring, joists, wall plates, and other load-bearing components, creating major safety concerns. Swift identification and professional remediation are essential to prevent further spread and safeguard your home’s structural health
Professional Dry Rot Solutions
RTC Group’s Dry Rot treatment includes moisture source control, removal of infected timber, and full structural restoration. Our expert technicians begin by identifying and eliminating the source of moisture that allowed the fungus to thrive. We then carefully remove all decayed material, ensuring no traces of the rot remain, before treating surrounding masonry and timber with high-grade fungicides to prevent recurrence. Finally, we install new, treated timber and make any necessary structural repairs, leaving your property fully restored and protected against future outbreaks.
Wet Rot Treatment
Persistent moisture in floors, joists, and walls can lead to localised timber decay from wet rot, a fungal issue that thrives in damp, unventilated environments. Wet rot develops gradually but can cause significant weakening of timber, often affecting the structural integrity of a property over time. It typically appears in areas with poor airflow or near chronic sources of water ingress—such as leaky pipes, overflowing gutters, or poorly insulated external walls.
As the timber absorbs excess moisture, it begins to break down, becoming soft, crumbly, and discoloured. This damage may remain hidden until it affects flooring, staircases, or structural beams. Spotting signs early and addressing the underlying moisture problem is essential to halting the spread and ensuring safe, stable building conditions.
Effective Wet Rot Repairs
We identify moisture sources, treat infected areas, and restore structural strength with our Wet Rot treatment service. Our experienced team conducts a thorough inspection to locate all affected timbers and assess the extent of the decay. Once the source of the moisture is addressed, we apply specialist preservatives to halt further fungal growth and carry out precision repairs or full timber replacement where necessary. This ensures not only the stability of your structure but also long-term resistance to recurring damp issues.
Why Choose RTC Group in Lancaster and Cumbria?
Choosing the right damp proofing specialist is crucial when it comes to protecting your home or investment property in Lancaster and Cumbria. With a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability, RTC Group has earned the trust of local homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients alike. We understand the specific challenges posed by Lancaster and Cumbria’s varied building stock and damp-prone climate, and our approach is always tailored, professional, and results-driven.
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35+ years of experience in Lancaster and Cumbria
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PCA-certified, TrustMark-accredited specialists
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Solutions for listed, stone and modern properties
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Insurance-backed guarantees on all work
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Courteous, clean, and expert service from start to finish
