Structural Timber Floor & Rising Damp Treatment – Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham

Location: Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham

Project Overview

This project in Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham involved both structural timber floor replacement and comprehensive rising damp treatment within a ground floor lounge area.

The suspended timber floor had deteriorated significantly due to prolonged damp exposure, resulting in rot to structural timbers and sections of the floor beginning to collapse. Alongside the flooring issues, rising damp was also affecting the internal wall finishes.

A full structural and damp-proofing solution was required to restore the integrity of the room and provide long-term protection.

The Issue

The existing suspended timber floor structure had become compromised due to moisture within the subfloor void. Floorboards were weakened, and structural joists had suffered rot, affecting the stability and safety of the lounge area.

In addition, rising damp was present within the surrounding masonry walls, causing plaster deterioration and visible moisture damage up to approximately one metre in height.

Both the structural timber decay and rising damp required addressing simultaneously to ensure a complete and lasting solution.

Our Approach

We began by carefully removing the original floor boarding to fully expose the subfloor structure and assess the condition of the joists.

Compromised structural timbers were removed and replaced as required with modern, pressure-treated counterparts, reinstating the structural integrity of the suspended floor system. All new timbers were isolated appropriately from potential sources of dampness to reduce the risk of future decay.

The entire subfloor void was treated, and all remaining and newly installed timbers were protected using appropriate timber preservation treatments. We also assessed and ensured that ventilation to the subfloor area was adequate, promoting airflow and reducing the risk of future moisture build-up.

Alongside the floor works, rising damp treatment was carried out to the affected walls. Plaster was removed to approximately one metre high, or as required by moisture readings.

A thixotropic damp proof course (DPC) was installed via injection to create a new chemical barrier within the masonry. This was followed by the installation of a two-part bonded membrane system to isolate residual moisture prior to reinstatement.

Reinstatement & Finishing

Once the damp proofing system was installed, the walls were reinstated using wet plaster to rebuild the plaster line. All treated areas were then skimmed to a smooth, high-quality finish, leaving the walls ready for decoration.

The newly installed suspended timber floor structure restored full stability and strength to the lounge area, ensuring a safe and durable solution.

Throughout the project, all works were carried out methodically and professionally, with care taken to maintain a clean and organised working environment.

The Result

The property in Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham now benefits from a fully reinstated and structurally sound suspended timber floor, along with effective long-term protection against rising damp.

By addressing both the timber decay and damp issues together, we delivered a comprehensive preservation solution — restoring the room’s structural integrity while leaving the walls professionally finished and ready for redecoration.