DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

I would be really very grateful for some advice...

I had a damp course/tanking treatment done in July and now I have green mould growing on the skirting board in one corner of the room. I am very concerned as I am asthmatic and I am being repeatedly told that the mould is potentially dangerous. I have contacted the company who completed the treatment (given that it's supposed to be guaranteed for 20 years) and attached pictures of the mould.

Upon reviewing the pictures, they first asked which type of skirting I had used and I explained that I had moisture resistant MDF fitted, given the damp history. They informed me that they only recommend using wood and that they outline this in their report. They claim that when you cut through the MDF, the cut through surface is not protected and so can get wet. In other words, it renders the MDF useless, but if this were the case, why do people use it?! They also claim that the screws attaching the skirting appear to have punctured the tanking and this may now require chargeable repairs. Isn’t that convenient. They fail to mention anywhere in their report that there could be a possibility that reattaching skirting could puncture the tanking. This is the first I've heard of it.

The company is coming to review the damp on Thursday. I have had nothing but aggravation from the company from the beginning and I very much regret even using them. I am concerned that they are trying to sidestep responsibility as in my opinion, the tanking has failed.

unfortunately some of the comments they have made is true, its best to paint the back of the skirting with a waterproof paint and stick it to the wall rather than drill and screw, and if your going to drill the wall its best to fill the hole with a waterproof sealant,
I would suggest removing the skirting painting the rear of it and re attaching it with gripfill

Thank you for your comment!

My main point is that whilst everything you mention above may be true, there was nothing in the survey report or follow up correspondence provided by the damp proof company to outline that you shouldn't drill or screw, or the need to use a waterproof sealant if you did. The company provided a fancy colour brochure, charged over £1600 for the work but failed to give any reasonable follow up information or indeed, a list of "do nots". The only information they provided was to use wood as replacement skirting.

In your opinion, do you think I have a reasonable argument?

I think its a grey area, They should have fitted the skirting in my opinion, that way eliminates any confusion, but if its not stated in the contract then I think your argument will fall on deaf ears, sorry