Damp Surveys: How to Begin with Getting It Right with Dampness

Damp is likely the biggest nightmare of home owners, and if not implemented correctly, it has long-term effects. From bad smells to mold, to structural compromise and sickness, damp can creepily destroy your dwelling or property behind your back. Before leaping to cures, however, there is one very important step which gives a solid foundation for effective treatment—a damp survey.

A damp survey is a professional inspection that identifies the type, cause, and extent of damp within a property. It provides detailed insight into the problem and outlines the most appropriate treatment methods. In this article, we’ll explore what damp surveys are, why they’re necessary, what they include, and how to choose a reputable surveyor.

1. What Is a Damp Survey?

A damp survey is a detailed inspection carried out by specialist professionals to identify issues related to dampness in a building. A damp survey is not an eye test but the utilisation of specialist equipment and knowledge to locate the exact cause of damp.

The reason for a damp survey is:

• To recognize the cause of damp (rising, penetrating or condensation)
• To discover the origin of dampness
• To establish the level of damage
• To provide relevant treatment recommendations
• Provide a written report for reference or legal purposes

This kind of survey is particularly important if you’re planning to buy a property, noticing signs of damp, or seeking repairs after moisture damage.

2. Why Is a Damp Survey Important?

a) Accurate Diagnosis

There can be damp in so many forms, and inappropriate handling of it leads to unnecessary or ineffective treatments. An effective damp survey provides the correct diagnosis to allow the right solution to be applied.

b) Prevents Necessity Costs

You may end up unnecessarily losing on treatments which never target at the causative cause of damp in case of defective survey. It makes a bill of surveys astronomical in the long run because of repeated repairs.

c) Home Buyer’s Requirement

If purchasing a property, a damp survey will reveal concealed damp problems not necessarily apparent from a regular valuation. It can help you decide whether you purchase or aid in negotiations towards a lower price.

d) Maintains Structural Integrity

Damp rusts walls, wood, plaster, and floorboards. A survey detects such flaws at an initial stage, and you can take remedial action before further damage is inflicted.

e) Health and Safety

Mould and mildew caused by dampness can result in breathing issues and allergic responses. A damp survey identifies potential health risks so that they may be addressed.

f) Insurance and Legal Advice

Where there is property dispute, insurance claim or tenancy, a professional damp report is an objective, accurate document.

g) Helps Plan Refurbishment

Before anything is refurbished or extended, a damp survey prevents the existing issues from getting in the way of your new build.

h) Trusts Builders

When someone hires a damp-proofing contractor, providing them access to an available survey allows them to quote and provide the appropriate services.

3. What Is a Damp Survey?

A standard damp survey will involve:

a) Visual Inspection

The surveyor will then inspect walls, ceilings, floors, and other affected areas for obvious damage such as staining, peeling paint, damp smells, or mildew.

b) Moisture Readings

Using devices such as hygrometers, thermal cameras, and moisture meters, the surveyor is measuring the level of moisture in materials.

c) Identification by type

The surveyor identifies whether the condition is caused by penetrating damp, condensation, or rising damp and goes on to treat it accordingly.

d) Inspects externally

They will inspect the roof, gutters, downpipes, walls, and exterior surfaces to locate the areas of water entry or drainage issues.

e) Interior Analysis

The interior climate, ventilation, heating, and insulation—are conditions all influencing moisture levels, which are verified by the surveyor.

f) Damage Identification

All the damage caused due to decay, rot, or structural weakening will be checked and recorded.

I) Treatment Suggestions

The survey will include recommended treatment ranging from chemical DPCs to ventilation and structural works.

h) Report and Certification

You are provided with written report of findings, supported by photographs, readings, and professional judgement.

4. When Do You Need a Damp Survey?

It can be beneficial to commission a damp survey to be carried out in the below situations:

• Purchasing or selling a property

• You notice signs of damp, e.g. black spots, peeling wallpaper, or damp odor

• Scheduled works or extension

• You notice ongoing condensation or damp

• Leakage or flood water

• Arguments between landlord and tenant

The sooner the issue is found, the less harm and lower in cost the fix.

5. Hiring an Appropriate Damp Surveyor

a) Ask Accreditation

Damp surveyors are most likely members of the Property Care Association (PCA) or CSRT (Certified Surveyor in Remedial Treatment) trained.

b) Consider Experience

Choose a well-established company to undertake survey and damp-proofing.

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Related: The Ultimate Guide to Decluttering Your Birmingham Home This Summer

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely the author’s opinion and not investment advice – it is provided for educational purposes only. By using this, you agree that the information does not constitute any investment or financial instructions. Do conduct your own research and reach out to financial advisors before making any investment decisions.