Damp Surveys

We often fix the primary cause of damp while tracing the root cause - this is not our role, but a consequential benefit, and is dependent on time and permission. Examples of on-survey solutions are: unblocking gullies, unblocking ventilation, optimising extractor fans and improving heat distribution. Some rising damp proofing contractors make their surveys FREE, or charge and offer a refund from the profit they make from treatment. Some say it is by overstating the problem and therefore recommending a more disruptive and more expensive remedy than required.

Ask as much as possible from the owners, occupiers, neighbours and property professionals and search the internet for clues. Smart detailed searching through Google, Rightmove or Zoopla often reveals prior occupier photos, floor-plans and or floor-plans of the neighbours or similar properties. Always look in all the rooms, cupboards, inside and outside, lofts or roof voids to cellars and subfloors, ceiling to floors, gutter to drains, back and front, all neighbours. Politely ask to take reams of photos and videos, just in case you didn't spot anything at the time of the survey.

This is the most important stage. Misdiagnosing the type of damp can cause harm, with minimal short-term benefits. For stance treating a property for rising damp, when the problem is condensation, could easily result in dry rot. Essentially the self diagnosis takes place in step 1, locate the source of dampness. However, damp is often cumulative. For example you may have a leak that is causing low level flooding, with a horizontal "tide" mark, as well as mould and patches of damp around cold external walls.

Yes, any cause of dampness will result in a rise; groundwater, rainwater, mains water and condensation form excess vapour. For example if you introduce a leak, rainwater or condensation in the centre of a wall at normal relative humidity, then water will be absorbed upwards on normal, absorbent plaster. The water introduced is suspended. It will redistribute through absorption and evaporation, unless it is constantly added to. A brick, or plaster in contact with suspended water will rise up to about 10cm, if the plaster is saturated, and less than this if unsaturated, and more if very high relative humidity.

Is there a "scam" amongst Damp Surveyors in London. We look at evidence and compare independent surveys to contractor surveys, known as quotes. Explore Damp Survey - London; scam?| PCA | 300 surveys | conclusion. Over the last few months we have watched in fascination as a beleaguered damp industry tries to hold onto its rapidly disappearing market. Damp surveys in london are the last bastion of this horrible, fraudulent industry. Currently the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors ("RICS") recognises the PCA as UK's only trainer of damp, rot and insect infestation.