Property Care Association approved surveyor

Property Care Association approved surveyor

One of the questions I get asked a lot when it comes to damp problems is how do you spot it and what type of damp is it?

Different types of damp

There is no single cause of dampness in properties but it can be divided into 4 main types;

  • Rising Damp – due to there being no, or an inadequate, horizontal damp proof course
  • Penetrating Damp due to building defects –  poor building maintenance or the inadequacy of the building fabric
  • Penetrating damp From High Ground Levels – properties built into high ground are prone to penetrating  dampness / water seepage
  • Dampness Due to Condensation – As we seal our houses and reduce heating and ventilation levels the humidity level rises in the property and dampness due to condensation occurs.

In some cases the damp problem is a combination of these.

What are the tell-tale signs?

  • Rising Damp – tide mark staining and salting / deterioration of plaster / decorations up to 1.5m above ground floor level
  • Penetrating Damp – tide mark staining and salting / deterioration of plaster to the affected area
  • Penetrating Damp From High Ground Levels – staining and salting / deterioration of plaster to the affected area, with water coming into the property in the more severe cases
  • Dampness Due to Condensation – mould growth on walls, ceilings and floors particularly in corners, on window reveals and behind furnishings, general mustiness and mould growth on furnishings, clothing etc.

What will happen if you leave it untreated?

With all types of dampness unless remedial measures are taken it will continue to worsen, causing more damage and in some cases can lead to severe timber decay such as Dry Rot developing in the property.

What methods can be used to treat damp?

For each type of dampness there is no single method of treatment or measures that can be taken to alleviate it. Correct treatment specification requires specialist knowledge of the treatment types available and which is best for different property types and circumstances.

How Specialist Property Surveys can help

We have the specialist knowledge and experience to firstly diagnose the source of the damp problem and then to specify the appropriate remedial measures / treatments, in the long term safeguarding  your property. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment specification is expensive and will not address the problem.

For more information or to book a survey please take a look at our Damp Surveys and Condensation Surveys.

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Damp and Timber Surveys
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