What Happens During an Independent Damp Survey?
Those who have little to no knowledge about construction might wonder what a damp surveyor actually does, so we decided to give a written description of a typical independent damp survey and what it entails.
Cutting-edge digital equipment
A certified damp specialist isn’t going to come into your home in a protective suit, rather they resemble a typical builder with a bag of tools.
We use the latest technology in our quest for damp and rot issues:
- Damp meters
- Thermal cameras
- Hygrometers
- Ventilation flow tester
- Drone imagery
- Borescope cameras
Our surveyors have a fully equipped mobile workshop, which enables them to accurately inspect a building and identify sources of moisture, while also recommending treatment.
Exterior inspection
The surveyor uses a combination of visual and drone inspection to scan the entire roof and the upper walls, looking carefully for any signs of penetrating damp. They pay particular attention to the roof, checking guttering for blockages, fascia and soffit boards, flashing and chimneys. A scraper might be used to test masonry and mortar for penetrating damp and any signs are investigated further. The DPC course, which is close to the ground, is examined, looking for moss growth and other signs of DPC damage.
Loft inspection
The surveyor takes a flashlight and closely inspects the loft and internal roof structure, looking for signs of damp, mould and woodworm; a borescope camera gets into all the dark corners and if damp is present, we will find it. The inspector might take a few photos to show the property owner and after about 20 minutes, the loft is inspected.
Interior inspection
All walls and ceilings are closely examined, looking for tide marks, salt stains and damp patches; all wooden window frames are examined and the surveyor might use a damp meter with pins to measure moisture content inside the wood. Skirtings are inspected and any signs are investigated using a borescope camera, which also illuminates underflooring, under the stairs and other dark corners. Peeling wallpaper and paint bubbles are also signs that damp is present and the inspector looks for mould and mildew.
Ventilation flow test
The damp surveyor has a piece of equipment that accurately measures movement in the air and the device is used in numerous locations around the house to get a clear picture of overall ventilation. Damp and mould thrive in still and humid environments, so generating a flow of air dries out the atmosphere, which prevents condensation and mould.
Independent damp survey report
The surveyor creates a full report that contains text and images, which is sent to the client by email the following day. If there are issues, we make treatment recommendations and can give you a ballpark quote. At London Damp Specialists, we provide independent damp surveys, but we do not carry out damp-proofing work; we work closely with the top London damp-proofing specialists who guarantee their work for a full 30 years.
If you would like an accurate assessment of your London home, call London Damp Specialists on 020 7205 4886 or fill in the survey form at the bottom of this page and we will be in touch.
Damp Survey Costs
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for our independent, unbiased surveys.
Level 1
What’s included:
- Inspection of walls
- Inspection of floors
- Inspection of ceilings
- Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 2
What’s included:
- Everything in Level 1
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 3 (Most Popular)
What’s included:
- Thermal Imaging
- Air humidity testing
- HD boroscope camera
- Brickwork pointing inspection
- DPC inspection
- Ventilation flow test on extractor fans
- 4K drone imagery roof, chimney stack
and guttering inspection - Structural condition inspection
- Inspection of walls
- Inspection of floors
- Inspection of ceilings
- Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Survey Add Ons
Add On 1
Laboratory analysis Of plaster identifies hygroscopic salts such as chlorides and nitrates. which indicate whether damp is caused by rising groundwater or by plumbing leaks, This testing removes guesswork, allowing the exact source of moisture to be identified so the correct treatment is applied rather than carrying out unnecessary damp-proofing work.
Add On 2
qPCR DNA mould testing detects microscopic mould spores that are invisible during a normal inspection and van remain hidden behind walls, floors. or inside building rkaterials. It identifies the exact mould species present and the contamination level, allowing hidden mould problems to be confirrned and properly treated before they affect the property or occupants’ health.
Qualifications: All our surveyors are PCA and CSRT qualified for remedial treatments and also CSSW qualified for structural waterproofing.
Next day report: You will receive the report within 24 hours of the inspection taking place.
These are the tools we use
Damp Meter
A damp meter is a diagnostic tool used to detect and measure moisture levels within building materials such as plaster, brick, timber, and concrete.
Borescope camera
borescope camera is a small inspection camera attached to a flexible semi-rigid cable that allows you to see inside areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
Drone Inspection
A drone is a remotely operated aerial device equipped with a camera that allows visual inspection from above without the need for scaffolding or ladder.
Air Humidity Sensor
Air humidity sensor measures the amount of moisture present in the air, expressed as relative humidity (RH) in percentage. It helps determine whether indoor conditions are contributing to condensation, mould growth, or damp-related issues.
Thermal Imaging Camera
A thermal imaging camera detects temperature differences on surfaces by using infrared technology to produce a heat map image. In damp investigations, it helps identify cold spots, moisture intrusion, insulation defects, thermal bridging and leaks.
Air Flow Ventilation Detector
An air flow ventilation detector measures the movement and volume of air passing through vents, extractor fans, and air bricks. It confirms whether ventilation systems are working properly and achieving adequate air changes within a room. Poor airflow leads to trapped moisture, high humidity, condensation on cold surfaces, and ultimately mould growth.
Mould Lab Swab Testing
A mould swab test is carried out to confirm the presence of hidden mould growth and identify the specific species involved. Surface mould is not always visible, especially behind furniture, inside cavities, or within ventilation systems. Laboratory analysis of a swab sample determines whether active mould spores are present and what type they are, which helps assess potential health risks and decide the correct remediation approach rather than relying on visual assumption alone.
Lab Analysis of Plaster
Laboratory analysis of plaster is used to identify the type of salts present within the material, typically chlorides and nitrates. The presence and concentration of these salts help determine whether the moisture source is consistent with rising damp, ground contamination, or another forms [sic] of water ingress. such as mains water leak, This removes guesswork and prevents misdiagnosis, ensuring the correct remedial treatment is specified rather than applying unnecessary or ineffective solutions.
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