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.