Why it is Crucial to Book an Independent Damp Survey When Buying London Property

You probably know that London sits on the Thames Valley Basin, a clay-based region that holds water and this causes property owners many problems. How do you protect a building against rising damp? Install a damp proof course, which is a bitumen-based strip that is sandwiched between the first couple of brick courses, preventing moisture from rising up the walls. In fact, every building in the UK must have a DPC installed due to the moist ground, yet this membrane can be damaged and when that occurs, moisture attacks the structure, damaging brickwork, masonry, mortar and plaster.

Concealing signs of damp

It is not difficult to hide the tell-tale signs of damp; a few coats of paint, some plaster and no one would be any the wiser. Of course, sooner or later, this damage will become apparent and if you are already the owner, you could be in for a nasty surprise! Much like selling a car, it is possible to conceal damp issues for a short time, at least until ownership is transferred. The only way that you can be 100% sure that a property is damp free is to book an independent damp survey, when a certified damp surveyor inspects the building and uses cutting-edge digital technology to search for damp, mould and timber rot.

Roof and loft inspection

A crucial aspect of a damp survey is the roof and loft inspection; the roof is the most important component of a building, as it protects the structure from the harsh British climate. Should the roof develop a leak, rainwater will enter the internal roof structure and that will result in damage. A thorough roof and loft inspection can give you a heads-up if there are moisture issues and that could save you a lot of money.

Finding concealed signs of damp

This is our speciality; if your home has damp issues, we will find it, plus we can recommend a leading company that offers damp-proofing in London, an organisation that issues a 30-year warranty on all of their work. Our certified surveyors use cutting-edge equipment to accurately examine a building, looking for any signs of damp, mould and timber rot. Damp does not always show itself and it might take an expert eye to source damp and identify its origins.

Protecting your investment

Buying property in London means a large investment and before you make a commitment, it makes total sense to have a damp specialist inspect the property; only then can you move ahead with confidence. There have been cases where a person made a real estate purchase, only to discover later that the house had serious damp issues and it cost a lot of money to repair.

Don’t take any chances when it comes to damp and mould, call London Damp Specialists on 020 7205 4886 or complete the booking form on this website and we will arrange for one of our certified damp surveyors to carry out a thorough inspection of the property and provide you with a definitive answer.