Indicators That Your Damp Problem Is Serious and When to Consult a Professional
When you look at the British weather, it is no wonder that properties are damaged by damp, mould and timber rot; endless days without seeing a glimpse of the Sun. Of course, we have our fair share of rain, which is nothing new, and this type of climate allows damp and mould to thrive, which can be a big problem for UK homeowners.
Here are a few indicators that the dampness in your home is serious and when you should consult with a damp specialist.
- Musky smell in the loft – A leaking roof is the number one cause of timber rot in a roof, which comes with a musky odour. This is definitely very bad news; damp eats away at timber rafters and joists and replacing them is never going to be cheap. At London Damp Specialists, we offer woodworm treatment to protect roof timbers and we guarantee all our work for a full 30 years.
- Damp patches on walls or ceilings – If you happen to spot damp patches on interior plaster, a lot of damage has already been done. Moisture damages timber and causes mould and mildew, which is a health hazard and if you notice damp marks on interior walls or ceilings, you need to call a damp specialist in London and the sooner you have a team inspect your home, the better!
- Crumbling brickwork and mortar – Rising damp causes brickwork and mortar to crumble; you need rising damp treatment from London Damp Specialists, which comes with an unconditional 30-year warranty. A DPC membrane needs to be inserted just above ground level, which prevents damp from rising up the walls and every building should have a damp proof course.
- Condensation on windows – Condensation appears when two extreme temperatures meet and usually forms on the inner window panes; double glazing eliminates condensation, while there are other condensation solutions offered by established damp proofing contractors. UK homeowners keep a dry cloth on every window sill to mop up condensation before it seeps into timber and plaster. Open bathroom windows to dissipate moisture and keep the door closed to prevent it from entering other areas. The same goes with the kitchen where condensation builds up when you are cooking. Turn on the extractor fan in the canopy and close the doors until the condensation is removed.
- Damp walls in the basement – We offer a range of basement waterproofing treatments; basement tanking involves making the space waterproof by installing a special membrane that prevents moisture from entering the basement. Basement damp repairs can cost thousands of pounds if the issue is not nipped in the bud; if you think your cellar has damp issues, don’t delay, call London Damp Specialists on 020 8528 3864 during office hours or fill in the online form and we will get to the bottom of the problem.
London homeowners need to be proactive when it comes to property moisture control and we are always available to survey and carry out essential repairs.
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:
- Everything in Level 1 & Level 2
- 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
- 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.
The survey fee will be deducted from the cost of any recommended repairs.
These are the tools we use
A 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.
Inspection Drone
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 Swab Test Kit
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.
Plaster Salt Analysis Lab
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.
