Independent Damp Surveyors
This detailed approach ensures that our recommendations are effective and tailored to your property’s specific needs, considering its unique characteristics and structural history.
Covering London
We cover all areas inside the M25.
Money Back Guarantee
We’ll find the cause of your damp or your money back.
Easy to Book
Call now to get booked in over the phone or book online.
Fast & Efficient
Surveys done in 48 hours and report sent to you within 24 hours.
Experienced & qualified
Over 40 years’ experience treating damp.
Damp Survey
Many properties on the market have a quick fix and paint touch up to ‘repair’ or hide damp. It’s not until you move in and after a few months that the damp and condensation issues start to creep back – horrible mould and damp patches might start reappearing, and sometimes the extent and severity of the dampness in the property forces residents to vacate while renovations are done and the inside is revamped.
It’s also worth noting that given London’s climate and soil type (largely clay), damp surveys are vital for homeowners or property managers. During the survey, qualified damp surveyors, with extensive experience in diagnosing various damp-related problems, thoroughly examine the property. These problems can range from penetrating and rising damp to damp floors and the need for basement tanking.
The survey helps in understanding the type of damp and its causes, which is crucial for determining the most effective treatment plan. Our damp proofing services in Central London, including areas like Kensington, Westminster and Soho, provide tailored solutions to each unique property, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling damp in some of the city’s most iconic locations.
How Does a Damp Survey Work?
The damp survey process is designed to be straightforward and non-invasive, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily life. When you book a survey with London Damp Specialists, one of our skilled surveyors will visit your property for an inspection. On average, the surveyor spends about 15 to 30 minutes examining the affected areas. You will need to show them the areas where signs of damp are evident. They then conduct a detailed examination, often including a free inspection of the entire property.
This comprehensive approach is crucial for accurately diagnosing the damp issues and planning effective solutions. The areas we include in the survey are basements and cellars, walls affected by rising damp, areas with penetrating damp, spaces with condensation issues, and timber structures that might pose a risk.
Why Use Our Damp Survey Service?
Opting for our damp survey service means you are choosing some of London’s most experienced and skilled damp proofing experts. Our team consists of professional surveyors who are not only adept at identifying various damp problems but also excel at clearly explaining these issues to our clients. We take pride in our customer-centric approach, so you will be fully informed and comfortable throughout the survey process.
Additionally, our damp proofing costs are transparent and depend on factors like the size of the area needing treatment and the extent of the damp, ensuring you receive a fair and tailored quote. We’re also committed to minimal disruption and efficient service.
Our surveyors are experienced in explaining damp-related issues to those unfamiliar with them, making sure you understand the problem and the proposed solutions. With our 30-year guarantee on damp proofing work and a promise to beat any reputable company’s quotation, we offer unbeatable value and excellent workmanship, always delivered with a smile.
Post-Survey Aftercare and Support
As well as our thorough survey process, we place a strong emphasis on aftercare and client support. Following the survey, our team provides a detailed report outlining the findings and recommended solutions. We understand that dealing with damp can be stressful, so we make sure you have ongoing support and advice available to help you through the treatment process.
Our commitment extends beyond the survey. We offer follow-up services to guarantee the effectiveness of our solutions and your complete satisfaction. This level of comprehensive care and attention to detail is what sets our service apart – not only do we provide a solution to your damp problems but also give you peace of mind for the future.
Rising Damp Survey
Rising damp is a significant concern in many London properties, often leading to structural damage and health risks. As independent damp surveyors, we specialise in diagnosing and treating this issue, so you’ll know your home is safeguarded against its harmful effects.
There are various ways you can spot rising damp – wallpaper peeling, damage to plaster and skirting boards, and visible tide lines on walls. These signs suggest moisture rising through the brickwork, a condition that must be stopped. Our team of independent damp surveyors conducts thorough surveys to accurately identify the extent of rising damp and then plans a bespoke treatment strategy.
Our rising damp treatment is comprehensive and effective:
- We remove any damp plaster
- Add chemical injections to the damp proof course to repair it
- Add a salt neutraliser to walls to dissolve salts present from damp penetration
- Install tanking, a liquid coating that bonds to damp brickwork and forms a waterproof barrier
- Apply a waterproof sand and cement interior render
- Make good with a smooth skim coat plaster.
As independent damp surveyors, we focus on more than just treatment; we aim to preserve the long-term health and structural integrity of your property. Our commitment to detail, combined with a deep understanding of damp-related issues, guarantees our clients receive a service that is both thorough and tailored to their specific needs. When you trust us with your rising damp concerns, you are choosing a partner dedicated to the highest standards of care and expertise in the field of damp surveying and treatment.
Request a SurveyPenetrating Damp Survey
Penetrating damp is destructive and invasive and is a problem you want to stop in your property. It can be caused by a number of factors, including broken or missing roof tiles, or even burst or leaking pipes in the attic. Defects in the exterior plaster, brickwork or aged pointing, or even an improperly sealed window, can result in damp on your walls.
London Damp Specialists can treat any penetrating damp with our effective damp proofing treatments, including dry rot, wet rot and woodworm treatment. If you think you have any damp issues in your property, it’s time to call in the experts to eradicate them as soon as possible.
Penetrating damp can have several unpleasant and destructive results, including:
- black mould growth (and potential health concerns from mould spores if left untreated)
- damaged plaster and paint
- timber and wood rot
- structural damage to the building
- increased heat loss
- unsightly water damage on walls and ceilings.
Penetrating damp can deteriorate the structure of your home by allowing excessive moisture to penetrate the walls from the outside.
How to Treat Penetrating Damp
London Damp Specialists experts will help you identify your penetrating damp issue with a damp survey and then recommend a remedial course of action. A typical approach may include:
- Repair exterior cracks.
- Repair pointing that shows signs of ageing and deterioration.
- Remove any deteriorated plaster.
- Introduce a salt neutraliser to walls to dissolve salts present from water penetration.
- Install tanking, a liquid coating that bonds to damp brickwork and forms a waterproof barrier.
- Apply a waterproof sand and cement interior render.
- Add a smooth skim coat plaster.
- Waterproof sand and cement exterior render.
Condensation Survey
Condensation is a widespread issue in buildings of all ages and types, creating an unsightly and unhealthy environment. As independent damp surveyors, we at London Damp Specialists are committed to addressing this problem with effective and lasting solutions.
Condensation typically becomes noticeable in the winter months when warm air inside a building comes into contact with cold exterior surfaces like walls or windows. This can lead to various problems, including mould growth and damage to the building’s structure. While temporary measures like increasing ventilation or using dehumidifiers might provide short-term relief, they often fail to tackle the root cause of the problem.
If you’re facing condensation issues on your property, our team of independent damp surveyors is here to help. We conduct thorough investigations to identify the causes of condensation and recommend effective solutions to protect your home and your family’s health. Our approach includes removing damp or damaged plaster, applying a salt neutraliser to walls, and installing advanced tanking systems and waterproof renders to ensure a dry and healthy environment.
In addition to these measures, we also offer Nuaire positive input ventilation systems, including the Nuaire Drimaster and Flatmaster, which are designed to eliminate toxic black mould and air-induced dampness. These systems provide cost-effective, whole-home ventilation and are suitable for a variety of property types, including those with or without lofts.
Choosing our services means opting for professional, quick, and minimally disruptive solutions, backed by our 30-year watertight guarantee. As independent damp surveyors, we are dedicated to ensuring your property remains free from condensation, safeguarding both its structural integrity and the health of its occupants.
Request a SurveyTimber Treatment Survey
Timber treatment is an essential consideration for many older properties in London, where a significant portion of the structure often comprises timber. As independent damp surveyors, we understand the importance of protecting this vital material from common threats like dry rot, wet rot, and woodworm, each capable of causing varying degrees of damage.
Our team of damp experts, who are also skilled independent damp surveyors, offer professional and effective solutions for all types of timber treatment. We use market-approved methods to combat wood rot, ensuring that your property remains structurally sound and free from these destructive elements.
Woodworm refers to several species of wood-boring insects whose larvae infest timber, causing significant damage over time. If you notice signs like tiny boreholes in floorboards or woodwork, along with dusty residue or crumbling joinery, it’s time to call in the experts.
Our independent damp surveyors can inspect your timber and recommend the most effective woodworm treatment to protect your property.
Dry rot is one of the most destructive conditions affecting timber, spreading rapidly and potentially compromising a property’s structural integrity. It thrives in moist conditions and can be identified by discoloured, brittle, and cracked wood. Another type of rot is wet rot, which thrives in high moisture areas often due to building defects or damp issues. Our approach to timber and wood treatment includes removing damaged timber, treating remaining and new timber with dry rot-resistant solutions, and applying timber preservatives to prevent re-infestation.
As independent damp surveyors, we are committed to preserving the integrity of your property’s timber elements. Our treatments are carried out professionally and quickly, with minimal disruption, leaving you with a home free from rot and the assurance of our 30-year watertight guarantee.
Request a SurveyBasement Tanking Survey
Basement tanking is a crucial process for any London property with a cellar or basement, especially given the city’s propensity for damp issues. As independent damp surveyors, we specialise in transforming these underground spaces into dry, usable areas, whether for living, storage, or housing essential systems like heating or air-conditioning.
Originally, cellars were designed with an external basement tanking system to prevent damp. However, being underground, these areas are naturally prone to damp and water ingress over time. Our team of independent damp surveyors conducts thorough surveys to assess the extent of dampness and devises a customised waterproofing plan.
The basement tanking process we offer includes several key steps. We start by removing any damp or damaged plaster to halt further damage. A salt neutraliser is then applied to the walls to address the damp-related salts. The core of our treatment is the tanking system, a robust solution that involves applying a liquid coating to damp brickwork, creating a waterproof barrier. This is complemented by a waterproof sand and cement interior render and finished with a smooth skim coat plaster for a polished appearance.
As independent damp surveyors, we understand the value of a dry and functional basement. Our approach is not just about damp proofing; it’s about adding valuable, functional space to your property. We ensure that our work is carried out with minimal disruption to you, leaving you with a damp-free cellar and the assurance of our 30-year watertight guarantee.
Request a SurveyDamp 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.
The survey fee will be deducted from the cost of any recommended repairs.
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.
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form: