The Real Cost of Ignoring Damp: Essential Information for UK Homeowners
Here in the United Kingdom, we have a damp climate and we rarely see the sun these days, which doesn’t help when it comes to combatting rising and penetrating damp, not to mention condensation. In this short article, we look at some of the potential costs that come when you have a damp problem in your home and you ignore it.
Internal roof structure
In the event a few roof tiles got misplaced or broken due to a heavy storm and you are unaware of this; a few rainstorms and the joists and rafters can be seriously damaged. Once water has entered the loft, timber is affected, and the upstairs ceiling can easily be damaged; all the while you could be totally unaware of the leak and the roof timbers are under attack. This is why you need to have your roof inspected regularly, as it gives you a heads up if the roof is compromised.
Rising damp
If there is moisture in the ground your home sits on, there is a risk of rising damp; there would be a damp proof course (DPC membrane) in the brickwork that prevents damp from rising and damaging the building. If the damp proof course is damaged or compromised, the damp will rise up the walls, causing damage as it does.
Penetrating damp
If your exterior walls are not weatherproof, rain can enter the brickwork and mortar and this damp penetrates through to the interior. Of course, it helps to have cavity walls and there are treatments that involve spraying a special foam into the cavity, which protects the interior. A waterproof membrane can be applied to prevent the spread of damp through a building, which is just one of the damp repair services we offer our customers.
Condensation
Moisture in the air turns to water when different temperatures meet, which is typically on window panes and window sills, but walls can also have condensation. At London Damp Specialists, we offer damp and condensation surveys designed for those who are planning to buy a property, namely a homebuyer survey. There are numerous condensation solutions that can be used, depending on the nature of the problem.
Don’t be complacent
You can’t take chances when it comes to damp, mould and mildew, here are a few tell-tale signs that your home is under attack from damp.
- Damp patches on walls and ceilings.
- Condensation on windows and walls.
- Peeling wallpaper and paint.
- Crumbling brickwork and mortar.
- Mould growth on window frames and skirting boards.
- Musky smell in the house.
If you notice a musky smell in the house, we at London Damp Specialists, we are dedicated to assessing and repairing damage caused by damp and condensation and if you would like us to carry out a survey on your property, call us on 020 8528 3864 or fill in the form on our website.
We guarantee our work for a full 30 years, which is gold standard and our surveyors offer a professional service, issuing you with a detailed written report within 24 hours of finishing the survey. Don’t be complacent with damp, be proactive and take preventative measures to protect your home.
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.
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: