How an Independent Damp Surveyor Can Help With Penetrating Damp

Homes today benefit from modern damp-proofing techniques and improved ventilation, which reduce the risk of rising damp and condensation. Penetrating damp, however, remains a challenge for many homes. Natural wear and tear over time can create entry points for moisture, which must be identified and blocked to stop damp from forming. This article looks at how an independent damp surveyor can help with this process.

What Causes Penetrating Damp?

Penetrating damp happens because of water ingress, which is when water from outdoors (i.e. rainwater) finds a way indoors. There are many different ways that can happen, but some common ones are cracked walls, loose roof tiles and damaged gutters.

Often, these defects happen over the course of time, which is why penetrating damp is more common in older properties. However, it can also be caused by construction errors, such as faulty pointing.

How Can I Know It’s Penetrating Damp?

If you’ve found signs of damp in your home, such as mould or peeling wallpaper, the best way to know for certain what’s causing it is to get an independent damp survey. That said, there are some signs that can help you identify penetrating damp yourself.

The location of the damp is usually a giveaway, as penetrating damp often occurs near windows or ceilings. This is too high for rising damp. Another sign is the damp getting worse after a bout of heavy rain. If you see either of these, check the external walls near the damp area to look for signs of damage. If you can’t see an obvious cause, then it’s time to ring some independent damp surveyors.

Why Independent Advice Matters

In any area you’re not an expert in, you face the challenge of distinguishing reliable advice from sales-driven recommendations. Hiring an independent damp surveyor makes this easy. They do not stand to profit from remedial work or product sales, so they have no incentive to offer you anything but their honest opinion based on the facts.

Contractors who provide damp treatments and solutions can also offer surveys. However, there’s always the risk that they might put profit above diagnostic accuracy and effective solutions.

What an Independent Damp Surveyor Will Do

Independent damp surveys usually begin with a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of your property. The surveyor will take a look at the signs of damp you found and note down any possible causes. Even if they’re sure at this stage that it’s penetrating damp and they can see a cause, they’ll still continue their inspection.
The next step is to use specialist equipment to define the extent of the damp issue, distinguish between causes and ensure their diagnosis is as accurate as possible. After this thorough inspection, you’ll be provided with a report containing their diagnosis and advice for remedial work. You can then find contractors to do the work.

Conclusion

If you think there might be penetrating damp in your property, don’t be tempted to ignore it. Call 020 7523 5882 to speak to an independent damp surveyor from London Damp Specialists today.