The Tools That Damp Surveyors Use

Considering the wet weather, it’s no surprise that many London homes suffer from rising damp. If you are concerned for your home, an independent damp survey can assess it for damp-related problems. Today, we will look at the special tools they use to determine if your home is endangered by excess moisture.

Thermal Imaging – The thermal, or infrared camera, detects the heat objects give off and reveals them on a visual display so the surveyor can view an image of the heat patterns in a space. Cooler materials look blue and hotter surfaces look red. Readings are taken throughout the house to give the surveyor important information on temperature variances.

Borescope Camera – This peephole camera can reveal out-of-reach spaces, like under the floorboards, beneath stairs and between walls. This ability to make a visual inspection remotely is essential for independent damp surveyors to help them find hidden mould, mildew, dry and wet rot, and woodworm.

Screwdriver/Scraper– This simple but useful tool is used to probe the home’s exterior walls in search of damp, mould, and mildew. The growth of moss is a sure sign that the building materials are compromised, vegetation is scraped away in order to get a clear look at what’s underneath, looking for signs that the material has been damaged.

Moisture Meter – These come in two types; pinned and pinless. The pinned meter can measure the moisture inside of materials like wood, cement, and plaster. The pinless meter measures surface moisture. There is a combination meter that does both that most independent damp surveyors carry with them. Being able to accurately measure moisture in a home’s materials is critical to assessing damp problems and finding solutions.

Salt Test Kits – These are used to measure the moisture in samples of plaster. The salt test kits can also be employed to determine the amount of moisture contained within walls.

Hygrometer – This device measures the moisture in the air, an important tool for every independent damp surveyor. The Relative Humidity (RH) is measured to identify where the moisture is originating from and to form a clear picture of each room’s general humidity, an indicator of dampness.

Rotating Anemometer – A device designed to measure airflow, an important component of the damp survey. Ventilation flow tests can establish the level and direction of airflow within your home. Proper ventilation, both natural or mechanical, dries out the atmosphere and is vital for reducing and removing excess moisture from the air. If the home lacks proper ventilation, it will be much more susceptible to rising damp problems.

At London Damp Specialists, our experienced surveyors use cutting-edge technology to diagnose damp issues, so our inspections are always performed to the highest standard. If you have a rising damp problem just call London Damp Specialists on 020 7523 5882 and we will dispatch an independent damp surveyor near you to help ascertain your damp problem. Now is the right time of year to carry out an independent damp survey in your London home.