6 Things to Expect From a Proper Damp Survey
Damp diagnosis determines a great deal of expenditure, and who performs it shapes the answer more than it should.
1. The conflict of interest
Free damp surveys are usually provided by contractors selling remedial treatment.
Their assessment is not independent, and rising damp is diagnosed far more often by those selling chemical courses than by independent surveyors.
An independent damp and timber surveyor, or a building surveyor, charges a fee and sells nothing else.
That fee is small relative to the cost of unnecessary work.
2. What a proper survey involves
External inspection first: ground levels, gutters, downpipes, pointing, render, flashing, air bricks and drainage.
Internal inspection with attention to the pattern of the damp and its relationship to rainfall and heating.
Moisture readings taken with appropriate instruments and interpreted with care.
Consideration of the building's construction, since solid-wall and timber-framed properties behave differently.
3. Why meter readings are not proof
Electrical resistance meters respond to salts and other conductive materials as well as moisture.
A high reading on a salt-contaminated wall does not establish active rising damp.
Definitive assessment sometimes requires drilled samples analysed for moisture content, which few free surveys involve.
4. What the report should contain
A stated cause, with the evidence for it.
Recommended remedial work in priority order.
Clear separation between what is urgent and what is desirable.
Photographs and a plan showing affected areas.
5. Acting on it
Fix external causes first — gutters, ground levels, pointing — since they explain a large share of damp and cost little.
Allow time after external repairs for walls to dry before internal work, which can take months.
Be sceptical of any recommendation for a chemical damp course without evidence that ground moisture is the cause.
6. For buyers
Mortgage valuations frequently recommend a specialist damp report, which lenders sometimes require.
Commissioning an independent one rather than a contractor's gives a better basis for negotiating price.
Final Thoughts
Who performs a damp survey shapes the answer more than it should. An independent surveyor charges a fee and sells nothing, which costs a fraction of the unnecessary work a free survey can lead to.
Author: This article is general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Circumstances vary, and you should consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this content.
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