Why Regular Damp Inspections Are So Important

Around 15% of London properties suffer from the effects of serious damp issues, but that number is probably far larger if you include those that are experiencing more minor moisture related problems that require damp repair services and may not even realize it! If left unaddressed, damp can cause serious problems like mould and rot that can damage structures, furnishings, and decor. That’s why regular damp inspections are so important for your home and any other properties! If you can put a halt to the advances of damp early on and take swift action, you will prevent many more severe issues from developing in the first place.

There are four basic damp issues that plague London homes:

Rising Damp – Groundwater is absorbed into porous walls through a process called capillary action that makes it rise to a height of around 1.5 metres. You can see it by the telltale ‘tide marks’ the dissolved salt it carries leaves on your walls.

Penetrating Damp – Water penetrates the building from faults in the walls, windows, roof, or gutters. It usually shows up in the form of localised patches of dampness at points on the wall higher than rising damp reaches. These damp patches usually appear near to their cause, like the ceiling beneath a leaky spot on the roof. Preventing penetrating damp is fairly easy if regular inspections are conducted!

Condensation Damp – Warm, moisture-filled air condenses on cold surfaces like windows and walls due to poor ventilation. It can be a major problem because it promotes the widespread growth of harmful mould. Condensation solutions usually begin with adding more ventilation fans to the home and allowing the wind to blow through on dry days.

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Choosing the Best Damp Proofing Method for Your Home

It’s important to watch for these telltale signs of damp:

  • Peeling, cracked, or bubbling paint
  • Unpleasant musty odours
  • Powdery white salt tide marks on the walls
  • Mould growth on surfaces
  • Condensation build up
  • Crumbly, wet plaster
  • Icy cold, wet rooms

These indicators tell you that it’s time to arrange for a professional damp inspection before the problems escalate. Before you purchase any new a property it’s a good idea to order a survey from a qualified damp specialist to identify any damp patches and have them taken care of in advance. The same holds true for the property you currently live in, it’s always better to catch minor damp problems before they can grow into major headaches!

A professional damp surveyor will pinpoint the exact causes of the damp problem during the inspection using tools like endoscopes, moisture meters, and humidity gauges to thoroughly check all of your property’s vulnerable areas, then form a plan of attack to remove all of the causes and repair any damage that has already been done!

If you would like to order a free damp survey of your property by one of our damp proofing specialists just give us a call on 0208 226 6330, email us at [email protected], or submit our online form for general questions about our services. We are here to keep you safe and dry!

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