The Ultimate Guide to the Various Types of Damp & The Importance of Inspections

We have a very unpredictable climate here in the UK, with lots of drizzle and cloudy days and that can mean a very real threat to buildings in the form of damp. In this short blog, we take an in-depth look at the different forms of damp that can attack your home.

• Rising damp – Moisture that comes from the ground can rise up through brickwork and masonry; every structure should have a damp proof course, or DPC membrane between courses of bricks, at or very near ground level. If the DPC is damaged or compromised, damp will gradually climb the exterior walls. You should regularly inspect your exterior walls at ground level, looking for crumbling mortar and render and if you notice signs of damp, call London Damp Specialists.
• Penetrating damp – This is moisture that enters the building from any location other than the ground. Water entering a leaking roof can cause a host of serious issues, with damp affecting joists and rafters. You should inspect your loft on a regular basis and take note of any signs of damp. Water tanks installed in the loft can spring a leak and this can lead to damp patches on upstairs ceilings.
• Condensation – Condensation forms when moisture turns to liquid form; when two extreme temperatures meet on a window pane, condensation forms on the inside and this needs to be wiped with a dry cloth before it damages timber and plaster. Ventilation is a critical aspect to reduce the build-up of condensation; you can also turn on the central heating to warm up the whole house to create a dry atmosphere.
• Mould & mildew – A type of fungus that thrives in damp humid conditions; if you notice a musky smell in the house, this is likely a sign of mould growth. Inspect every room looking for mould and mildew on timber and walls; as part of our independent damp survey, we carry out tests for the presence of mould and then we take action to prevent further cases.

Annual damp surveys

Many London homeowners arrange for us to survey their property on a yearly basis; any signs of damp and remedial work can be scheduled, preventing further damage. If you would like to find out how your home stands regarding damp and mould, we are happy to arrange for one of our certified surveyors to inspect the building.

Cutting-edge technology

Our surveyors use the latest devices to determine the presence of damp, including:

• Thermal imagery
• Borescope cameras
• Drone imagery
• Moisture meters (pinned and pinless)

For an additional price, we can carry out lab analysis of plaster samples, taken from different locations, which is extremely accurate.

Damp proofing

We carry out essential damp proofing in London homes, while we also waterproof basements; our inspectors make recommendations and we schedule remedial work around the customer’s schedule.

Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7548 4864 and speak to one of our helpful staff and get to the bottom of the damp issues.