5 Warning Signs of Damp to Look for in Your Home

Attention all London homeowners, damp and mould are very real threats to your property; the wet and drizzly climate we have to endure in the UK is an ideal environment for damp and mould to thrive. We haven’t seen the Sun for months and rainfall is higher than it should be, and with that in mind, here are some tell-tale signs that you have damp issues in your London home.

  1. Crumbling masonry and mortar – Check all exterior walls, especially at and near ground level; take a screw driver to test whether material is compromised – moss and mould needs to be removed when encountered and to get to the root cause of rising damp, call London Damp Specialists and arrange for one of our experts to assess your property for damp and mould.
  2. Damp patches on walls and ceilings – Check all rooms, looking for tide marks and damp patches; if you do find evidence of damp or worse, mould or mildew, you need to investigate to find the source and we at London Damp Specialists are ready to carry out a damp survey to determine the root cause. It could be a leaking roof or blocked guttering and if the issue is not addressed, more damage will occur.
  3. Mould and mildew – A damp environment with limited ventilation is a breeding ground for all types of mould and mildew; moisture is penetrating your home and the best solution is to book an independent survey from London Damp Specialists. We also issue a quote for any work we recommend, plus we guarantee our work for a full 30 years. Mould is a health hazard that can cause respiratory issues and prolonged exposure can lead to very serious health risks. One sign that mould is present is a musky smell in the house, which, if present, means you should call in the experts. Mould releases minute spores and if inhaled, can cause respiratory issues.
  4. Condensation – Condensation forms in damp spaces; it can form on window frames, walls and ceilings; if you don’t wipe up the water, it can cause damage to both timber and plaster. You need a condensation specialist, someone who can source the origins of moisture penetration and carry out remedial work to damp proof your home. It is important to have good ventilation, as this can dry out the air, thus reducing moisture in the air. Use of a dehumidifier will also eliminate condensation.
  5. Musky odour – A sure sign of damp is a musky smell in the house, which is very noticeable; this unpleasant odour is worse in a space with inadequate ventilation; immediate investigation is advised and our experienced damp proofing teams leave no stone unturned in their quest to pinpoint the origins that cause the mould.

At London Damp Specialists, we are proud of our unconditional 30-year warranty, which is a reflection of the high standards of workmanship; a family-owned business that is customer focused is the ideal choice.

Call us on 020 7458 4864 or fill in the enquiry form on this website.

Damp Survey Costs

Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for our independent, unbiased surveys.

Level 1

Level 1

£199 + VAT

What’s included:

  • Inspection of walls
  • Inspection of floors
  • Inspection of ceilings
  • Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
  • Damp information and prevention guide
Level 2

Level 2

£299 + VAT

What’s included:

  • Everything in Level 1
  • Dry rot inspection
  • Wet rot inspection
  • Woodworm inspection
  • Damp information and prevention guide

 Survey Add Ons

Add On 1

£299 + VAT
Lab Analysis Of Plaster

Laboratory analysis Of plaster identifies hygroscopic salts such as chlorides and nitrates. which indicate whether damp is caused by rising groundwater or by plumbing leaks, This testing removes guesswork, allowing the exact source of moisture to be identified so the correct treatment is applied rather than carrying out unnecessary damp-proofing work.

Add to Survey

Add On 2

£299 + VAT
Mould Lab Swab Testing, qPCR on DNA

qPCR DNA mould testing detects microscopic mould spores that are invisible during a normal inspection and van remain hidden behind walls, floors. or inside building rkaterials. It identifies the exact mould species present and the contamination level, allowing hidden mould problems to be confirrned and properly treated before they affect the property or occupants’ health.

Add to Survey

Qualifications: All our surveyors are PCA and CSRT qualified for remedial treatments and also CSSW qualified for structural waterproofing.
Next day report: You will receive the report within 24 hours of the inspection taking place.

The survey fee will be deducted from the cost of any recommended repairs.

These are the tools we use

A damp meter

A damp meter

A damp meter is a diagnostic tool used to detect and measure moisture levels within building materials such as plaster, brick, timber, and concrete.

Borescope camera

Borescope camera

borescope camera is a small inspection camera attached to a flexible semi-rigid cable that allows you to see inside areas that are otherwise inaccessible.

Inspection Drone

Inspection Drone

A drone is a remotely operated aerial device equipped with a camera that allows visual inspection from above without the need for scaffolding or ladder.

Air Humidity Sensor

Air Humidity Sensor

Air humidity sensor measures the amount of moisture present in the air, expressed as relative humidity (RH) in percentage. It helps determine whether indoor conditions are contributing to condensation, mould growth, or damp-related issues.

Thermal Imaging Camera

Thermal Imaging Camera

A thermal imaging camera detects temperature differences on surfaces by using infrared technology to produce a heat map image. In damp investigations, it helps identify cold spots, moisture intrusion, insulation defects, thermal bridging and leaks.

Air Flow Ventilation Detector

Air Flow Ventilation Detector

An air flow ventilation detector measures the movement and volume of air passing through vents, extractor fans, and air bricks. It confirms whether ventilation systems are working properly and achieving adequate air changes within a room. Poor airflow leads to trapped moisture, high humidity, condensation on cold surfaces, and ultimately mould growth.

Mould Swab Test Kit

Mould Swab Test Kit

A mould swab test is carried out to confirm the presence of hidden mould growth and identify the specific species involved. Surface mould is not always visible, especially behind furniture, inside cavities, or within ventilation systems. Laboratory analysis of a swab sample determines whether active mould spores are present and what type they are, which helps assess potential health risks and decide the correct remediation approach rather than relying on visual assumption alone.

Plaster Salt Analysis Lab

Plaster Salt Analysis Lab

Laboratory analysis of plaster is used to identify the type of salts present within the material, typically chlorides and nitrates. The presence and concentration of these salts help determine whether the moisture source is consistent with rising damp, ground contamination, or another forms [sic] of water ingress. such as mains water leak, This removes guesswork and prevents misdiagnosis, ensuring the correct remedial treatment is specified rather than applying unnecessary or ineffective solutions.

Contact Us

If you have some questions, please complete this form:

Book and Pay for a survey

If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:

Book Survey

Contact Us

If you have some questions, please complete this form:

Book and Pay for a survey

If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:

Book Survey

Contact Us

If you have some questions, please complete this form:

Book and Pay for a survey

If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:

Book Survey