How to Choose the Best Damp Proofing Method for Your Home’s Needs
If you are a London homeowner, maintenance is always on your mind, it pays to take care of a major investment and in this short blog, we take a look at damp proofing. Moisture is a serious threat to every structure and if you’re not sure how to protect your home, we run through the most popular damp proofing solutions for London property owners.
Consult the experts
When it comes to damp proofing in London, we at London Damp Specialists are the go-to people; long-term solutions are what we are all about. Our qualified damp surveyors have seen it all and when we survey a London property, we include recommended solutions along with a quote for the work. If we think there are options, our team leader would give you the pros and cons of each treatment/service, while offering a professional opinion.
Basement waterproofing
There are several ways to waterproof a basement; basement tanking involves the application of water-resistant cement and screed to waterproof walls, floors and ceilings. Sika makes the best water-resistant cement and we use this in many of our projects, leaving a smooth watertight surface. The other way to waterproof a basement is a cavity drainage system, which comprises of 3 main components; cavity membrane that is fitted with studs to walls and ceilings, a floor drainage system, a sump area and pump to send water to the designated drainage points.
Penetrating damp
One way that moisture can enter your home is through the roof; broken or missing roof tiles will let rainwater into the internal roof structure, which can damage rafters and joists. How would you know if your roof developed a leak? Regular roof inspections make a lot of sense, as this would reveal any leaks and you can carry out repairs before too much damage is caused.
Rising damp
Damp in the ground can rise up a structure if a damp proof course is not sandwiched between brick courses just above ground level; every building in the UK should have a DPC membrane but if it becomes compromised, then moisture can rise up the walls, causing a lot of damage as it does so. Rising damp generally affects older properties where bitumen DPC develops issues; we at London Damp Specialists carry out effective DPC repairs, ensuring that rising damp does not impact your home.
Condensation
A damp environment is ideal for mould and mildew growth, while it also causes condensation, which can damage timber and plaster. You can remove condensation by opening windows to create an airflow, while heating the house will also dry out the air. If your windows have condensation often, why not replace them with aluminium of uPVC double glazing? This will eliminate the problem and save a lot of energy as well.
There are numerous treatments to treat damp and mould in London homes and if you would like an all-inclusive quote from the experts, call London Damp Specialists on 020 7548 4864 or fill in the form on this website.
Damp Survey Costs
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for our independent, unbiased surveys.
Level 1
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
What’s included:
- Everything in Level 1
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 3 (Most Popular)
What’s included:
- Everything in Level 1 & Level 2
- Thermal Imaging
- Air humidity testing
- HD boroscope camera
- Brickwork pointing inspection
- DPC inspection
- Ventilation flow test on extractor fans
- 4K drone imagery roof, chimney stack
and guttering inspection - Structural condition inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Survey Add Ons
Add On 1
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 On 2
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.
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 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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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:
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:
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: