The Importance of Early Detection of Damp & Mould in London Homes

If you are a London homeowner, you won’t need to be reminded that we live in a damp and drizzly atmosphere and this poses a real threat to buildings. Rising damp can cause serious damage to brickwork, cement and timber; early detection equates to inexpensive repairs, which is part of our homebuyer damp survey. Penetrating damp, mould, mildew and condensation can also wreak havoc in buildings and early detection is critical.

Homebuyer Damp Survey

This survey is designed for those who are looking to buy or sell; for the buyer, it makes sense to investigate damp prior to making an offer and a seller can show the survey report to potential buyers.

There are 3 levels to the homebuyer damp survey:

• Level 1: Inspect all interior and exterior walls, floors and ceilings, checking for signs of damp or mould.
• Level 2: All actions in level 1 plus an examination of all timber including loft timbers, joists and rafters.
• Level 3: All of levels 1 & 2, plus the use of thermal imagery, humidity testing, borescope camera, drome imagery for the roof and ventilation flow tests.

There is an additional service to analyse plaster samples for moisture content for an extra cost. Level 3 is a comprehensive damp survey that covers the entire property, while level 1 is primarily an introductory survey.

Keeping Repair Costs Low

Early detection keeps remedial costs down to an acceptable level and regular inspections is a proactive approach. London property owners should be vigilant regarding damp and mould; any signs of moisture inside or outside and you should investigate before much damage is done.

Tell-Tale Signs of Damp

These are some tell-tale signs that you should look out for;

• Damp patches and tide marks on interior walls and ceilings.
• Musky smell in the house
• Crumbling masonry
• Condensation on windows
• Visible signs of mould and mildew

The High Cost of Negligence

Properties that are unoccupied for long periods are under threat from damp and mould; dampness spreads quickly when there is no one to monitor the building. If you are planning to leave a property empty, you really should arrange for one of our surveyors to inspect the building for signs of damp; failure to do so could lead to huge repair costs, which is something to avoid at all costs. This is one important reason not to leave a property empty for long periods.

Mould is a Health Hazard

Mould, especially black mould, is definitely a health hazard; prolonged exposure to mould can lead to serious respiratory issues. If you notice mould or mildew in your home, don’t delay, call in the mould experts to remove all traces of this dangerous growth before it becomes a health hazard.

The damp climate we are seeing in London at present means that damp and mould can thrive; even more reason to have your property inspected by a qualified damp surveyor.

London Damp Specialists is a family run business that offers a range of damp proofing solutions, as well as damp surveys for London homeowners.