Damp
Damp investigations
A structured investigation to establish the likely cause of dampness before any remedial work is recommended.
What the issue is
A damp investigation is a methodical assessment of a property to establish where moisture is coming from. It considers the building fabric, external environment, internal conditions and occupancy patterns rather than relying on a single meter reading.
Common symptoms
- Visible damp patches or staining
- Peeling or blistering decoration
- Perished or hollow-sounding plaster
- Musty smells
- Black mould growth
- Salt deposits on walls
Likely contributing factors
- Defective rainwater goods
- Raised external ground levels
- Bridged or absent damp-proof course
- Plumbing leaks
- Insufficient ventilation and heating
- Failed pointing or render
Conditions that may be mistaken for it
- Condensation misread as rising damp
- Hygroscopic salt activity
- Historic staining from a resolved leak
- Construction moisture in newer work
How the issue should be investigated
- External inspection of walls, ground levels and rainwater goods
- Internal assessment of affected and adjacent rooms
- Moisture profiling using appropriate instruments
- Temperature and relative humidity readings
- Inspection of voids and subfloors where accessible
- Review of previous works and finishes
Potential treatment or repair options
- Targeted repair of the identified moisture source
- Improved ventilation where condensation is a factor
- Localised replastering only where the finish has failed
- Damp-proof course installation where genuinely justified
- Drainage or ground level correction
When treatment may not be appropriate
- Where readings are elevated but no moisture source is confirmed
- Where a simple building repair will resolve the issue
- Where the property is still drying following a resolved leak
Factors affecting the cost
- Property size and number of affected areas
- Accessibility of voids and external elevations
- Whether opening up or sampling is required
- Travel within the service area
- Depth of reporting required
What to expect during an inspection
A surveyor will inspect the affected areas and the wider building, take readings, photograph findings and discuss what is observed. Allow around 60 to 90 minutes for a typical domestic inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Next step
Not sure which inspection you need? Start with a few questions.
Tell us what you are seeing and we will set out what is likely, what is uncertain and which inspection would answer the question. Speak to us on 0333 335 6152 if you would rather talk it through.