Rising Damp Treatment
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What is a Damp Survey?
A damp survey is a specific type of survey where a damp surveyor will inspect a property for suspect signs of damp. The main types of damp that can occur in a property is condensation, rising damp and penetrating damp. The surveyor will be able to distinguish between these damp issues and also identify if the damp has resulted in any timber decay caused by dry rot or wet rot.
At Rentokil Property Care, our damp surveyors provide effective and professional damp surveys for all types of properties, both residential and commercial.
Our damp surveyors are "Certificated Surveyors of Timber & Dampness in Buildings" (CSTDB). CSTDB, previously named CSRT (Certificated Surveyors in Remedial Treatment) is recognised in the property preservation industry nationwide. This ensures that the highest professional standards are being met.
What is involved in a Damp Survey?
Our qualified damp surveyors will:
- External observations - The surveyor will carry out a visual inspection of the property from the outside to identify any problems that could be causing damp. This could include damaged roof coverings, blocked drains or faulty guttering.
- Identify type of damp - Our surveyor will investigate the signs of damp problems in your property and identify the type of damp that is present.
- Cause of damp - The cause will be determined by finding the source of moisture using a range of specialist tools and equipment.
- Condensation - If evidence of condensation or mould growth is found, the surveyor will use a thermal imaging camera to inspect for cold spots and cold bridging. They will also make sure there is adequate ventilation, such as working extractor fans or trickle vents, and insulation.
- Damp proofing - Depending on the type of damp, the damp proof course (DPC) will be inspected to ensure it is not broken or bridged.
- Timber decay - Inspect the building's structure and establish if the damp has resulted in dry rot or wet rot. Damp timber can also attract woodworm which our surveyor will be able to identify.
- Treatment plan - Following the damp survey, our surveyor will provide a detailed written report with a proposed treatment plan specifically tailored to your property.
Benefits of a Damp and Timber Survey
If you are concerned about a damp or timber problem in your property, a survey can provide answers and give you peace of mind. If a damp problem is left over time it can continue to cause problems, causing damage to plasterwork, flooring and can lead to timber decay - all of which means more costly repairs in the future.
When you book a damp and timber survey with Rentokil Property Care you will benefit from an experienced and qualified surveyor extensively investigating the problem. This means they will be able to identify the source of the damp, and the full extent of any damage.
All findings will be detailed in a survey report, and if there is no need for remedial damp proofing this will be made clear. If remedial work is required this will be detailed in the survey report, along with information regarding any long term guarantee.
Rentokil Property Care are a founding member of the Property Care Association (PCA) and have worked extensively with homeowners, commercial clients, landlords and social housing providers across the Country.
How much does a Damp Survey Cost?
It is difficult to estimate the cost for a damp survey as the cost varies due to a number of factors such as the size of the property and its location. However, if you fill in our book a survey online form, you will receive a quote for the survey before payment is required.
Once a property survey has taken place, the cost of works will be determined by the scale of treatment required. This is because the costs of treating ineffective damp proofing will vary from the cost of fixing structural issues.
Do I need a Damp Survey?
Depending on the issue, it is possible that you may not need a damp survey and can try some DIY methods instead. For example, a condensation or mould issue may be treated by improving the ventilation in your home. Reducing the amount of excess moisture caused by everyday living can help reduce the likelihood of black mould. However, if you are unsure about what you are looking for, we would recommend consulting a damp surveyor about organising a survey. A professionally qualified damp surveyor can offer professional advice and solutions whereas someone inexperienced may misdiagnose the problem. If you have a condensation issue that you cannot solve yourself, or issues with damp proofing, woodworm or structural issues, we would recommend you speak to a damp surveyor for peace of mind.
What are the Signs of Dampness?
Problems with dampness can vary in appearance and severity, so it can be difficult to identify exactly what is causing the stains and patches on your walls. We would recommend getting a survey, particularly if you notice any of the following:
- Wet and damaged plaster.
- Wallpaper peeling from the wall.
- Musty/mouldy odours.
- Black mould on the walls and windowsills.
- Damp stains rising from the ground floor to about one metre in height.
- Walls that feel damp to the touch.
How to Choose a Damp Surveyor?
The most important factors to consider when choosing a surveyor are their qualifications and accreditations.
Using a Property Care Association member gives you peace of mind they meet the highest of industry standards. Typically, surveyors should have the CSTDB or CSRT qualification.
Can I Get a Mortgage on a Property with Damp Issues?
Mortgage lenders may be less likely to accept a mortgage if there is extensive and costly repairs required. You may also find prospective buyers make lower offers on a property if a damp survey has revealed a build up of damp related issues. If you are thinking about selling your home, we'd always recommend you treat these issues first in order to make your property as appealing as possible when it goes to market
Do you Have Damp Proofing Specialists Near me?
Our damp proofing specialists work from a network of local branches conducting damp surveys all over the UK so no matter where you are, our specialists will be capable of conducting a damp survey on your property.
Book a Damp Survey
It is important not to ignore damp issues in your property as the longer it is left untreated, the more costly it can become to repair. Our damp specialists will be able to advise on the common signs of condensation, rising and penetrating damp, rot and woodworm and establish if you need a damp or timber survey. You can book a survey online for a £25 discount.
FAQs
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How do you test for damp?
Testing for damp varies depending on the type of damp suspected, but will start with a visual inspection outside the property to understand if the source of moisture is from building defects or high ground levels. They will then check the affected areas for signs of peeling paint, salt stains, damp patches or mould growth. They may use specialist tools like a moisture meter to create a profile of high moisture levels or thermal imaging cameras to identify cold spots or cold bridging. This will help build a picture of the damp problem and results can be interpreted along with the visual inspection to understand if it is caused by rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation.
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Who pays for a damp survey?
When buying a property the buyer is expected to pay for a damp survey - especially if it's required for a mortgage or a damp problem has been flagged on a homebuyers report. The buyer will want to have their own professional carry out the damp survey in order to provide an independent assessment of the extent of the problem, because if remedial treatment is required it can be used to renegotiate the price of the property, if required or if justified.
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What is a PCA damp survey?
A PCA damp survey is a damp and timber survey carried out by a Property Care Association (PCA) accredited company, such as Rentokil Property Care, which has PCA qualified surveyors - typically holding CSTDB or CSRT qualifications. If you have been advised to have a PCA damp survey Rentokil Property Care has a qualified surveyor local to you.
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What are damp readings?
A damp reading or moisture reading is obtained by using a moisture meter - a tool calibrated to indicate the moisture content of timber. Although electronic moisture meters are not calibrated for moisture in masonry, a knowledgeable surveyor can interpret the readings and what they see visually to indicate if the moisture is from rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation.
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How to prepare for a damp survey?
In order for a surveyor to fully inspect your property it is advisable to move any stored goods or furniture so they have full access. They will also require access to hidden areas such as lofts, basements and crawl spaces to get a full understanding of any issues affecting the property. The surveyor will carry out external observations so access around the property is necessary. If you have any documents related to previous damp proofing guarantees this may also be useful to give a full picture.
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What is a damp proof certificate?
A damp proof certificate if another term for a damp proofing guarantee - a certificate proving a property has had remedial damp proofing and is protected. Rentokil Property Care can provide damp proof certificates, up to 30 years for some of our services, and they can be passed on to the new homeowners when you sell the property.