Our Damp & Timber Surveyors have all been trained by the Property Care Association (PCA) and have many years surveying experience within the property sector.
A damp survey is generally completed because the lender carrying out a valuation survey on a property and has highlighted a potential risk of damage caused by damp.
It can also be the result of the valuation surveyor noticing certain structural defects because of related damage.
The damp survey is a non-intrusive survey to the fabric of the property. A visual inspection is carried out to the suspect areas of the property and photographs are taken; the survey report is then finalised.
Definition of Damp
Damp can be established where there is water in sufficient quantities to cause problems such as decorative spoiling, timber decay, staining etc. Dampness itself is not a health hazard, but the consequences of some types of dampness can include mould growths/dust mites etc.
Types of damp
Rising damp can be defined as the passage of groundwater up through masonry. The water rises through a series of inter-connecting pores by a process called capillarity (porous masonry acts like a wick).
Penetrating damp can be defined as free water deep within the fabric of a structure which is often local to an external defect.
Definition of condensation
Condensation can be defined as water which has “condensed” from warm air. Air holds water in the form of water vapour (moisture). Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air. When the warm air meets cold surfaces such as walls, windows etc and is cooled, condensation occurs as the excess moisture is released.
Mould species/growth requirements
There are over 10,000 species of mould worldwide, less than a 100 are commonly reported in UK homes the most common being black mould. Moulds have the following requirements for growth, oxygen, suitable temperature, nutrients and moisture (this being the only controllable factor).
Mould species/growth requirements.
Roof leaks.
Plumbing leaks.
Rainwater penetration/defective rainwater goods.
Lateral penetration.
Flood.
Rising damp.
Visual evidence of dampness
Mould growth.
Eruption of finishes, disintegration of plasterwork.
Liquid water on surfaces.
Staining to finishes.
Efflorescent salts on surfaces
Timber decay.
Distorted timbers.
Dampness to finishes.
Timber Surveys
The timber survey is generally required due to a lender carrying out a valuation survey and highlighting a potential problem. This could include timber infestation, dry or wet rot damage, it might also be the result of the valuation surveyor noticing certain structural defects.
The timber survey is a non-intrusive survey to the fabric of the property. A visual inspection is carried out to the suspect areas of the property, photographs are taken and the report is finalised.
Wood Boring Insects
Woodworm lay their eggs directly onto timber. Once the eggs hatch the larvae immediately start to bore and gorge themselves on the wood. This weakens the structural integrity of the timber over time and infestations can occur. A timber survey will highlight the extent of the infestation and the required remedial works can be carried out.
Fungal Decay Surveys
Damp conditions are the perfect environment for fungal attacks. As moisture builds, it can result in either dry or wet rot occurring depending on the levels of water in your building materials.
Signs of fungus spreading through timber and other materials are a clear indication that there is an issue with wet or dry rot. If the timber has become dry, brittle and is easy to crumble by hand, it would indicate dry rot is present.
A fungal decay survey will highlight the extent of the fungal attack and the extent of the required remedial works.