damp survey's for new home owners
what is a damp survey?
Before purchasing a home it’s important to get a HomeBuyer report which is a document to find any problems within a property that could cause damage and need repairs in the future. In this case we are referring to damp which is a section of the HomeBuyer report. The Damp and Rot Company has over 40 years of experience in conducting damp surveys for HomeBuyer reports all across the North East.
what is damp in a home?
Damp is when unwanted water or moisture is within a building. When the water/moisture goes untreated, structural damage can occur over time. This can create unhealthy and colder living environments which is not ideal in any building whether that be a family’s home or a workplace. Over time untreated damp can also have a negative affect on a humans health so it is extremely important to have a professional complete a survey before buying a home to investigate potential damp problems. If damp is found we can offer professional advice on the next steps to take.
what are the different types of damp?
1. rising damp
Rising damp occurs when water from the ground that’s moves upwards through the brickwork in the walls of a property.
You can identify rising damp by looking for a ‘tide mark’ on the affected wall, you’ll also notice damaged skirting boards and floorboards, crumbling plaster and peeling wallpaper.
This can often be mistaken and not recognised if you suspect rising damp it’s vital to seek help from an industry professional who can diagnose the issue and offer expert advice.
2. penetrating damp
Penetrating damp can also be known as rain penetration. It happens when water leaks through the walls, most commonly through cracks in the masonry.
You can identify this kind of damp through patches of damp or mold on walls, floors and ceilings.
Penetrating damp mostly happens within older buildings with solid walls.
3. condensation
Condensation is caused from moist water vapor condensing on walls. It is a common issue within homes and often caused from things such as: not opening windows, hanging damp clothing on radiators and poor ventilation.
You can identify this issue by looking out for water droplets on walls, damaged plaster and decaying paint on window frames.
Damp caused by condensation is the most common type of damp occurring in the UK it is particularly a problem within households between October and March which is known by experts as ‘The Condensation Season’.
