Damp problems are a common issue for many property owners in South Wales. With its unique climate and historic buildings, damp can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about damp surveys in South Wales, including why they are important, what to expect during a survey, and how to choose the right surveyor.

Why Damp Surveys are Essential in South Wales

South Wales is known for its beautiful landscapes and historic architecture, but the region’s weather conditions can lead to damp issues in properties. Persistent rain, high humidity, and coastal proximity make buildings in this area particularly susceptible to damp. A damp survey is crucial for:

1. Preventing Structural Damage: Damp can weaken the structural integrity of a building, leading to costly repairs.
2. Maintaining Property Value: Properties with damp issues can lose value and become difficult to sell.
3. Ensuring Health and Safety: Damp environments can lead to mold growth, which poses health risks to occupants.

Types of Damp

Understanding the different types of damp is essential for effective treatment. The main types include:

1. Rising Damp: Caused by groundwater moving up through walls and floors. Common in older buildings without modern damp-proof courses. This is a term that is misused often and something we caution about.
2. Penetrating Damp: Results from water entering the building through walls, roofs, or windows. Often due to structural issues like faulty gutters or cracked walls.
3. Condensation: Occurs when moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces, leading to water droplets forming. Common in poorly ventilated areas.
4. Building Defects: Often ‘damp’ is caused by faults with roofing areas, seals, mortar or brickwork or even leaking pipework. It’s often very small items we find that can cause long term issues.

What to Expect During a Damp Survey / What is a damp survey?

A professional damp survey from our team typically involves:

1. Initial Inspection: The surveyor will visually inspect the property for signs of damp, such as water stains, mold, and musty odours to plan their next steps.
2. Moisture Measurement: Using tools like moisture meters, boroscopes and hygrometers, the surveyor will measure the moisture levels in walls, floors, and ceilings.
3. Thermal Imaging: Advanced surveys may use thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden damp issues or use thermography to point towards thermal issues.
4. Drone Survey: A drone survey may be utilised with our advanced fleet of modern DJI drones to inspect at height or examine roof coverings close up. This is included within our survey package.
5. Report and Recommendations: The surveyor will provide a detailed report outlining the findings and recommending appropriate remedial actions. Our surveys are a comprehensive to bottom inspection and real world solution to your damp.

Choosing the Right Damp Surveyor in South Wales

Selecting a qualified and experienced damp surveyor is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective solutions. Consider the following tips:

1. Experience and Expertise: Look for surveyors with experience in dealing with damp issues specific to South Wales’ climate and building types.
2. Reviews and References: Read customer reviews and ask for references to gauge the surveyor’s reliability and professionalism.
3. Detailed Reports: Choose a surveyor who provides comprehensive reports with clear, actionable recommendations.
4. Qualifications: Being formally qualified is important for ongoing warranties and certification. Various bodies award qualifications, predominantly the PCA and RICS.

Damp Prevention Tips for South Wales Homeowners

Preventing damp is often easier and more cost-effective than treating it. Here are some tips to help keep your property damp-free:

1. Maintain Proper Ventilation: Ensure good airflow in your home by using extractor fans, opening windows, and avoiding drying clothes indoors.
2. Repair Structural Issues: Fix any leaks, cracked walls, or damaged gutters promptly to prevent water ingress.
3. Use Dehumidifiers: In particularly damp-prone areas, use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. (though this is a short term fix and expensive)
4. Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your property for signs of damp and address any issues immediately.

Do you do Damp Injection?

Damp injection is a method used to apply a liquid damp proof course into a building. We believe this is snake oil, and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors agree.

‘Stephen Boniface, former chairman of the construction arm of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS ), has told the institute’s 40,000 members that ‘true rising damp’ is a myth and chemically injected damp-proof courses (DPC) are ‘a complete waste of money’. Their recommendations are listed here in this external report:

Investigation of moisture and its effect on traditional buildings (rics.org)

It is a highly profitable industry and crucially hides, but doesn’t fix your damp problems at best. At worst it actually makes them worse or moves them into other rooms.

What does a damp survey cost?

Damp surveys start from around £200 for a small property, up to £300 for a larger one. Within that we cover access to our drones, thermal imaging, advanced moisture and damp sensors and most crucially the consultancy from our experienced and qualified team. We charge for surveys so they are independent and a stand alone service not linked to selling additional products or ongoing services.

Conclusion

Damp surveys are an essential service for property owners in South Wales, helping to identify and mitigate damp issues before they become serious problems. By understanding the importance of damp surveys, knowing what to expect during a survey, and choosing the right professional, you can protect your property and maintain its value and safety. Regular maintenance and preventative measures will also go a long way in keeping your home damp-free and healthy.

If you suspect your property has a damp problem, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified damp surveyor in South Wales today from our team. Early detection and treatment can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

For more information or to schedule a damp survey, contact us today on 07735 752377 and our email [email protected] . Our team of experienced professionals is here to help you protect your property from damp issues.