Penetrating Damp Survey Services
You must pinpoint the causes of penetrating damp before fixing the problem.
If you spot penetrating damp signs in your property, the first thing to do is invest in a thorough, professional survey.
Penetrating damp treatment depends on finding the root cause of the problem. If you suspect penetration damp entering your home, a prompt survey is essential to identify underlying issues in your property, assess the extent of any damage, and recommend effective solutions. It is the first step in protecting your home from damp and mould repair costs and health risks.
What Causes Penetrating Damp?
Penetrating damp, also known as lateral damp, occurs when water infiltrates a property from the outside, usually through walls, roofs, or windows. Unlike rising damp, which moves upward from the ground, penetrating dampness can affect any part of the property from any direction. You often see penetrating damp on internal walls and ceilings or around windows. It is typically caused by structural issues, such as damaged brickwork on outside walls, cracked render, defective gutters, or poor sealant, which allow rainwater to seep into the building.
Spotting penetrating damp signs is relatively straightforward. Examples of things to look for include:
Discolouration and peeling: The most obvious impact of penetration damp is damage to paint and wallpaper, with dark patches appearing on walls and ceilings.
Mould and mildew growth: Damp walls can lead to mould and mildew infestations, which pose significant respiratory health risks for those living in an affected property.
Musty Odours : Persistent damp can lead to a musty smell in affected areas, so it is worth following your nose.
Wall Cracks & Damaged Plaster: Repeated exposure to penetrating damp can lead to visible structural damage on wall surfaces.
Visible Drips & Pools : In extreme cases, penetrating damp can be seen as drips from ceilings, walls, or fittings such as light fixtures. It can lead to pools of water, especially after rain, too.
Swollen or warped wood or plaster: These structural components get damaged with prolonged exposure to penetrating damp.
Low temperature: Persistent penetrating damp can lead to a cold chill in the affected area.
If you suspect penetrating damp in your home, it’s worth getting a damp survey done as soon as possible. Addressing the issue promptly can save you time, energy, and money later!
Fixing Penetrating Damp
Trying to fix penetrating damp without pinpointing its source is often a costly mistake. Imagine the frustration of redecorating a room, only for the damp problem to reappear the next time it rains. That is why it is important to undertake a thorough survey before starting any work. A detailed penetration damp survey will include inspecting the exterior of your property for cracks, damaged brickwork, problems with the roof, faulty guttering, window and door seals, and more. This initial investment is offset by greater savings in terms of time, money, energy and peace of mind.
Why A Penetrating Damp Survey Is Essential Step Before Attempting To Fix The Problem
A penetrating damp survey is a comprehensive inspection designed to identify where and how water infiltrates your home. Pinpointing the root causes of dampness is the first step in recommending a solution. During a survey, moisture meters and other diagnostic tools are also to determine the extent of the problem, and external walls, brickwork, rooflines, guttering, windows, and doors are all inspected for signs of ingress.
The major survey benefit is a detailed report you can share with insurance companies, building contractors, or damproofing specialists. An expert penetrating damp survey will provide the knowledge you need to protect your home.
Pre-purchase Damp Survey FAQs
What causes penetrating damp, and can it be prevented?
Penetrating damp is often caused by damaged roofing, clogged gutters, cracked walls, or defective pointing. Preventative measures include regular property maintenance, repairing damage promptly, and ensuring proper drainage around your home.
How Do You Inspect For Penetrating Damp?
Our comprehensive penetrating damp inspection surveys involve a visual assessment of the property, moisture meter readings, and other technology to identify potential entry points for water, such as cracks, faulty gutters, or porous materials. We provide a detailed report outlining the cause and extent of the damp and recommend effective solutions.
Will my insurance cover penetrating damp?
This depends on your insurance type and whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or landlord. The best thing to do is to contact your insurance provider in the first instance. When dealing with an insurance claim, we highly recommend:
- Documenting the damage with photos, especially if the damage worsens visibly over a short period of time.
- Include the results of an independent survey to support your claim.
Can you fix penetrating damp, or do I need to hire a separate contractor?
No, we can’t fix the damp problems ourselves. We are proudly a wholly independent damp surveyor, so we don’t provide additional services. This means that our advice is always impartial and unbiased – we won’t benefit from further works regardless of who you choose to hire to implement the repairs.
How much does a penetrating damp survey cost, and what does it include?
As each customer is different, the next step is to fill out the form below to get a FREE quote from us. The quick questionnaire will guide you through receiving a comprehensive quote by email.
All of our penetrating damp surveys include a thorough inspection of the whole building – inside, outside, underneath and over the top. We use top-of-the-range equipment to detect and track moisture, too. We will know for sure what’s causing the problems and how best to address them.