Independent Damp Surveys: Top 5 Signs It’s Time to Get One

Despite the risks damp poses, many owners are less than vigilant when it comes to watching out for its early signs. Instead, they wait can no longer ignore it before taking action, which can be a costly error. Carried out as soon as the first signs appear, independent damp surveys help you put an end to your damp problems for good, before they ever really begin. Here are the top five signs to check for.

1. Persistent Mould Growth

Most homes grow a little mould from time to time. You might find it in dark corners, around window frames, or in the grout between your bathroom tiles. Small amounts of mould aren’t usually a big problem and can be removed with cleaning products. However, you might need a damp survey if you find yourself cleaning the same spot over and over. This tells you there’s an underlying moisture problem that hasn’t been resolved.

2. Musty or Damp Smells

If you notice an unpleasant musty odour around your property and can’t find the cause, it’s time to call an independent damp surveyor. These smells are signs that you may have a hidden damp issue, as they’re often caused by decaying timber or fungal growth.

3. Stained or Deteriorating Walls

Moisture can affect walls in different ways depending on what the wall is made from and covered with. Discolouration, peeling wallpaper, mineral deposits and tidemarks on walls are all signs of moisture getting inside them. It’s often easy to spot the symptoms of damp issues on the walls, but diagnosing them is another matter. There’s a lot of crossover between rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation. An independent damp survey will find the root cause.

4. Timber Decay or Soft Flooring

Moisture causes wood to rot, rendering it weak and unsafe. You may not notice the rot visually, but you can often feel it. Soft or spongy floorboards are a telltale sign, as are crumbling skirting boards and beams. If you notice any of these signs, you should urgently arrange an independent damp and timber survey. Things can turn dangerous if rot starts to affect a building’s structural beams.

5. Condensation That Doesn’t Clear Up

In winter, or when you’ve been cooking or made a hot shower, it’s normal to find condensation on your windows and mirrors. This should clear up shortly after you’ve finished what you were doing. If it doesn’t, it can start to cause damp issues such as black mould and timber decay.

The Importance of Independent Damp Surveys

Independent damp surveys are a crucial next step after spotting any of the signs above. What happens is a surveyor will arrange to visit your property, where they’ll inspect it to find the cause of your damp problem, as well as any hidden and potential problems you should know about. They’ll then advise you on what steps to take to fix the problem.

Importantly, they cannot advise you in their favour. As independents, they cannot be affiliated with businesses that sell damp solutions. They just give you the straight facts. If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your property, speak to an independent surveyor today by calling London Damp Specialists on 020 7523 5882.