Penetrating Damp in London: Causes, Signs and Solutions

Penetrating damp is a common but serious issue that can affect property owners everywhere. Properties in London, however, are especially vulnerable because of the city’s high rainfall and the age of many buildings. If you think your property might have a penetrating damp issue, this post will let you in on some of the signs a PCA independent damp surveyor would use to diagnose it. We’ll also look at potential causes and solutions.

What is Penetrating Damp?

Unlike rising damp, which enters at the base of a building and travels upwards, penetrating damp travels horizontally, and it can begin anywhere above ground. All that’s needed is an exposed entry point on the outside of a building where water can get in. Like other damp issues, it can lead to mould, rot, unpleasant smells and unsightly walls or ceilings. In severe cases, it can render a building structurally unsound and harm occupants’ health.

Common External Causes

Independent damp surveys help property owners find the exact cause of penetrating damp. One common cause they find is an overflowing or broken gutter. This causes water to flow down the building’s walls, saturating the bricks and letting water inside. Cracks in walls, defective pointing and missing roof tiles also regularly turn out to be the cause, along with damaged or defective flashing around chimneys.

Key Signs to Look For

When an independent damp surveyor in London visits a property, they’ll usually begin with a visual inspection. During this process, they’ll be looking for clues that could indicate what type of damp they’re dealing with. The symptoms of penetrating damp can be similar to other types of damp, such as condensation, and they include mould, bubbling paint, flaking plaster and rotting skirting boards.

The location of these symptoms is often more of a clue than the symptoms themselves. If they appear on a wall that faces out of the property, this increases the odds that it’s penetrating damp. Condensation is also most likely to occur in kitchens and bathrooms, so symptoms outside of these make penetrating damp more likely. If they are more than a 1.5m above ground level, then rising damp can usually be ruled out.

Solutions for Penetrating Damp

Remedial action for penetrating damp usually consists of repairing the external defect that’s been letting water into the property, and fixing any internal damage that has already been caused. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution because each penetrating damp case has a different cause.

If you suspect your property has a penetrating damp problem, you should hire a PCA independent damp surveyor. They’ll pin down exactly what’s causing it and offer unbiased advice on how to fix it.

How Much Does an Independent Damp Survey in London Cost?

Independent damp surveys in London range from £150 upwards, depending on location, reputation, PCA-membership, and so on. Contractors who sell damp treatments tend to offer lower priced surveys, but may convince you to spend money on unnecessary treatments or products.

Conclusion

If you’ve spotted signs of penetrating damp in your property, it’s important to stop it before it’s able to progress. Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7523 5882 to inquire about an independent damp survey today.