5 essential damp inspection tips for homeowners

It can provide some of the proudest moments in anyone’s life when they secure the purchase of a new property, after what can be a stressful experience arranging a mortgage and finding the ideal location. Yet in some ways, the hard work might be just about to begin, especially if buying somewhere showing its age, which is not unusual when looking to secure the best value. Maintenance, if not carried out regularly, can cause the value to quickly drop.

Its location might be something to consider when it comes to issues such as damp. London, for instance, has higher cases than in other parts of the country owing to the clay that much of the city is built on, along with its countless underground rivers. It is the responsibility of every homeowner to protect their investment. While there is nothing to compare with a pre-purchase damp survey, here are 5 essential damp inspection tips that they should carry out regularly.

1. All walls, ceilings, and floors can show signs of damp. It is vital to look for things like peeling paint, bubbling wallpaper, cracked plaster, and yellow or brown stains on ceilings or walls. These telltale signs, as well as cold patches or tide marks at the base of walls, often mean the property has damp. Running hands across the surface can sometimes reveal a clammy or cold feeling, indicating trapped moisture. If not sure, arrange an independent damp survey.
2. Damp isn’t always easy to detect, which is why we at London Damp Specialists advise that we be invited around to take a look. The issue doesn’t always appear in obvious places. Regularly checking behind furniture, inside cupboards against external walls, under sinks, and around window frames is good practice. Basements, attics, and poorly ventilated rooms are also areas where unseen damp is in existence for months before it becomes visible.
3. Musty odours are easy for anyone to smell and are a dead giveaway to damp, which should be followed up by finding an independent damp surveyor near me. It is important to trust one’s senses with odours offering an unmistakable clue that moisture is present, especially in older homes or properties with poor ventilation.
4. Excess condensation on windows, mirrors, or tiled surfaces is often due to poor airflow, leading to damp over time. Ensuring that extractor fans are working in kitchens and bathrooms, and that vents are not blocked, and windows are opened regularly, allows fresh air to circulate and reduces the chance of moisture and damp.
5. Independent damp surveyors can be a homeowner’s best friend, saving them money and providing peace of mind. Checking for blocked gutters, broken roof tiles, and downpipes that don’t carry water away from the property makes a lot of sense, as poor drainage allows rainwater to seep into walls and foundations.

Calling us on 020 7523 5882 is a guaranteed way to detect damp through an inspection, but homeowners are also advised to check regularly to save on costs.