How to Prepare Your Property for an Independent Damp Survey

An independent damp survey is the best way to uncover hidden or potential moisture problems in your home. Here at London Damp Specialists, we’ll always try and get your survey done with minimal disruption. However, if you would like things done as quickly as possible, here are some things you can do before your surveyor arrives.

Clear Access to Walls and Floors

These are the main areas an independent damp surveyor will inspect. Visually, they’ll be looking out for signs of damp problems like salt deposits, peeling paint, mould and discolouration, and they’ll also take moisture readings with their instruments. Before your survey, move your furniture a few inches away from the walls and make sure the floor is clear of obstacles. It will make things quicker and safer, and it will ensure nothing important gets overlooked.

Enable Entry to Lofts and Basements

These are important places to check for a thorough damp survey and should not be excluded. Many lofts have exposed timber and insulation, and basements are highly prone to penetrating damp and flooding. This makes them essential areas to inspect. You can make things easier by ensuring that the loft hatch is accessible and that the basement is well-lit and uncluttered.

Provide Details of Previous Damp and Timber Treatments

Details of damp-proofing or timber treatments your property has had in the past can provide important context for the surveyor’s findings and help prevent misinterpretation. Roof repairs and window replacements may also be relevant. If possible, locate any reports, guarantees or other documents you might have been given when the work was done. This will help the surveyor draw more accurate conclusions about your property and lead to better recommendations.

Ventilate Your Property

Condensation is one of the most common types of damp found in London properties, and it is caused by poor ventilation. The lack of airflow means that humid air doesn’t get carried out effectively. Instead, it lingers around and turns back into water droplets when it touches a surface. Independent damp surveys include ventilation assessments, and opening the windows and interior doors of your property before the inspection will help ensure the readings are accurate.

Ensure External Areas are Accessible

Penetrating damp is caused by water ingress from outside the property. This often results from damaged walls, gutters and pipes. The surveyor will inspect these areas to look for causes or potential causes of damp problems, so it helps if they can move around the outside of the property freely. Move your bins and any garden furniture away from the walls, and consider trimming back any bushes or shrubs which might obstruct the walls.

Conclusion

Preparing your property for an independent damp survey often doesn’t take more than a few minutes, or even less if it’s a pre-purchase damp survey of a vacant property. However, it ensures that you get the most accurate results and recommendations in your report. If your home is ready for a damp survey, call London Damp Specialists today on 020 7523 5882.