Independent Damp Survey – What Does it Entail?
At London Damp Specialists, we offer independent damp surveys to London home and business owners, with a range of survey levels that are designed for the customer’s needs. We have a total of 3 levels of damp inspection, which range from an inspection of exterior walls to a comprehensive survey using state-of-the-art digital equipment. If damp, mould or timber rot are present, we will find it and determine the causes.
Independent Damp Survey: Level 1 – This includes a thorough inspection of all external walls, floors and ceilings, looking for any signs of rising or penetrating damp. This survey is ideal for a person who is planning to buy a London property; enlisting the services of damp experts brings reassurance and with such a big investment, it makes total sense to have the property inspected for damp and other moisture issues. If you are selling, being able to show a damp all-clear from a reputable damp specialist is a big plus!
Independent Damp Survey: Level 2 – This includes everything in level 1, plus a thorough examination of timber roof sections, namely joists and rafters, looking for those tell-tale signs of damp, mould, timber rot and woodworm. If we find damp issues, we can recommend a leading damp-proofing specialist in London; a company that issues an unconditional 30-year guarantee on all their damp-proofing work.
Independent Damp Survey: Level 3 – All in levels 1 & 2, along with the use of thermal imagery, borescope cameras and drone inspections to check every square inch of the roof. We also do a definitive ventilation flow test to accurately determine airflow and you receive a detailed report in your inbox the following day, which may contain remedial work recommendations.
Cutting-Edge Equipment
Our damp surveyors use the following to inspect London properties:
- Damp meter – This is used to measure moisture, both on surfaces and within materials such as plaster and timber. There are two types, one with pins and one without.
- Hygrometer – A device to accurately measure humidity, which enables the surveyor to zone in on suspect areas when looking for damp and mould.
- Thermal camera – Using infrared imagery tells the surveyor exactly where damp could be present; red indicates warm, while blue is cold and when the damp expert points the device at a wall, damp patches reveal themselves.
- Pinhole camera – Known as a borescope camera, this device lets the surveyor get a close-up look in those dark corners and under flooring.
- Drone imagery – The drone is two-fold, first it allows the surveyor to closely inspect all areas of the roof and it can also take hi-res images to show the client. Any experienced damp surveyor would be a competent drone operator and considers this handy device as an essential piece of kit.
When is the Best Time to Survey a Property?
In the event you are buying or selling, you should book an independent damp survey from London Damp Specialists; call us on 020 7523 5882 or leave your contact details in the online form on this website.
Damp Survey Costs
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for our independent, unbiased surveys.
Level 1
What’s included:
- Inspection of walls
- Inspection of floors
- Inspection of ceilings
- Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 2
What’s included:
- Everything in Level 1
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Level 3 (Most Popular)
What’s included:
- Thermal Imaging
- Air humidity testing
- HD boroscope camera
- Brickwork pointing inspection
- DPC inspection
- Ventilation flow test on extractor fans
- 4K drone imagery roof, chimney stack
and guttering inspection - Structural condition inspection
- Inspection of walls
- Inspection of floors
- Inspection of ceilings
- Leak inspection of drains and plumbing
- Dry rot inspection
- Wet rot inspection
- Woodworm inspection
- Damp information and prevention guide
Survey Add Ons
Add On 1
Laboratory analysis Of plaster identifies hygroscopic salts such as chlorides and nitrates. which indicate whether damp is caused by rising groundwater or by plumbing leaks, This testing removes guesswork, allowing the exact source of moisture to be identified so the correct treatment is applied rather than carrying out unnecessary damp-proofing work.
Add On 2
qPCR DNA mould testing detects microscopic mould spores that are invisible during a normal inspection and van remain hidden behind walls, floors. or inside building rkaterials. It identifies the exact mould species present and the contamination level, allowing hidden mould problems to be confirrned and properly treated before they affect the property or occupants’ health.
Qualifications: All our surveyors are PCA and CSRT qualified for remedial treatments and also CSSW qualified for structural waterproofing.
Next day report: You will receive the report within 24 hours of the inspection taking place.
The survey fee will be deducted from the cost of any recommended repairs.
These are the tools we use
Damp Meter
A damp meter is a diagnostic tool used to detect and measure moisture levels within building materials such as plaster, brick, timber, and concrete.
Borescope camera
borescope camera is a small inspection camera attached to a flexible semi-rigid cable that allows you to see inside areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
Drone Inspection
A drone is a remotely operated aerial device equipped with a camera that allows visual inspection from above without the need for scaffolding or ladder.
Air Humidity Sensor
Air humidity sensor measures the amount of moisture present in the air, expressed as relative humidity (RH) in percentage. It helps determine whether indoor conditions are contributing to condensation, mould growth, or damp-related issues.
Thermal Imaging Camera
A thermal imaging camera detects temperature differences on surfaces by using infrared technology to produce a heat map image. In damp investigations, it helps identify cold spots, moisture intrusion, insulation defects, thermal bridging and leaks.
Air Flow Ventilation Detector
An air flow ventilation detector measures the movement and volume of air passing through vents, extractor fans, and air bricks. It confirms whether ventilation systems are working properly and achieving adequate air changes within a room. Poor airflow leads to trapped moisture, high humidity, condensation on cold surfaces, and ultimately mould growth.
Mould Lab Swab Testing
A mould swab test is carried out to confirm the presence of hidden mould growth and identify the specific species involved. Surface mould is not always visible, especially behind furniture, inside cavities, or within ventilation systems. Laboratory analysis of a swab sample determines whether active mould spores are present and what type they are, which helps assess potential health risks and decide the correct remediation approach rather than relying on visual assumption alone.
Lab Analysis of Plaster
Laboratory analysis of plaster is used to identify the type of salts present within the material, typically chlorides and nitrates. The presence and concentration of these salts help determine whether the moisture source is consistent with rising damp, ground contamination, or another forms [sic] of water ingress. such as mains water leak, This removes guesswork and prevents misdiagnosis, ensuring the correct remedial treatment is specified rather than applying unnecessary or ineffective solutions.
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form:
Contact Us
If you have some questions, please complete this form:
Book and Pay for a survey
If you are ready to book a survey and pay, please complete this form: