DAMP SURVEY

Whether you’re buying or selling a property, the presence of damp will affect the sale price. Surveyors’ reports alert buyers to possible defects, and the cost of diagnosing and remedying damp can be used as a bargaining tool.

Our damp specialists identify the issues causing damp and rot in your property. Years of experience tells us that carrying out inspections when it is raining will allow us to make a more realistic and precise diagnosis of your damp, condensation and rot issues. Our process could save you thousands on unnecessary damp precautions.

  • Woodworm diagnosis
  • Damp proofing check and advice
  • Basement waterproofing
signs of damp on an internal wall
  • Rising and penetrating damp diagnosis and remedies
  • Dry rot inspection and report
  • Wet rot inspection and report

Save money and worry with Laytoe’s efficient, reliable and professional damp remedies.

How does a Laytoe damp specialist carry out a survey of my property?

Before our qualified damp specialist arrives, he or she will already know the age of your property and any historical building features that could contribute to damp. After initial introductions and ID verification, our surveyor will confirm with you the reason for their presence. 

We start by inspecting your property’s exterior and note the construction and condition of all walls and masonry and pointing observed. We also observe environmental features such as sloping or raised ground outside the property. Ventilation is looked at too, as well as plant-based obstructions or defects with guttering, rainwater pipes and drains. 

Internally, as we carry out a visual inspection of stains, blistering plaster or peeling wallpaper, we’ll ask for more details about the problem you are experiencing. We’ll also take photos for use in a damp report. Our surveyor will want to know about any renovations or alterations that you are aware of. Our specialist might use a damp meter on surfaces that are apparently damp-free; it’s a preventative measure and helps with a clearer damp diagnosis. 

 

I’m getting conflicting advice based on the results of a conductivity meter; do I have damp or not?

Damp specialists use a conductivity or moisture meter to register levels of moisture present on surfaces. However, a positive reading isn’t always due to damp. There are other factors that could produce a moisture reading. Ask your damp surveyor to investigate further and rule out condensation, structural problems leading to moisture ingress, or the build-up of salts. Laytoe’s specialists have found that homeowners are sometimes ‘advised’ to undergo the mess and disruption of a new damp proof course, when other less disruptive remedies should have been explored.

 

What remedial treatment will Laytoe advise if I have rot?

Firstly, our damp specialist would need to confirm the presence of wet rot or, indeed, the more worrisome dry rot. 

If you see a white or grey fuzzy bloom on any of your timber structures, consult a damp specialist as soon as you can. Dry rot fungus is far more pernicious than wet rot. If left untreated, serpula lacrymans will not only decay and destroy affected timbers, it can also spread to unaffected wood through mortar joints and plaster – which too will become damaged.

If wet rot is diagnosed, chemical treatment would not normally be recommended. Instead, you would be instructed to remove the affected decayed wood, identify and eliminate the source of moisture, and then finally replace the wood with seasoned timber.

 

 

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