Damp and Timber Surveys

Professional Damp Surveys in the South West

Rising damp and penetrating damp are among the most common causes of property damage in UK homes. Left untreated, damp can lead to building defects, damaged plasterwork, and unsightly staining & black mould.

At Biocraft South West, we provide professional damp surveys across Bath, Bristol, Swindon and the wider South West. Our PCA-accredited surveyors accurately diagnose the cause of damp, helping homeowners and landlords avoid misdiagnosis and costly unecessary treatments.

Worried about damp? Book a professional damp survey today and discover the cause, before minor issues become costly repairs.

External Property Examinations

Moisture can enter buildings from a number of different avenues and therefore it’s an important part of any survey to assess the external surroundings and elevations of the property as this can provide valuable information and aid in the correct diagnosis of the problem.

Biocraft South West’s specialist damp proofing surveyors will carry out visual inspections of the exterior, paying close attention to areas such as;

Rainwater water goods
Chimneys and lead flashing
Brickwork, mortar beds and rendering
Location of the damp proof course
Elevated ground levels
Door and window frames
Roof coverings

Internal Property Examinations

Once a thorough assessment of the exterior has been carried out, our specialist damp proofing surveyors will then turn their attention to the internally affected areas. Firstly a visual assessment of the affected area together with surrounding areas will be carried out; these inspections are to identify the presence of;

Fungal decay affecting internal joinery and/or any other internal timbers
Peeling wallpaper and/or blistering paintwork
Efflorescence
Mould colonisation
Damp patches, condensate and/or water marks

Condensation Specialists Swindon, Wiltshire

Specialist damp Surveys Swindon, Wiltshire

What happens after a damp survey?

Following the surveyors visual assessment, and based upon the agreed parameters of the survey, further examinations of the internal conditions will be carried out. This inspection will include;

Examination of the perimeter and centre of both solid and timber suspended floors
Moisture content of the skirting boards, architraves and door frames
Moisture content of structural flooring and roofing timbers
Distribution of moisture meter readings across the wall, both horizontally and vertically
Subfloor ventilation
Presence and height of both physical and chemical damp proof coursing
Potential plumbing defects
Ambient conditions, such as surface and air temperatures, relative humidity and dew point temperature
Flow rate of existing extract fans
Suitability of heating and ventilation

Professional Surveying Equipment

Biocraft South West’s surveyors are fully trained, CSRT and CSSW qualified so you have complete piece of mind that our friendly team are only a phone call away and on hand with the knowledge and expertise you need.

Our specialist damp proofing surveyors have all the necessary equipment needed to carry out an onsite diagnosis of the damp problem affecting your home.

Here are some of the most commonly used pieces of equipment you’ll see:

Infrared Surface Thermometer

This method of testing proves invaluable when assessing the ambient conditions of a property. The useful piece of equipment enables the surveyor to establish the temperature of a given surface and compare it to that of the dew point temperature and determine whether surface condensation is the primary source of dampness.

Electrical Conductivity Meter

This method of testing is practically non-destructive, enabling the surveyor to obtain readings quickly and easily, with minimal disruption. Readings are usually recorded on relative scale, which enables the surveyor to establish the pattern of moisture.

Rotating Anemometer

A rotating anemometer is used to determine the flow rate of existing extract fans and ventilation systems within properties. This useful tool enables our specialist damp proofing surveyors to test the functionality of the unit and determine whether it positively attributes to the internal dampness.

Hygrometer

A hygrometer is a handheld device which enables the specialist damp proofing surveyor to obtain on the spot readings of the ambient conditions within a given space, such as relative humidity, air temperature and dew point temperature. It also proves an invaluable tool for assessing the moisture levels with solid concrete floors.

Salt Analysis

Salt analysis is carried out by removing a small sample of plaster or wallpaper from the wall surface. This then enable our specialist damp proofing surveyors to test the sample for traces of chlorides and nitrates which are commonly found in ground water. This proves an effective aid in correctly diagnosing the source of moisture found present within the building.

Professional Damp Proofing For Your Property

Biocraft South West is an established damp proofing company; our expertly trained, CRST and CSSW qualified surveyors possess a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in the diagnosis and remedial actions necessary to maintain a dry and healthy building.

To arrange a survey of your property or for further information regarding remedial damp proofing, contact us today. We cover Andover, Bath, Bristol, Chippenham, Devizes, Marlborough, Oxford, Salisbury, Swindon, Trowbridge and Warminster.