Five signs your home needs a damp survey
We live in the United Kingdom, and it’s wet. We all know it, and we live with it because, well, we have to.
This humidity inevitably makes its way into our homes. There’s nothing wrong with that as long as it circulates and leaves without settling in one place.
If this does happen, it’s known as a damp problem and will eventually lead to more serious consequences. A damp survey helps you identify the cause and advises on repairs and prevention.
Here are five signs you might need a damp survey from a RICS professional.
#1 Condensation
Condensation is technically a form of damp, along with penetrating damp. You’ll see water droplets and moisture coating surfaces, especially glass like windows and mirrors.
Condensation itself isn’t dangerous. It’s just water. But it signals that the humidity in your home has nowhere to go. It’s not moving around and leaving. In other words, there needs to be more ventilation.
You often notice this issue more prominently in moisture-heavy rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
A surveyor will likely recommend installing better ventilation options, such as extractor fans, opening windows or dehumidifiers.
#2 Musty smell
The smell of a damp material is generally quite noticeable. If something’s wet, it creates an odour that most people recognise. You might notice this in your home.
Bear in mind that being ‘nose blind’ is also a thing. While you might be used to the aroma (and therefore be unable to smell anything), visitors or someone who spends most of the day away from the house might let you know.
We should also mention other rooms, like lofts or basements, if you have one. It doesn’t matter where the musty smell comes from – if it’s there, you probably have an issue with damp.
During a damp survey, the chartered surveyor will pinpoint the cause of the smell. They’ll then advise on steps to remedy it and prevent it from happening again.
#3 Sticking, tight windows or doors
When materials absorb moisture, they swell. In this context, we’re mainly talking about timber.
Your windows or doors (including the frames) no longer fit in the precisely engineered space. The result is that they feel tight or sometimes get completely stuck.
You’ll notice other problems with your household interior, too. For example, peeling wallpaper or plaster cracks usually mean there’s too much moisture present.
In these cases, removing the origin of the damp cuts the problem off at the source. Unfortunately, you might need to replace the affected materials if enough damage has been done.
#4 Mould growth
Mould is a health hazard. There aren’t many cases relating it to fatalities, but it undoubtedly aggravates health conditions such as asthma. This is because it releases spores that we breathe in.
Mould is a fungus. It feeds off dying or dead organic matter and will grow in moist environments away from direct sunlight.
If a damp survey finds mould, the surveyor will recommend contractors to remove it. But it’s also crucial to figure out why it’s grown in the first place. For instance, there might be a leaking pipe in the wall or insufficient ventilation. They’ll walk you through all this, too.
#5 Structural issues such as rot
Rot is often the most severe sign we’ve mentioned on this list. You might notice it on exposed wooden surfaces or furniture.
Timber rot (wet rot or dry rot) is another fungus. It eats away at the timber to feed itself. In the process, it can weaken structural integrity.
When rot is discovered in roof beams or similar structures, there could be a more serious issue. A surveyor will recommend getting these timbers fixed, and all traces of the rot destroyed as a matter of urgency. They’ll then take steps to find the cause and eliminate it.
GB Home Surveys can complete a damp survey for you
If you notice any of the above damp symptoms, your home is likely holding too much moisture. Several of these symptoms at the same time, along with worsening health issues such as asthma, would be a more urgent case. Get in touch with a damp surveyor straight away.
Our damp survey options can help you identify the cause of the damp, eliminate it, and prevent it from reoccurring.
All our chartered surveyors are RICS registered, and we trust them to do their jobs to the highest degrees of detail and trustworthiness.
Does our article make you suspect you might have a damp problem? If so, why not get in touch for an obligation-free, friendly chat? We’ll discuss your situation and recommend whether you need a damp survey.
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