Damp can be one of the biggest causes of damage to properties of any type or size. If left untreated, damp can cause serious issues for the interior and structure of the property itself, as well as creating a health hazard to those using the building. If you suspect that damp is forming in your property, it is important that you address the problem straight away so that you can minimise the damage and find the root cause.
Damp in older properties
Damp issues are particularly prevalent in older properties, as many of the materials at the time of build were simply not fit for long-term use. Without modern insulation and waterproofing, older buildings can be prone to water damage. At DMBR, we have a network of highly skilled professionals that can detect and repair damp issues. Furthermore, we specialise in tending to period and listed properties, so are knowledgeable in how to prevent damp in complex spaces.
Finding the cause
There are many different causes of damp in a property. It could be the result of a leaky pipe or a flood caused by a faulty appliance. Or it could be down to poor insulation and heating systems. Severe weather such as storms and flooding can also lead to issues with damp, as water can seep into cracks that you didn’t even know were there. Occasionally, damp can also be due to issues with neighbouring properties; perhaps they are in a state of disrepair and are causing damage to your adjoining wall, or maybe they are suffering from a burst water pipe that is impacting on your property.
Whatever the cause of damp, if left untreated, it can lead to the formation of mould and bacteria, which can have long-term health implications for those that are persistently exposed to it.
It is therefore important that you find the cause of damp in your property so that you can prevent it from going forward. Our trained experts can help to identify and fix the problem, while repairing any damage caused.
Damp inspections
Often, damp issues can be difficult to detect, particularly when you’re about to purchase a property. Potential damp problems can be easily covered up to the naked eye by decoration. These types of problems could knock thousands off the value of a property, meaning that – if they’re not detected – they could leave you seriously out of pocket. That is why it’s recommended to enlist the help of a damp inspector to ensure your prospective property is not being sold with any undeclared damp issues.
An inspection is also useful as a part of the regular maintenance of an older building, so that you can detect problems before they become more serious. So get in touch with us today to book in your inspection. We also use McAndrew Martin Chartered Surveyors for professional support on complex issues that involve structural or foundation inspections where repairs are to be specified to meet the demands of the fellow architects and surveyors appointed by our clients. This ensures a ‘tandem’ approach to any project or repair.
