Condensation Problems

If you would like to have a friendly chat about any problems you have in relation to condensation problems then please call 0800 298 5424 . We are also happy to discuss surveys, building surveys, structural reports / engineers reports / specific defects report, structural surveys, home buyers reports or any other property matters.

Is it condensation or rising damp or lateral dampness?

We have come across various instances of dampness that has been thought to be rising damp or lateral damp. Many people when they see dampness in properties think it to be rising damp, however very often it is not and indeed many argue there is very little rising damp. Part of the problem is specialist damp proofing companies.

Why specialist damp proofing companies can only see rising damp

First of all we need to explain how rising damp companies make their money. This is from diagnosing rising damp and treating it by inserting a damp proof course and usually needing to re-plaster internally, plus any associated work such as repairs to the floors. So if they do not diagnose rising damp then they do not have any work. If you do ask a specialist damp proofing company (damp proofing sales person) to come in then do not be surprised if they find you have rising damp! In our experience condensation and lateral damp are much more common.

When is a surveyor not a surveyor and really a salesperson?

Unfortunately the term surveyor can be used by anyone, unlike architect that is a registered term. You need to look for the term chartered surveyor, which shows the person has spent a period of education, training under supervision and also a breadth of knowledge and to ensure the person is an independent chartered surveyor. This means that they are not tied to any company (estate agents, building societies and/or bans) and are working for your interests first.

There are various other surveyor qualifications but we would argue that there is none that comes near to The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors training, which takes many years.

Even once a chartered surveyor is qualified they have to carry on what is known as life long learning, which is recorded and monitored by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (and cannot use the designation chartered surveyor) until they have had the appropriate experience and been examined upon it. Therefore, be aware of anyone saying they are a surveyor without using the term chartered surveyor. Many sales companies, we feel, have utilised the term surveyor to their advantage when the really mean sales person.

Can I spot condensation?

What does condensation look like?

Condensation can take many forms, literally from liquid on the walls to mould on the walls.

Mould from condensation to a bay wall	Mould from condensation in the corner of a bedroom

Where does condensation occur?

Condensation can occur almost anywhere. Commonly it occurs in high humidity areas with a lack of ventilation, where the warm air meets the coldness of the walls, so typically at low level.

How can we cure condensation problems?

Increase the ventilation in the property, particularly the rooms where water vapour is being caused, for example where there are many people in the same room add ventilation, where there is a great deal of boiling, steaming or cooking going on again add ventilation, where there is a great deal of showering and bathing going on again add ventilation.

Condensation - Ventilation has to be used

In our experience unless the occupants are almost forced to use the ventilation they will generally not use it, for example when they turn the light on in the shower room it should also turn an extract fan on. Simply having a window to open is not good enough and will be forgotten.   Ventilation could also be considered as a draught by many in the winter months.
	Condensation from a shower where there was a window that could be opened nearby but never was.

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Specific Defects Reports

Please contact us for help and advice on condensation issues, surveys, building surveys, commercial surveys, structural reports / engineers reports / specific defects report, structural surveys, home buyers reports or any other property matters on 0800 298 5424 and a chartered surveyor will ring you back to discuss this further. Please note we are independent chartered surveyors.

If you are interested in commercial properties then our www.DilapsHelp.com website may be of interest to you and for Disputes go to our Disputes Help site www.DisputesHelp.com .

We hope you found the article of use and if you have any experiences that you feel should be added to this article that would benefit others, or you feel that some of the information that we have put is wrong then please do not hesitate to contact us (we are only human).

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If you require any information about Dampness in

Properties please telephone us for help and advice

0800 298 5424