London real estate is some of the most expensive on the planet and if you are planning to purchase a property in the capital city, it is critical that you commission a damp inspection before making a decision. A few coats of paint are all it takes to conceal signs of damp and this could cost you thousands of pounds in repair bills when the damp is finally discovered.
What does a homebuyer damp survey entail?
At London Damp Surveys, we offer a pre-purchase damp survey that is designed to accurately assess a property for damp and mould issues. Using state of the art equipment, our certified surveyors closely inspect all areas of the building from the roof to the foundations and if there are damp, mould or timber rot, the survey would reveal this.
State of the art equipment
Our qualified damp surveyors use the following devices and equipment to detect moisture inside a residential London property.
- Thermal imaging – A thermal camera is used to measure temperature differences within a building; blue means cool, while red is higher temperatures.
- Moisture meter – The pinned moisture meter can accurately measure the moisture content within materials and also on the surfaces.
- Hygrometer – This is a device that measures the amount of moisture in the air, which is an essential part of a damp surveyor’s role. Readings are taken throughout the property, which forms the basis of further tests and investigations.
- Borescope camera – Also known as a peephole camera, this device allows for close-ups of hard-to-reach places, such as behind staircases, under floorboards and inside attics. A very versatile piece of kit, a borescope camera ensures that nothing is overlooked when it comes to searching for moisture within a building.
- Rotating anemometer – A device that accurately measures airflow/ventilation, which is a critical aspect of the optimum conditions for damp and mould. A space should be well-ventilated in order to dry out the atmosphere and if a property does not have adequate ventilation, this needs to be addressed.
- Drone imagery – Our certified damp surveyors use drones to inspect roofs and guttering, plus exterior walls at height; hi-res cameras allow for close inspections, plus we take still images to show customers areas of importance. This does not put the surveyor in any danger and with skilful flying, the surveyor can fully inspect all above head height without having to climb up on the roof.
Bearing in mind that signs of damp can easily be covered up with paint, it makes complete sense to commission a full damp inspection by London Damp Surveys.
Call us now on 0207 305 5997 or fill in the enquiry form on this website and one of our certified damp surveyors will be in touch to arrange for a thorough damp inspection on the property you are intending to purchase.
For the relatively low cost, it makes complete sense to have a property you are planning to buy fully inspected for potential damp issues.
