We all know how much the weather has changed in the UK, those who are old enough to remember the 70s and 80s will have fond memories of clear blue skies and summers that seemed to never end! The dull climate we have inherited does little in the way of helping London property owners; damp issues are a real threat to every structure and if you are thinking about making an offer on that house that is perfectly located for your needs, arranging a damp survey is an absolute must.
Geology
London consists of clay and bedrock, built on the banks of the River Thames, our swinging capital city has low-lying areas that hold water and that can cause serious moisture issues for buildings. Of course, this has been known since we settled in this amazing region; Victorian buildings were treated with bitumen, builders installed thick bitumen-based membrane in all lower brickwork courses, which was effective in preventing moisture rising up the walls. As time passes, the damp proof course can easily be damaged; ground movement can cause the material to tear, while frost is also a threat to DPC.
Structural integrity
Bearing in mind that acquiring real estate in London is a massive long-term investment, it makes sense to have a certified damp surveyor inspect the asset, before you make an offer. Damp can destroy a building and if the previous owner was negligent and concealed damage with a few coats of paint or water-resistant cement, the building could be severely compromised; arrange for London Damp Surveys to inspect the house and get a definitive answer regarding damp, mould and timber rot.
Time is of the essence
If you have found the ideal home, you won’t be the only person who has an eye on the property and having the house inspected for damp needs to be done asap. That’s where London Damp Surveys comes in, we offer prompt and professional damp inspections at competitive prices and we can generally complete a survey within a few days of the initial enquiry, plus the customer receives a detailed survey report within 24 hours of completion. Once you are sure the property is damp-free, you can proceed with the purchase.
Damp repairs can be very costly
Of course, it all depends on the severity of damage; if the problem has been covered up and nothing has been done to stop the moisture penetration, repairs could cost thousands of pounds. Woodworm is yet another threat; several species of beetle that burrows into timber and lays its eggs and if not treated, this can cause timber to lose its strength. Again, evidence of woodworm can be concealed with filler and paint, so you might not notice, even with a keen eye!
If you have found the ideal home in London, make sure you contact us at London Damp Surveys on 0207 305 5997 and we can arrange for one of our experienced surveyors to accurately inspect the property for signs of damp, mould and timber rot.
