Having recently posted Graham Coleman’s moisture profile table on Preservationexpert, I thought I’d keep an eye out for some on-site case studies for you, which demonstrate some finer points to take account of on damp surveys.
This one is a classic rising damp profile I found the other day, using a conductivity moisture meter, whilst surveying for a pre-purchase client. However, all is not what it seems and this is just one scenario where further investigation pays dividends.
To save loads of typing I’ve shot a short video on the survey (a typical damp & timber survey in North Leeds). This is a case of a moisture meter giving an indication of rising damp and the surveyor; taking the site conditions into consideration, getting to the truth behind the readings (remember; you make the diagnosis – not the moisture meter).
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Of course, remember that this property has a Chemical Damp proof course in the wall affected by the damp. We can only guess at the reason for it; maybe a simple error by the damp specialist, or perhaps he mentioned the cavity cleaning and it was never done. Maybe the client asked for a damp course to be installed….we’ll never know.
There are many cases where a damp diagnosis can be picked apart years later (yes, even mine; we’re all fallible). It’s a waste of time really; what I am most interested in is the now and the future, rather than the past. Educating surveyors, so that they have the tools and knowledge they need, will consign poor damp diagnosis to the dustbin and serve consumers better.
If there are any issues you’d like clarification of, (other than my shockingly bad presentation skills and woeful haircut), please get in touch.
Excellent article! You are clearly providing clients with a very valuable service.
Hi Ben,
Thank you very much.
Glad you like it – more coming….