Frequently asked questions

Not sure what’s causing damp, mould or condensation in your property, or wondering whether you need to book a professional damp survey? You’re not alone. We regularly receive questions from homeowners, landlords and property buyers about everything from rising damp and penetrating damp to black mould, condensation and damp proofing treatments.

Answers by Damp Proofing Specialists 

Below, our North West damp proofing specialists have answered some of the questions we're most frequently asked. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, simply get in touch and one of our team will be happy to help.

• How do I book a damp survey?

  Booking a damp survey is straightforward. Simply contact our team by telephone or complete the online enquiry form with some basic information about your property and the damp problem you've noticed. We'll then arrange a convenient appointment for a local damp surveyor to visit your property.

• Can I find a local damp surveyor near me?

  Yes. If you're in Manchester or the surrounding area and have been searching for a damp surveyor near me, our surveyors cover most of Manchester and nearby locations. Using a local damp surveyor also means you're dealing with someone familiar with the types and ages of properties commonly found throughout the area

• What does a professional damp survey include?

  "A professional damp survey involves inspecting the property for signs of excessive moisture and identifying possible causes. Our surveyor may examine walls, floors, plasterwork, timber, ventilation and relevant external areas while looking for evidence of rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation and mould. Moisture readings may also be taken where appropriate.

• How long does a damp survey take?

  The length of a damp survey depends on the size of the property, the extent of the problem and how many areas need to be inspected. Rather than rushing the inspection, our surveyor will take the time necessary to investigate the symptoms and establish the likely source of the moisture before recommending appropriate next steps.

• Do I need a damp survey if I have black mould?

  Black mould is often associated with excessive moisture and condensation, but you shouldn't automatically assume you know the cause. Poor ventilation, high humidity, cold surfaces, leaks and other moisture problems can all contribute. A professional damp survey can help establish why mould is developing and what needs to be done to prevent it from repeatedly returning.

• Can a damp survey identify rising damp?

  Yes. Investigating suspected rising damp is one of the reasons homeowners book a damp survey. A surveyor will consider the location and pattern of moisture, the condition of plaster and other relevant evidence before reaching a conclusion. This is important because not every damp patch at the bottom of a wall is necessarily caused by rising damp.

• Do you provide damp surveys near Manchester?

  Yes. In addition to Manchester itself, our local damp surveyors cover most surrounding areas. Contact us if you're unsure whether we cover your postcode.

• Should I book a damp survey before buying a house?

  If there are signs of damp, mould or excessive moisture, arranging a specialist survey before purchasing a property can be a sensible precaution. A pre-purchase damp survey can provide more detailed information about potential damp problems and help you understand whether remedial work may be required before you commit to the purchase.

• When should I book a professional damp survey?

  You should consider booking a professional damp survey if you've noticed persistent damp patches, mould, peeling wallpaper, damaged plaster, musty smells, excessive condensation or other unexplained signs of moisture. Investigating the problem early can help identify its cause before further damage occurs.

• Will I be told what work is required after the survey?

  Yes. Once the inspection has been completed, we'll explain what has been found and, where necessary, recommend suitable remedial work. The objective is to identify the cause of the damp first so that any recommended treatment is appropriate for the problem rather than simply treating the visible symptoms.

 Have your own question or query?

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