RISING DAMP
SURVEYS
Got a Rising Damp problem, are you a property owner or potential buyer concerned about rising damp issues within the building? It’s time to enlist the help of AMS SURVEYS. We offer comprehensive independent damp and timber surveys across Cheshire, Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester and the surrounding area to gather the facts and give you the knowledge you need to resolve your rising damp problems.
WORDS FROM OUR SATISFIED CUSTOMERS
IS RISING DAMP REAL?
In short, no. The concept of "rising damp," as commonly described and diagnosed, is often a misinterpretation. Many homeowners are misled into believing they have rising damp and are sold expensive damp-proofing solutions or chemical injections, which rarely address the actual issue.
THE TRUTH ABOUT RISING DAMP
What is often labelled as rising damp is typically a symptom of other underlying issues within the property. One of the most significant causes we encounter is poor workmanship or ineffective attempts to resolve damp issues. These misguided efforts frequently exacerbate the problem rather than resolve it.
Common causes of damp misdiagnosed as rising damp include:
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Leaking gutters, downpipes, or roofs, leading to water ingress.
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Bridged damp-proof courses (DPCs) from raised ground levels or debris buildup.
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Poor drainage or high external ground levels near the property.
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Condensation caused by poor ventilation and inadequate heating.
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Defective pointing, render, masonry or paints, allowing moisture to penetrate the structure.
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Unnecessary damp-proofing measures that fail to address root causes.
Without addressing these fundamental defects, any quick-fix damp-proofing treatments will fail and may even worsen the issue.
PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY WITH AMS SURVEYS
Don’t fall victim to misdiagnosed damp and ineffective treatments. Trust AMS Surveys to find the real cause of your damp issues and offer the right solutions to protect your property. Our expertise saves you from unnecessary expenses and ensures your property is properly maintained.
WHY CHOOSE AN INDEPENDENT DAMP EXPERT SURVEYOR?
By choosing an independent damp and timber surveyor, like AMS SURVEYS, you can avoid costly mistakes and misdiagnoses. We specialise in identifying the root causes of damp issues, providing an unbiased, expert assessment and practical, cost-effective solutions. Our reports highlight the exact problems and provide tailored recommendations to fix them properly.
WHAT CAUSES RISING DAMP?
Rising damp is described as the process of groundwater being drawn up through the masonry and mortar that make up the walls of a building. The same way water rises up the stalk of a plant, or the fragrance in a reed diffuser rises up a wick. This process is called capillary action. The purpose of introducing Damp Proof Courses (DPC) to Building Regulations circa 1875 did take some time to become standard across the UK.
Rising damp depends on numerous factors including how wet the ground under the property is and the height of the water table. The building material will also have an effect, with some forms of masonry more susceptible than others.
Often rising damp symptoms occur even if a damp proof course (DPC) is installed - which may be caused by the damp proof course being bridged. Examples of things that could cause bridging include: flowerbeds installed at the side of a building, raised footpaths or driveways and certain external renders.
IS RISING DAMP A MYTH?
Yes, but its complicated. Many people are unsure if rising damp is a real thing, but we can assure you rising damp is a myth, yes walls can absorb water but this is a symptom, not the cause.
As an example think about a Historic House you may have visited, did that have a damp proof course? Did it have rising damp? The 'symptom' of rising damp is usually 'caused' by attempts to solve damp previously, poor maintenance and inappropriate materials for the age and construction of the building.
A bridged DPC is the cause and the rising damp is the symptom.
The reason a number of people think rising damp exist is largely down to the misdiagnosis of other damp problems as rising damp as the cause. Unfortunately for homeowners, a misdiagnosis will result in treatment being installed which will ultimately fail as it was not targeting the actual cause of their damp walls.
That is why it is vitally important that you ensure any independent damp surveyor you invite into your home has the required training and accreditations.
WHAT DOES RISING DAMP LOOK LIKE?
TIDE MARK DAMP STAINS
The most common sign of rising damp on the inside wall is a “tide-mark” or damp staining along the bottom of the wall above the skirting boards. As the water evaporates from the brickwork, the staining appears and typically feels damp to touch. It is often accompanied with hygroscopic salts that have been absorbed into the plaster.
WHITE MARKS LEFT BY RESIDUAL SALTS
Water that rises from the ground by capillary action often contains hygroscopic salts and other contaminants that make their way from the brickwork and into internal plaster. As the water evaporates the salt fragments are left behind, leaving a residue and creating white salt deposits.
DECAYING SKIRTING BOARDS AND FLOORBOARDS
Decaying skirting, floorboards and other ground floor timber can be a sign that rising damp has been left untreated for a while, causing timber decay and rot. This is because prolonged exposure to excess moisture in the wall can cause the germination of fungal conditions like wet rot or dry rot in timber. Any timber that is spongy, easily crumbles when touched or has visible fungus growing on it requires immediate attention. Damp timber also puts the timber elements at risk of wood boring insects - woodworm infestation.
DAMP WALLPAPER, PAINT AND PLASTER
Damp and peeling wallpaper can also be a sign of rising damp. If there is excess moisture in the walls this will transfer to the wallpaper and it will start to peel away from the wall. Excess moisture in the wall due to rising damp will also cause flaky paint or bubbling plaster. You will often find deposits of plaster and paint on the floor where it has crumbled.
RISING DAMP TREATMENT
The most common method of remedial rising damp treatment is installing a damp proof course (DPC). This occurs via damp proof injection. Remedial damp proof courses are injected into specifically drilled holes in the affected wall.
However this is categorically the wrong diagnosis and the chemical damp proof course, won't work. Just look at this picture, you can see the modern DPC (Black material) the wall has then injected with a Chemical DPC, yet the internal walls were damp, the cause was Condensation.
You can find out more about our rising damp treatment options and our damp survey by clicking the links below
REGULATED AND PARTNERED WITH
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What is a Level 3 Survey?A level 3 survey is more thorough and detailed than than a Level 2 and will address matters such as the materials used for each part of the building, defects and remedial options as well as issues related to the future maintenance of the property.
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How much does a Level 3 survey cost UK?A Level 3 Home Survey, sometimes called a Building Survey, costs £800 on average, though it can be as cheap as £600 and as expensive as £1,200. A Building Survey is the most comprehensive of all the survey types.
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Is a RICS Level 3 worth it?Level 3 (Building or Structural Survey) This type of survey is more in-depth than a Level 2. It's also the best option for unusual or older properties, those that have undergone significant alterations. This type of RICS survey will cover: The property's overall condition in detail, including both major and minor defects.
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Does a level 3 survey check for damp?The surveyor uses equipment such as a damp meter, binoculars and torch, and uses a ladder for flat roofs and for hatches no more than 3m above level ground (outside) or floor surfaces (inside) if it is safe to do so. So yes, the property is checked for signs or evidence of damp, however this may recommend a Damp and Timber Survey whereby chemical testing and analysis may be required.
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How long does a Level 3 survey take to complete?The RICS Home Survey Level 3, also known as a full structural survey and previously as a RICS Building Survey, is the most thorough survey RICS offers. It can take around 2-4 at the property, maybe more depending on the size, type and condition for the surveyor to complete a Building Survey. It then takes several hours more to produce and write the report.
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Is a Level 3 survey structural?The RICS Home Survey Level 3 has often been previously referred to as a “full structural survey” or “building survey”. The report can be on an RICS Home Survey Level 3 template or can be to the surveyor's bespoke design. Level 3 reports are conducted by Building Surveyors. Whilst the structure is reported upon, it does not necessarily provide a detailed investigation of structural issues such as subsidence or cracking which usually requires intrusive investigation. In which case you may need a Structural Inspection.
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What areas does AMS SURVEYS cover?We cover: Cheshire, Lancashire, Liverpool and Manchester and everywhere in between.
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What are the red flags on a house survey?Property surveyors can identify issues that may impact a buyer's decision to continue with the purchase. These red flags could include structural damage, unapproved extensions, damp or subsidence. Ultimately it depends on the cost of those repairs and whether you are able to negotiate the purchase price or willing to accept risk and the cost of those repairs.
