Dampbuster-Building Pathology

Welcome to the Dampbuster-Building Pathology website where we explain the need for accurate diagnosis of rising damp in order to avoid costly and unnecessary chemical damp-proofing. Damp-proofing has become a big business in the last 50 years or so and is largely driven by mortgage lenders demanding damp and timber surveys after their surveyor has... carried a Building Survey or Valuation Report on behalf of the perspective house purchaser. Dampness and timber decay are nearly always highlighted in a pre-purchase survey by Building Surveyors working on behalf of mortgage providers. Surveyors seem to be ultra cautious when undertaking valuation surveys and they will often recommend that a damp and timber report be obtained from a suitably qualified specialist or British Wood Preserving and Damp-Proofing Association (BWPDA) or Property Care Association (PCA) member firm, together with reports on the state of the electrics and plumbing etc. Damp surveyors usually rely on hand-held moisture meters which are not accurate on plaster but they are often used as the sole diagnostic tool for measuring dampness and often leads to unnecessary, expensive and disruptive damp-proofing works. Most Property Care Association damp surveyors are usually paid on a commission only basis and will have a vested interest in diagnosing rising damp and therefore most PCA members damp surveys will invariably be found and an estimate for carrying out the works will be included with your report. This work will usually include chemical damp-proofing together with associated plastering and other ancillary works. Most of these works are not really necessary and some of their effectiveness is debatable so we have compiled some information about the various forms of damp-proofing which are used to combat rising damp together with some more environmentally chemical free treatments. Chemical free damp-proofing treatments such as French Drains and Wall Base Ventilation are much more effective than traditional damp-proofing if you require an ...Read More