Damp Diagnosis - CJS Cornwall Surveyor

What damp is affecting my property?

Condensation

By far the most common form of dampness. This form of dampness contrary to believe can occur at any time of year, although it is most common during the winter months. Condensation control measures can be as simple as advising how to better control moisture levels within the property. Penetrating dampness.  Control measures can be fixing that leaky gutter, replacing that cracked roof tile or reducing external ground levels.

Rising dampness. 

True rising damp is fairly rare, but it does exist as we can bear witness to this. However it is quite often misdiagnosed which can then result in thousands of pounds worth of unnecessary remedial damp-proofing works being carried out. What true rising dampness it is not, is being diagnosed with a moisture meter during a 15 minute ‘survey’.  Only forensic damp testing will confirm the presence of true rising dampness.

Forensic rising damp diagnosis:

To diagnose true rising dampness by where moisture is being draw up from the ground into unprotected walls by capillary action can only be achieved by moisture profiling of the wall.  This entails taking drilled core samples and testing for moisture content and for the presence of ground salts, namely chlorides and nitrates.  This type of investigation is often required in litigation cases and would be very rare during the course of a pre-purchase damp and timber survey.

Damp and Timber Surveys:

I provide mortgage approved damp and timber surveys and comprehensive damp diagnosis/reports which are easy to read along with photographs and recommendations to manage any possible defects. 

Structural Water Proofing:

Buying a property or a lower ground floor apartment and require advice on how to manage the dampness?  Or considering converting that damp old basement into a habitable room? 

I can provide the correct advice or design a water resisting system should this be your requirement.

Condensation Diagnosis & Mould Prevention Reports

Condensation can be a destructive and irritating form of dampness.  Causing excessive mould growth and high humidity levels it can affect the respiratory system, clothes, the building fabric and can even cause attacks by wood rotting fungi.  I have vast experience in diagnosing condensation and will provide you with the correct advice to manage this form of dampness.

Wood rotting fungi and wood boring insects – Investigations, surveys and reports.

I can sympathetically investigate all form of wood rotting fungi from Serpula lacrymans (Dry Rot) to Anobium punctatum – Common Furniture Beetle which is more commonly known by its generic name Woodworm.
I can correctly identify what rot or beetle is affecting your property.

Why is this important – Not all beetle infestations require treatment and if a rot is wet rot, it cannot be Dry Rot!

Should you require further information on any of our professional services, please do not hesitate to contact us.

CJS Cornwall Surveyor Property Structure Reports

A Pre-purchase Home Condition Survey - Suitable for properties built within the last 150 years or so. This type of survey covers all the essentials, roof, walls, floors windows & doors. Includes maintenance advice and approximate costs to manage defects. Also included is a damp & timber report (with recommendations to control, if required), as standard. Does not contain a property valuation.

CJS Full Building Survey

A very comprehensive inspection of a property that is being considered for refurbishment, adaptation or renovation. This type of survey can involve the lifting of floorboards to inspect beneath or forensic damp testing. Generally, this type of survey is prepared on older premises. Includes maintenance advice, approximate costs to manage defects and a damp & timber report. Does not contain a property valuation.