RBBA

RBBA RBBA is a team of Building Specialise in mould treatments, rising damp and wood worm. We survey the In short we are a bit like a House Doctor.

If you are sick, you call a Doctor, well are the specialist who treat sick houses, only we come to your home and you dont wait for months for an appointment. Normally we can be with you within 48 Hours. These problems can be anything from, mould growth, cracks to overflowing drains and can take a long time to sort. However, we can diagnose the issue as well as prescribe the medicine. In some cases

your Home Insurance policy will cover the costs, we are in a position not juts to advise this but also manage the process and even arrange the repairs and payment. Our newest service is actually provinding a home health check, were we will visit you and look at the key areas that may eventually cause you a problem and carryout prevention treatment rather than a cure. We can even advise how to make your home more energy efficent.

Sick of Being Told to "Just Open a Window"?If you are currently dealing with mould growth and dampness in your home, you...
22/04/2026

Sick of Being Told to "Just Open a Window"?
If you are currently dealing with mould growth and dampness in your home, you have likely heard the same phrase over and over again: "It’s a ventilation problem."
While ventilation is undeniably a critical piece of the puzzle, there is a massive over-reliance on it as a "catch-all" solution. The truth is more nuanced, and simply opening every window in the middle of a Northern Irish winter isn't always the answer.
The Myth of "More is Always Better"
It is a common misconception that you can’t have too much fresh air. In reality, it is entirely possible to over-ventilate your property.
• Under-ventilating leads to stagnant, humid air and persistent mould.
• Over-ventilating can drop the internal temperature of your walls too far, actually making condensation more likely to occur on those cold surfaces.
Finding that "Goldilocks" zone—where the air is fresh but the heat stays in—is exceptionally difficult during the winter months.
How Do You Know if You’re Getting it Right?
You shouldn't have to guess. There is a simple, scientific test that can be carried out using the correct diagnostic equipment to determine exactly how your property is performing.
• Data-Driven: This isn't a "look and guess" approach. We monitor the environment over a set period to see how the air actually behaves.
• Professional Insight: These tests should always be conducted by qualified surveyors who understand the relationship between thermal performance and vapour pressure.
• The Right Balance: We can identify if you are under-ventilating, over-ventilating, or if the issue lies elsewhere entirely.
Beyond the Open Window
If our assessment shows that your current ventilation strategy isn't working, don't worry. You don't have to live in a wind tunnel to stay healthy.
There is a vast range of modern alternatives designed to introduce clean, filtered air into your home without sacrificing your comfort or your heating bill. From heat recovery systems to intelligent mechanical ventilation, we provide expert advice on the best fit for your specific property.
Stop guessing and start measuring. If you're tired of the mould and the conflicting advice, let’s get some real data on what’s happening in your home.

RANT ALERT!!!!!Visited this property today after the tenant had several visits from local Social Housing Surveyor regar...
16/03/2025

RANT ALERT!!!!!
Visited this property today after the tenant had several visits from local Social Housing Surveyor regarding mould growth.

She is constantly being advised open windows, stop drying clothes on radiators etc, lectures that lasted for 75% of the meeting. At no point did the surveyor bother to get into the roof space.
Guess what???? I did and this is what I found.

Insulation pulled back, by a contractor from the executive I may add, after a fire in the neighbours property.
Look at the mould in the bathroom ceiling, this area is directly below the displaced insulation. If the surveyor had the "WILL" to do his job and not stand on his soap box spouting off about how it is all the tenants fault, he would have sorted this problem in no time and probably saved himself a number of visits.
Disgrace, who ever you are.

Have some pride in your profession please. When you attend a survey, please survey the property, it is after all your job.

I didn't get paid for this job but I have pride in my work and will gladly do it again.
I have videoed this property as well and you will see on YouTube the full extent of the survey and just how easy it was to find the issue.

Condensation is a common issue in many homes, especially during colder months, and it plays a significant role in mould ...
02/03/2025

Condensation is a common issue in many homes, especially during colder months, and it plays a significant role in mould growth.

When warm, moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces, the air cools rapidly and loses its capacity to hold moisture, resulting in condensation.

This moisture accumulation creates an ideal environment for mould spores to germinate and thrive. Mould growth is primarily influenced by humidity levels. Typically, mould begins to grow when the relative humidity (RH) consistently exceeds 70%.

In such conditions, surfaces remain damp enough to support mould colonization. However, it's essential to understand that mould doesn't grow on actual running water. Instead, it thrives on surfaces where moisture has been absorbed, creating a damp environment.

The relationship between air temperature and RH is crucial. As air temperature decreases, RH increases, making it more likely for condensation to occur. This is why areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and poorly ventilated spaces are more prone to mould issues.

These areas often experience high humidity levels due to activities like cooking, bathing, and drying clothes indoors. Preventing mould growth involves managing humidity and improving ventilation. Keeping indoor RH between 40-60% and maintaining air temperatures between 18-20°C is known as the Thermal Comfort Zone.

This range reduces the likelihood of mould growth while promoting a healthy living environment. Proper insulation and ventilation are key to minimizing condensation.

Ensuring that extractor fans are functional and used regularly, along with keeping window vents open, can significantly lower indoor humidity levels.















, maintaining a consistent background heat helps keep surfaces warm, reducing the chances of condensation forming. By understanding the conditions that favor mould growth, homeowners can take proactive measures to prevent condensation and maintain a mould-free environment.

25/02/2025

🌬️ Why Opening Windows Isn't Enough: The Case for a Good Extractor Fan 🌬️

In the quest to keep our homes fresh and free from damp, many of us instinctively open windows to let the "fresh air" in. While this seems like a logical step, it might not be the best move when it comes to dealing with moisture-laden air in kitchens and bathrooms. Let's dive into why a good working extractor fan is essential and how it outperforms simply opening a window.

When we open windows, we indeed allow air to move from the outside in. However, this can inadvertently push moisture-laden air further into the property. This air, filled with steam from cooking or bathing, naturally gravitates towards cooler areas within the home. Once there, it condenses and can lead to the dreaded growth of mould. Not only is mould unsightly, but it can also pose health risks and damage your property.

Here's the smart move: when a room gets steamy, engage the extractor fan and close the doors. Let the fan run for at least 10 minutes after finishing your cooking or bathing. This ensures that the moisture is effectively expelled from your home, reducing the risk of condensation and mould growth.

But wait, just because your fan makes noise doesn't mean it's doing its job! It's crucial to check whether the fan is actually working. A simple noise isn't a guarantee of efficiency. As part of our comprehensive damp survey, we assess how well your fan works and specify the best solution for your property if it’s not up to par.

So, next time you're tempted to just crack open a window, remember that a well-functioning extractor fan is your best ally in maintaining a healthy, mould-free home environment. Keep your spaces fresh, dry, and safe with the right ventilation strategy.
Check out our video for more insights:

Stay proactive, stay protected! 🌿✨













22/02/2025

🔍 Discover the Science Behind Damp Diagnosis!🔎

In this insightful video, our seasoned Building Surveyor with over 20 years of experience , takes you through the meticulous process of moisture profiling by conducting skirting board readings to diagnose damp issues in domestic dwellings.

Moisture Profiling is an extremely useful method of aiding diagnosis of where damp is coming from and why.

Each damp manifestation leaves evidence, which we can bring together to ascertain, source and direction of moisture travel.

In this Video, by taking readings at the top of the skirting board and at bottom and comparing the results we can narrow causes down. For example, in this instance, moisture levels were higher at the top lip of the skirting board, which drops at the lower face level.

This tells us that water is likley running down the wall and gathering on the top of the timber, which tends to occur with condensation related issues when water condensates on the wall and runs down.

🏠 About RBBA Ltd: With a focus on professionalism and scientific accuracy, RBBA Ltd has been the trusted choice for damp surveys for over a decade. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart in the industry.

📈 Join Us on Our Journey: Follow along as we share valuable insights and practical tips on managing damp conditions in your property. Don't forget to like, comment, and share this video with anyone who might benefit from our expertise!

16/02/2025

Dry Rot on window sill on a survey today.

It is really important not to jump to conclusions on damage and extremely important to know exactly what you are looking at.

In this instance, it would be very easy to say the window is leaking, somehow, and you may well be right, but by indentifying the damage as dry rot, we have to take into consideration that dry rot AKA Serpula Lacrymans, can germinate huge distances away from the water source and so in this instance, teh obviouls might not be the answer.

Had we not been able to identify the rot correctly, we may cause unnecessary damage to the property.












Address

Londonderry
BT480NA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when RBBA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category