Surveying Damp Limited

15/06/2026

The homeowner's first thought was that defective gutters were causing the staining on this wall. However, the gutters were found to be clear and functioning correctly, so attention turned indoors instead.

Elevated humidity levels were recorded within the bathroom. The extractor fan had reportedly not been working for several weeks, and the room heater was rarely used. Together, these factors were allowing moisture to build up, resulting in condensation forming on colder surfaces and leaving visible water trail marks down the wall.

It's a good reminder that damp problems aren't always what they first appear to be. The visible symptoms may look the same, but the underlying cause can be something completely different.

If you need help understanding damp, condensation or mould issues within your property, we'd be happy to help.

Based in Salisbury | Serving homeowners, tenants & agents across Wiltshire, Dorset & Hampshire.

www.surveyingdamp.co.uk
[email protected]

03/06/2026

After a spell of warm, dry weather, the recent heavy rain has been a reminder that many moisture-related defects only become apparent when they're properly tested.

Leaks, overflowing gutters, defective pointing and other external defects can often go unnoticed until periods of sustained rainfall.
If you've recently noticed damp patches, staining, musty smells or mould growth appearing, it's worth investigating the cause before committing to remedial works.

Understanding where the moisture is coming from is often the most important step in ensuring any money spent on repairs is both necessary and effective.

If you need help or advice regarding damp, condensation or mould within your property, please feel free to get in touch.

Based in Salisbury | Serving homeowners, tenants & agents across Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire.

[email protected]

We conduct independent damp and condensation surveys throughout Dorset and Wiltshire, assisting homeowners in identifying moisture issues with clear reporting and professional, unbiased advice.

28/05/2026

Recently attended a property where others had recorded high moisture readings on an internal wall separating a lounge and kitchen. The client wanted another survey done before proceeding with the advised remedial works, so they asked us to attend.

On inspection, we noticed the kitchen plinth had been removed, allowing us to take a quick look beneath the units. There, we noted an active leak dripping from the dishwasher directly onto the solid floor below.

A puddle of water had been accumulating beneath the kitchen units and affecting the adjoining internal wall finishes, resulting in the elevated readings to both sides of the wall, who knows for how long.

It’s not normally this straightforward, but it’s another good example of why damp issues should always be properly investigated before jumping straight into remedial damp works.

Identifying the source of moisture is more important than simply making good the visible damage.

If you need a second opinion before proceeding with damp works, feel free to get in touch.

Based in Salisbury | Serving homeowners, tenants & agents across Wiltshire, Dorset & Hampshire.

www.surveyingdamp.co.uk
[email protected]

19/05/2026

Do you know whether your cooker hood actually extracts outside?

When inspecting kitchens during damp surveys many people are not aware their cooker hood may simply be recirculating air back into the room rather than extracting moisture externally.

If there’s no external ducting, the next question is usually whether the filters have ever been cleaned or replaced. Dirty filters can significantly reduce what little performance the unit may already have. As a general guide, grease filters should be cleaned regularly (sometimes monthly depending on heavy use), while charcoal filters will need replacing from time to time to keep them working effectively.

On their own, details like this can seem minor. But damp, condensation and mould issues are often caused by a combination of small defects and environmental factors rather than one single issue. Being thorough during a survey helps build a much clearer picture of what may actually be contributing to the problem.

If you need help or advice with your property, please get in touch.

Based in Salisbury | Serving homeowners, tenants & agents across Wiltshire and Dorset.

www.surveyingdamp.co.uk
[email protected]

06/05/2026

With the weather improving, now is a great time to get those external maintenance jobs sorted before bigger issues develop.

In this case, a missing gutter stop end has allowed water to run onto the brickwork, causing visible damage at high level. Small defects like this are often overlooked through winter but can lead to much larger damp problems over time if left unresolved.

A lot of damp issues can be avoided simply through regular maintenance and early repairs.

If you need help or advice with your property, please feel free to get in touch.

Based in Salisbury | Serving homeowners, tenants & agents across Wiltshire and Dorset.

🌐 www.surveyingdamp.co.uk
📧 [email protected]

28/04/2026

Yesterday I had an interesting conversation with an estate agent about free damp surveys and the reports they often see attached to them.

One question I asked was whether they ever receive a damp report that doesn’t include a large quotation for remedial works. In many cases, the inspection and the proposed treatment form part of the same process, which can make it difficult to judge whether the extent of work suggested is actually necessary.

It also raises a simple question — if a survey is free, how is the time spent carrying it out recovered?

For landlords in particular, a free survey can seem like a way of saving money upfront, but it can lead to being presented with a significant schedule of works without a clear basis for understanding whether all of it is actually required.

There are also many inspections being carried out by people who are not independent surveyors, so it is not always clear how objective the advice being provided is. In some cases, a “free survey” may simply form part of the quotation process for remedial work, and it is worth understanding whether the inspection is being carried out independently or by commission-based contractors.

When a survey is paid for, there is an exchange of money which forms a Law of Contract (an offer and an acceptance), creating a legally binding agreement between two parties. This means the surveyor has a clear obligation to provide a professional service to the client who has instructed them.

As with most things in life, you tend to get what you pay for. What appears to be a saving upfront doesn’t always lead to the most cost-effective outcome later.

Understanding that difference can help avoid unnecessary treatments and gives confidence that the right solution is being followed from the start.

Based in Salisbury | Serving landlords, tenants & agents across Wilshire and Dorset.

www.surveyingdamp.co.uk | [email protected]

Have a damp problem or need an unbiased report? Contact us today. We’ll send a booking form to arrange a survey without delay

22/04/2026

When ground levels creep up, damp can creep in

On this survey, external ground levels and organic debris had gradually built up against the base of the bay wall over time. It’s often subtle and goes unnoticed until damp-related issues start appearing internally. The condition of the brickwork at low level suggests this has developed over time rather than being a recent issue.

Addressing external factors like this should always be the first step before considering internal interventions. As a general rule, external ground levels should be kept at least 150 mm below the damp proof course to help the wall perform as intended.

A revisit is planned once the ground levels have been lowered to allow inspection of the subfloor timbers and ventilation, as the raised levels here may also be restricting airflow beneath the suspended floor. This is important, as reduced subfloor ventilation over time can lead to increased moisture levels and timber defects such as rot or insect attack.

The client was pleased to have a clearer understanding of the cause of the damp and the steps needed to address it properly.

If you’re experiencing damp issues and would like an assessment, please feel free to get in touch.

Based in Salisbury | Serving landlords, tenants & agents across Wilshire and Dorset.

www.surveyingdamp.co.uk | [email protected]

15/04/2026

Independent damp surveyor or damp contractor… what’s the difference?

It’s something people often ask when arranging a damp inspection.
The Property Care Association actually recognises these as two different specialist roles: a Surveying and Contracting Company or an Independent Surveyor.

A damp contractor will normally inspect with the intention of recommending repairs that they can carry out themselves. That works well where the cause of the issue is already fairly clear, and a quotation is needed.

An independent damp surveyor works slightly differently. The purpose of the visit is to first diagnose what is happening in the building. The survey itself is the service, separate from any repair work that may follow.

Both roles are important and, believe it or not, can be beneficial when working together. An independent survey can help identify the cause first, giving clients confidence that any contractor they use is quoting for the work that is actually needed.

There have even been instances where clients have asked for areas previously treated by a damp contracting company to be reviewed, where they believe there may still be faults. An independent survey can provide further advice as a third-party opinion in situations like this, particularly where clients would prefer an assessment over another quotation for additional work.

Choosing the right type of damp inspection at the start can make a real difference.

If you think an independent survey would help identify the cause of damp issues in your home and give you confidence in any repairs that follow, please get in touch.

Based in Salisbury | Serving landlords, tenants & agents across Wiltshire and Dorset.

www.surveyingdamp.co.uk | [email protected]

07/04/2026

Regular maintenance of rainwater goods really matters. A blocked or poorly detailed gutter can allow water to sit, overflow or track into places it shouldn't. Internally, that often shows up as staining or damp readings which are usually easily avoidable.

The tricky part is that issues like this can look minor from ground level. That is why routine maintenance of rainwater goods is so important.

As the Scouts say, “Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.” The Army version even adds a few extra P’s for good measure.

If you’d like a second opinion on damp concerns in your home, get in touch today.

Based in Salisbury | Serving landlords, tenants & agents across Wilshire and Dorset.
www.surveyingdamp.co.uk | [email protected]