Identifying Damp Issues
Sometimes, it can be difficult to ascertain the current status of a building. Unfortunately this is something you really need to be aware of if you’re planning to invest in a new home. With the help of a home buyer report you can find out a great deal more about the condition of a property though.
As experienced surveyors, we have to know what we’re looking out for when compiling home buyer reports. In terms of damp, there are several things to look for when seeking potential problems. Depending on the root cause of the condition, numerous signs of damp are often accompanied by a musty smell.
Crumbling brickwork is a characteristic of damp bricks that are starting to deteriorate. This can come as the result using unsuitable, impermeable and hard mortar. As a result the moisture in the walls has to escape through the bricks because they are softer. Bricks are also able to become damp thanks to down-pipes and leaking gutters that don’t divert the water away from the wall’s surface.
Black spot mould is caused via condensation and commonly shows up in corners and behind furniture within unheated and badly ventilated areas. While it isn’t nice to look at, it’s typically a surface mould that does no structural damage. Staining found on the ceiling is often associated with a leaking chimney flashing or roof. In addition, other causes of roof stains include faulty water storage tanks that are found within the loft space.
At Patterson Francis Associates, we are aware of every nook and cranny where damp may make its home. When we conduct an inspection prior to delivering a home buyer report we look into every accessible area of the building and check damp proofing where possible. This gives our clients the information they need to decide whether they want to proceed with a purchase and if they want to renegotiate on price.
We recommend one for every customer intending to purchase a property, particularly if it’s an old structure. If you are interested in our services and would like further information, please do get in touch. You can come to us with complete confidence; we are fully qualified to provide a detailed home buyer report for properties throughout Slough.
