Damp and timber survey
A damp and timber survey investigates the cause of damp, mould or timber decay in a property, which matters before buying a home, before renovation work, or whenever damp shows up and you need to know what’s actually causing it.
This guide covers the rules in England. See Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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The main types of damp
- Rising damp: groundwater drawn up through walls, less common than often assumed and sometimes over-diagnosed
- Penetrating damp: water getting in from outside through defects such as cracked render, leaking gutters or bridged cavities
- Condensation: by far the most common cause, from poor ventilation and moisture-generating activities inside the home
Why an independent survey matters
A surveyor who also sells remedial treatments has an incentive to recommend work. Many buyers now choose an independent damp surveyor with no link to a treatment company, who diagnoses the cause without pushing a particular fix.
In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
This guide describes the rules in England. Building regulations are devolved, so here is how damp and timber survey works in the rest of the UK.
The same causes, diagnosis methods and PCA-recognised qualifications apply across Wales.
The same causes and diagnosis methods apply in Scotland; older stone-built properties often need particular care in diagnosis.
The same causes, diagnosis methods and qualifications apply in Northern Ireland.
Common questions
Is rising damp common?
Less than the industry historically suggested. Many problems blamed on rising damp turn out to be condensation or penetrating damp instead, so a proper diagnosis matters.
Does my mortgage lender need a damp survey?
If a RICS homebuyer or building survey flags a damp or timber concern, the lender may ask for a specialist report before completing the mortgage.
How much does treatment cost?
It depends entirely on the cause and extent of the problem. Get the diagnosis first from an independent surveyor before agreeing to any treatment quote.
What does a timber survey check for?
Wood-boring insect damage and fungal decay such as dry rot or wet rot, which often go hand in hand with damp problems in older timber.
New to the jargon? See our glossary of terms, from air permeability to TrustMark.