Data logger analysis
Data loggers are a primary tool for identifying root causes of damp & remedial action. Download excel files to analyse data.
damp
Damp, in the context of a survey, is a term that has come to mean unwanted, or free moisture effecting the fabric of a property.
Water brings life. We need it. Unfortunately, fungus and insects also thrive in water. While a damp wall can cause decoration to spoil, it is not the moisture, but the life it brings that causes the greatest concern in the home environment.
The frequency of diagnose damp issues in February ’21, London:
| Source | Symptom | %’age |
| Groundwater | Rising damp | 0% |
| Rain | Penetrating damp | 42% |
| Mains / waste water | Leaks | 12% |
| Vapour | Condensation & mould | 77% |
| Hygroscopic salts | 15% |
Clearly many properties have more than one symptom and source of moisture. Most, but not all properties with hygroscopic salts also suffered from condensation.
Hart v Large: legal case
Hart V Large Court, sad for everyone. Award £750K + £15K distress + costs for £1.2M Devon clifftop cottage. Surveyor lost £389K on fee of £600
Datalogger examples
Data logger examples, collected from various buildings suffering from damp, mould, leaks, condensation, penetrating damp and with no issues.
Damp survey tools
Rising damp risk assessment tool, Leak test using mains water meter, Laser thermometer, Anemometer, Protimeter damp meter, Carbon dioxide datalogger, Humidity datalogger, Monopole camera extender, Metal detector, Infra-red camera, Agar gel, Nitrate tester, Kettle, “It’s not the tools that you have faith in – tools are just tools. They work, or they don’t work. It’s people you have faith …
Damp survey
RICS nor PCA teach surveyors to test damp; holistically, using a root cause approach, based on evidence, against British Geological Survey
Hygroscopic salts
Know you hygroscopic salts from rising damp, leak, penetrating damp or standard condensation. You’ll start find hygroscopic salts everywhere.
Damp cases Feb ’21 London
Damp survey cases; London Feb ’21. Rising damp 0%, Rain 42%, Mains leak 12%, Vapour 77%, Hygroscopic salts 15%, Failed damp-proofing 70%
Posts
XFailed chemical damp proofing treatment XDataloggers XCost of running extractor fans XWhy is my wall damp? XDiagnosing rising damp XSurvey preparation XDecking XSub-floor XSockets XCalcium sulphate XActive woodworm XCalcium sulphate XActive woodworm XDamp meters XProtimeter XUnderstanding salts XUnderstanding rot XVapour is the most common cause of dampness XLeaks XInsurance claims XInterstitial condensation XLaser thermometer XHeat …
Why is my wall damp?
What causes dampness & what can I do to stop damp? Determine what source(s) of water could be in contact. Rainwater, Mains or wastewater leak, Groundwater, Vapour – condensation the most common cause of damp. Top 10 tips for finding and stopping damp Log humidity over a week. Check that ventilation is sufficient. Look for …