Damp & Condensation Specialists

At Cornerstone, we are trusted damp and condensation specialists who undertake damp surveys for a range of clients. This includes private homeowners, landlords and tenants all looking for credible reports on the likely cause of the problem. We always identify and report on the facts on likely causes of damp, condensation and mould.

Our condensation specialists approach is a detailed assessment of the structure. This is combined with an all-encompassing assessment of internal moisture generation and ventilation measures. Using these two factors, our experts are able to get a range of information about the causes and therefore the correct treatment for damp and condensation.

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Mould Damage

Not all damp in structures is caused by building faults like rising damp, penetrating damp, plumbing leaks and water ingress. General household activities – such as drying clothes, cooking, bathing and breathing – can also introduce high levels of moisture into the property. When conditions are suitable, condensation begins to develop resulting in damp surfaces. There are many health risks associated with mould, click here to learn more.

For moulds to grow and reproduce they need a food source. These can be wallpapers, plasterboard, paint, some carpets, adhesives, wood fabrics and other organic materials.

Mould on tiled areas is not feeding on the tiles. It feeds on the biofilm residue from close proximity to things like soap and washing.

Moulds can begin to germinate between 4 and 12 hours. However, after germination, it takes time for the mould to develop, create spores and colonise. This can be 1-2 days for some moulds. It can be longer for others whereby 2-3 and 8-12 days can be attributed depending on the type. Mould doesn’t actually need to grow in the dark, it’s just that such places have been attributed with damp conditions, such as behind wardrobes.

Causes of damp and condensation

There are many causes of condensation and dampness in your home, however, the main cause is due to a lack of adequate air ventilation. Modern-day housing will often include increased insulation, draught excluders and double glazing, which have the unintended consequence of sealing in damp air. This allows the damp and condensation to sit and fester, creating a musty, mildewy and unhealthy environment.

Some other causes of damp within your home are:

Leaking pipes
Rising damp in basements or ground floors
Rain seeping in from the roof or around window frames
Faulty double glazing
Lingering moisture in the kitchen or bathroom

If your property is suffering from damp or condensation, get in touch with our damp and condensation specialists today.

Speed & Urgency

Our aim is to get your property back to a pre-incident condition as soon as possible. We give our customers accurate timescales on how long the entire process will take.

Minimising disruption

Our damp and condensation specialists will do everything in our power to limit the disruption and impact to the occupants’ lives and routines.

Secondary damage prevention

Our technicians will do everything they can to limit secondary damage to your home. In the case of a property suffering from damp after a fire has been put out, the damp and the soot particles can affect your property and personal effects.

Looking after interests

We take appropriate actions to look after your items, we will store unaffected and specially-cleaned items off-site until the structure is ready. We will do everything in our power to minimise the loss of items such as upholstery, artwork and documents etc.

Health & Safety

Making sure that the occupants are safe is of paramount importance to us. We will make assessments on the condition of your property and will carry out appropriate actions.

Communication

Keeping open lines of communication is key to our restoration process. We have dedicated claims managers that will update our customers at every step of the restoration process. From initial assessments to completion, you will always be in the loop.

Developing Mould

The effects of damp and mould on humans varies greatly. It can be understood by how quickly each of us would get sunburn when exposed to the sun. However, occupants with reduced immune systems can suffer colds, flu-like symptoms and viruses as a result. The effect on humans can depend upon the amount of mould present. The type, the pathway to the person, how long they have been exposed and how sensitive the person also has an effect. It is equally important to understand what is causing the damp and how to effectively remove the mould. If you are witnessing damp walls, damp ceilings or damp floors, call us now to request a detailed survey to understand the real cause behind the damp and mould outbreaks and how it can be effectively eradicated.