Damp & Mould Report

Extensive Mould & Damp Reports

A damp report is an investigation carried out by a professional damp specialist on a property to assess the origins, risks and restoration methods associated with a case of damp, condensation or mould.

Following a reported defect or unknown cause of a damp, condensation and mould outbreak, our process is to undertake a uniform step-by-step survey with a focus on all possible attributes aligned to the problem.

The systematic examination in accordance with a logic-based reporting protocol is designed to establish its structural condition at the time of the survey that may give rise to the reported issue and be upheld with a number of supporting outcomes.

Did You Know?

Drying clothes can produce between 4.0 – 5.0 litres of moisture, whereas washing and bathing can produce 0.4 – 0.5 litres of moisture.

What checks and investigations are involved in our damp report?

Atmospheric Conditions

Environmental conditions will be recorded both internally and externally to aid the survey outcome. This enables Cornerstone to understand the balance between the exterior and interior in terms of vapour pressure and hence the amount of moisture in the air at the time in line with the appropriate British Standard.

Moisture Profiling

A Moisture Profile through the property, not only the reported defect area, will serve to aid understanding the current condition of the structure and if it is contributing to the reported issue. For example, a dry structure that is showing condensation on the walls, may be due to atmospheric conditions as the structure is likely to be ruled out.

Ventilation

All existing ventilation measures are assessed for their working capability but also their understanding of being able to expel moist air effectively. This assessment will include the effectiveness in line with current Building Regulations and how best to utilise the installed extractors for optimum performance. In addition all static vents i.e. trickle vents will be assessed for their effectiveness and contribution to the environment.

Thermography

Thermal images not only serve to determine temperature differentials with a structure but moreover, will aid determining if condensation is or can occur at cooler times, i.e. during the night. This process will also aid understanding the effect contents against exterior walls can have. This survey is also used to determine cooler spots within the structure that, with colder periods of the year and hence heating on and windows closed, can lead to the outbreak of mould.

Insulation

Insulation within the fabric of the building or loft are assessed for their coverage and hence effectiveness during colder periods of the year and supports the thermal survey above.

Salts Testing

This unique process aids understanding the likely source of any damp structures. The difference between Nitrates and Chlorides can be used to support other findings above.

Gravimetric Testing

Where necessary a laboratory assessment of a small representative piece of the structure can significantly aid the understanding of the moisture (if any) in the sample that can then be aligned to a likely source.

Leak detection

This defined process incorporates a myriad of technical processes both invasive and non-invasive that can be used to pinpoint a possible source of water affecting a structure.

Reporting

This is the most important aspect of the investigation as it brings together a host of the aforementioned survey elements that, when combined, serve to conclusively indicate the root cause of a reported damp, condensation or mould problem.

Occupancy Moisture Generation

The drying of clothes if undertaken within a property, can significantly increase the internal atmospheric moisture load that, along with how often this is undertaken and the number of occupants and pets, can highlight the internal moisture load at given times and hence be aligned to the current ventilation capabilities.

Introducing Calculation Apps.

With a proven track record of undertaking credible fact based damp related surveys for a host of clients from NHBC, to social housing to private individuals all looking for a clear and concise outcome to a reported problem, Cornerstone have consolidated their knowledge base and released three new app designs.

Professional Services FAQ

Cornerstone offer a range of independent consultancy and training services bespoke for housing associations, loss adjusters, private landlords and more, but you may have some further questions to fully establish what can be done in the selected property.

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