Frequently Asked Questions on Damp Issues
If you have any concerns or questions regarding Damp Surveys for your property these commonly asked questions and answers may help. If you require further assistance please do not hesitate to get in touch.
All of our surveyors use the latest damp surveying equipment ranging from the Flir E60 BX and the Flir E54 which are top of the range thermal imaging cameras.
They also use telescopic ladders and camera extension poles so they can gather as much information as possible from all areas of the property.
The length of a damp survey is very much dependent on the surveyors findings and the size of the property.
For example if the surveyor is only assessing a lounge and a kitchen it should take anywhere between one hour and one and a half, however, if it is a 4 bedroom house it could be anywhere between two to four hours.
Our damp surveyors cover Greater London and the South of England with specialist damp survey offices in Uxbridge, Fareham, Dorset, Exeter, Bristol and Worcester. We cover all of the listed areas and surrounding areas.
As we are specialist independent damp surveyors, we do not work in conjunction with contractors, or builders, therefore we do not undertake the remedial works, but do list the specific works needed in the standard comprehensive report.
This makes us unique in the way that we offer an unbiased, honest and realistic report as we have no financial gain from any remedial work conducted following the outcome of our findings
After every single damp or mould survey that we conduct here at Alpine Surveys, within 4-6 working days you’ll receive an in-depth and detailed report explaining all of our surveyors findings and a list of recommendations for the rectification works
If you have mould, condensation, black spots or damp wet patches on your internal or external walls it is very likely that you have a damp issue and should get it checked out by a qualified damp surveyor
According to the NHS website some people are more sensitive than others, including:
babies and children
elderly people
those with existing skin problems, such as eczema
those with respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma
those with a weakened immune system, such as those having chemotherapy
Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash.
Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.
An independent professional damp survey will assess the cause of the damp and provide you with a detailed report by the building surveyor on how to remedy the damp and condensation in your home.
However, we always advised against using a building contractor to assess your damp problem or pot for a free damp survey.
More often than not, building contractors are not damp specialists and can in some cases make the issue considerably worse in the long term as well as wasting time and money.
We guarantee our reports will resolve your damp issues, providing that you follow the advice provided in the report and any work advised to remedy the damp problem is completed by a reputable builder, or repairer within a reasonable timeframe following our report.
See our damp guarantee for more information
The cost of a damp survey varies depending on the size of the property and how many rooms need to be surveyed.
Here at Alpine Surveys, we have pricing structures based on a single room right through to a full house survey, however, rest assured our prices are very competitive and reflect the quality and professionalism of our surveyors
HEALTH RISK
Potential Allergens Such As Pollen, Mould Spores And Dust Mite Are Commonplace In The Daily Environment And Are Found Both Inside And Outside The Home.
Although most individuals are exposed to these allergens on a regular basis with little impact on health, regular exposure to some allergens, particularly indoor moulds can cause severe health problems, especially when present in large quantities.
Fungi, or moulds, are an abundant group of micro-organisms that play a crucial role in the degradation process of organic matter and organisms in the environment. Approximately one quarter of the Earth’s biomass is made up of fungi and approximately 100,000 species of fungi have been identified.1 Although moulds are fully functional in the outside environment, they can potentially pose a significant threat to health when transferred into the home.
How Do Household Moulds Cause Health Problems?
Not all household moulds cause health problems. However, some mould spores contain allergens, irritants and produce toxins which can cause health problems, especially when ingested or inhaled deep into the respiratory tract.
What Health Problems Are Related To Household Moulds?
Evidence to support a relationship between the presence of household mould or damp and an increase in the incidence of health problems such as fungal infections, respiratory illness, asthma and allergies is heavily documented.
Individuals with impaired immune functions such as the elderly, young children, cancer and HIV patients and patients who have received transplant organs are particularly susceptible to health problems caused by mould. As more and more of these patients are treated and rehabilitated in the home, it is increasingly important to ensure that secondary illnesses, such as those caused by mould exposure are prevented in these individuals.
Respiratory Tract Disorders
Scientific studies have found that more than 80 species of fungi have been associated with respiratory tract disorders, where breathing in mould can cause bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis and recurrent respiratory infections.
Children, especially pre-school children exposed to mould have a significant increase in the risk of persistent cough and show significantly more episodes of common cold than children who are not exposed to mould.9 In addition, children living in damp homes display a 20-25% increase in upper respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties.
Studies have shown that adults living in damp homes or homes with high levels of mould report an increased incidence of respiratory infections and symptoms such as rhinitis, sore throat, cough and common cold.
A strong correlation between high levels of mould in the home and the incidence of a Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) diagnosis e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis, croup or bronchiolitis in the first year of a child’s life has been reported. Airborne Penicillium was shown to be significantly associated with lower respiratory infection with children aged 12 months and under.
Scientific evidence has shown that asthma is more prevalent among adults living in damp homes and that asthma is three times more common in adults with mould allergy.
Allergic Rhinitis
Fungal spores are generally recognised as important causes of respiratory allergies in both the lower and upper respiratory tracts, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. The household moulds Penicillium and Aspergillus are more closely associated with allergic symptoms and allergic sensation than the common outdoor moulds.
Research has shown that while asthma, allergies and respiratory problems are all significantly associated with indoor exposure to fungal spores, Penicillium is a risk factor for asthma and Aspergillus is a risk factor for atopy.
A study has established a link between incidence of allergies in atopic individuals and the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus commonly found in the soil of potted plants in the home.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections such as Aspergillosis and Candidosis are caused by opportunistic fungi which enter the body via open wounds, or grow on the body surface, e.g. feet, skin, hair and nails. Fungal infections are highly contagious and are easily spread by direct contact.
Individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to fungal infections, where the infection can reach internal organs and become potentially life threatening.
Several studies have shown that the removal of visible mould or removal of people from exposure to mould significantly reduces or ceases the symptoms of these health problems.
As such, mould must be effectively eradicated from the home, as well as prevented from entering the home in order to prevent and reduce illness.
This information was gained from the Hygiene Council website.