Rising damp has been in the news over the past few years, highlighted because of its prevalence in the UK.  Thanks to the UK’s wet climate, problems with damp have always been an issue for homeowners and business owners alike.  Fortunately, damp problems can generally be treated quickly and easily, and getting your premises surveyed is a simple process.   Many people are recruiting the professional services of a damp specialist in order to check if their property is sound, and taking necessary steps to prevent the spread of damp.

Damp Specialist for Businesses

Perhaps the biggest reason that damp experts are being recruited by businesses is due to their location.  Most businesses and restaurants are situated on the ground floor.  Since it is the ground floors of buildings that are affected by damp, this means they have to be particularly careful in regards to damp problems.  Many town and city centre restaurants can find themselves in older buildings.  If the business owns the building they reside in, they are responsible for upkeep and maintenance.  If they suspect that there might be a problem with any sort of damp, they should have the building surveyed.  This is where professional damp specialists like Richardson & Starling can help.

Expert Advice When You Need It

Many times a survey from damp control professionals will be free, and can confirm any suspicions you may have about your damp problems. If left unchecked, damp within a property can spread and cause serious problems that can cost thousands to repair.  That is why a quick survey and advice can save you money in the long run and give you an idea of how serious your damp problem is.

Things to Look For

• Perhaps the most common sign of rising damp is tide marks visible on the interior walls. These are caused by damp creeping up the inside of the walls.
• Look out for damp or wet patches on the wall as well, as this is a strong sign that you have a rising damp problem.
• Look out for salt deposits in the plaster and wallpaper. Moisture rises up through the ground and as it travels through the wall it caries salts with it.  These get deposited in the wall and attract further moisture, furthering the problem.

• Peeling wallpaper is usually a sign that you could have a rising damp problem, or a condensation problem.
• Damp and musty smells are quite distinct, and even if you cannot see any signs of damp in your property, you will usually smell it first.
• Black mould appearing on the lower sections of the walls in the property is again a strong indication that you could have a damp or condensation problem.
• Rusting metal components in the property is a sign that they have seen prolonged exposure to moisture and this is another indicator that you have a damp problem.

Although this checklist is a good start for finding out if you have problems with damp, it is merely a starting point.  If you think you have a damp problem in your home, a damp specialist is a must to find out the true extent of the issue.