Field of expertise
Damp assessment
Telling condensation, rising damp and infiltration apart in order to treat the cause, not just the marks.
The problem
Damp is the most common defect in housing and the one most often treated badly. Repainting a stained wall or applying an anti-mould coating only masks a phenomenon that will return for as long as its cause remains unidentified.
Three main mechanisms occur, sometimes together: condensation caused by inadequate ventilation, rising damp in older masonry without a damp-proof course, and infiltration from outside.
Poorly considered energy retrofits regularly make matters worse: making a dwelling very airtight without adapting ventilation concentrates everyday water vapour on the cold points of the envelope.
Beyond the deterioration of the building fabric, damp affects indoor air quality and occupant comfort, which justifies a rigorous diagnosis rather than a surface treatment.
Warning signs
- Mould in corners and behind furniture: it marks poorly ventilated cold spots and generally indicates a condensation problem.
- Salts and crumbling plaster low on walls: a horizontal band at a constant height suggests rising damp.
- Permanently misted glazing: daily condensation reveals insufficient air change.
- A persistent musty smell: it often precedes visible marks, particularly in cellars and basements.
- Lifting wallpaper or swollen skirtings: these defects indicate lasting moisture in the substrate rather than a one-off incident.
Our assessment method
Survey and readings
We record temperatures, relative humidity and moisture content of materials room by room, taking account of how the dwelling is actually used.
Analysis of causes
Examining ventilation, insulation, façades, services and the nature of the masonry allows the mechanisms at work to be ranked.
Characterising the defect
We establish what relates to the building, to its maintenance or to its occupation — an essential distinction in any discussion between landlord and tenant.
Report and recommendations
The report proposes suitable measures in the right order: treat the cause first, then make good the affected surfaces.
In which setting
An amicable assessment brings objectivity to an often tense situation, particularly between landlord and tenant, or between buyer and seller after a sale.
In a judicial setting, the report of a sworn expert provides a reasoned technical analysis of causes and responsibilities that lawyers and courts can rely on.
Unsure about your building?
Tell us about your situation: we will set out the most appropriate scope of work and arrange the visit as promptly as possible.