Expert Damp and Timber Specialists
Your Property's Health is Our Priority
At UK Damp Surveyors, we understand that your home is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s your sanctuary. Damp problems can threaten not only the structure of your property but also your peace of mind. With 15 years of experience working in the building sector, our team specialises in all aspects of damp diagnosis and treatment. We’ve created UK Damp Surveys as a speedy solution for homeowners and estate agents, particularly those in the process of buying or selling properties. Our team of qualified surveyors provides comprehensive damp and timber surveys throughout the UK, delivering accurate assessments and practical solutions.
We’ve built our reputation on thorough knowledge of building structures and moisture-related issues. Our expertise spans across numerous property care disciplines including damp proofing, basement conversions, condensation control, structural repairs and much more. This breadth of knowledge allows us to identify not just the symptoms of damp but the true underlying causes.
Professional Damp and Timber Reports
What is a Damp and Timber Report?
A damp and timber report involves a thorough examination of your property to identify any moisture issues or timber problems that might be present. Our surveyors check for signs of rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation, woodworm infestations, dry rot and wet rot.
These reports are often requested as part of the home buying process, with mortgage lenders and building surveyors frequently recommending them to ensure the property is structurally sound. As members of the Property Care Association (PCA), our reports are accepted by all major banks and building societies.
What Our Survey Includes
Our comprehensive damp and timber surveys examine every aspect of your property:
External Assessment
We carefully inspect the exterior of your property from roof to ground level, identifying potential defects that could lead to damp ingress or timber decay.
Damp Proof Course Evaluation
Our surveyors assess whether your property has an existing damp proof course and its condition, while also checking for high ground levels that might bridge the damp proof course.
Interior Inspection
We thoroughly examine interior walls for signs of dampness using moisture meters and thermal imaging when needed. Where possible, we inspect under floors and within roof spaces to check for timber problems.
Detailed Reporting
After the survey, you’ll receive a comprehensive written report outlining any issues found, with clear recommendations and, where necessary, a quotation for remedial work.
Our Comprehensive Property Care Services
Drawing on our 15 years of experience in the building sector, we’ve developed expertise across a wide range of property care services. While our damp and timber surveys form the foundation of our work, our knowledge extends to numerous related disciplines:
Damp Proofing
Our specialists identify the most appropriate damp proofing solutions for your property, whether that’s a traditional damp proof course, specialist rendering systems, or more advanced methods suited to period properties.
Basement & Cellar Conversions
We have extensive experience in converting damp, unused basement spaces into dry, habitable rooms through proper tanking and waterproofing methods that comply with building regulations.
Condensation & Mould Control
Our surveyors are experts in identifying the causes of condensation and providing effective solutions, including ventilation improvements and the application of specialist treatments like Sure Therm Anti-Condensation Paint.
Timber Treatment
From woodworm infestations to dry rot outbreaks, we understand how to diagnose and treat a wide range of timber defects that commonly affect UK properties.
Structural Repairs
Our knowledge extends to wall tie replacements, lintel repairs, and other structural issues that often accompany or result from long-term damp problems.
External Weatherproofing
We can advise on appropriate measures to protect your property from the elements, including pointing repairs, render applications, and specialist weather-resistant coatings.
Why Choose UK Damp Surveyors?
Fast Response Times
We know that damp issues can be worrying, particularly when you’re in the process of buying a property. That’s why we offer surveys within 2 days of your enquiry throughout the UK. Our quick response means you can move forward with property purchases or address existing problems without unnecessary delays.
Qualified Expertise
All our surveyors are fully qualified and PCA-accredited with years of experience in diagnosing damp and timber problems. We don’t just identify symptoms—we find the root cause of your damp issues, drawing on our deep understanding of building pathology and moisture movement.
Clear, Jargon-Free Reports
We explain our findings in plain, straightforward British English. No unnecessary technical terms or confusing language—just honest assessments and practical solutions that anyone can understand and implement.
Independent Advice
As an independent company, we provide unbiased recommendations. If your property doesn’t need treatment, we’ll tell you so. We focus on what’s genuinely needed, not on selling unnecessary services or products. Our goal is to solve your damp problems permanently, not to create ongoing dependencies.
How Our Service Works
Unlike many companies that offer quick, superficial assessments, our service involves a thorough investigation process developed over our 15 years in the industry. We’ve refined our approach to ensure nothing is missed and that you receive genuinely useful guidance:
External Property Assessment
We begin with a detailed examination of your property’s exterior, as many damp issues originate from external defects. Our surveyors check your roof, guttering, pointing, rendering, and ground levels—all crucial factors that affect how moisture interacts with your building.
Comprehensive Internal Survey
Our internal inspection goes well beyond simply using a moisture meter. We employ advanced techniques including thermal imaging cameras and detailed moisture mapping to create a complete picture of moisture distribution throughout your property. This thorough approach allows us to identify the true source of problems rather than just detecting their effects.
In-depth Analysis
Rather than jumping to conclusions, we analyse all the data collected during the survey to develop a comprehensive understanding of how moisture is affecting your property. This might involve checking ventilation rates, examining the property’s construction type, and considering your heating patterns and lifestyle factors.
Clear, Actionable Reporting
Within 2-5 working days of your survey, you’ll receive a detailed report written in plain English. This document includes our findings, photographic evidence, thermal images where relevant, and most importantly, practical recommendations for addressing any issues identified. For property purchases, our reports meet the requirements of mortgage lenders and building societies.
Ongoing Support
Unlike some companies who disappear once they’ve delivered their report, we remain available to answer questions and provide clarification about our findings. We want you to fully understand the issues affecting your property and the reasoning behind our recommendations.
Common Damp Problems We Identify and Resolve
Our comprehensive surveys identify a wide range of moisture-related issues that affect UK properties. With our thermal imaging technology and moisture mapping techniques, we can pinpoint problems that other surveyors might miss. Here are some of the common issues we regularly diagnose:
Rising Damp
Despite some controversy in the industry, genuine rising damp does occur in certain circumstances when moisture from the ground rises through walls by capillary action. Signs include damaged plaster, peeling wallpaper or paint, and a characteristic tide mark on affected walls. Our surveyors are trained to distinguish true rising damp from other issues that mimic its appearance, ensuring you receive appropriate treatment recommendations rather than unnecessary chemical damp proofing.
Penetrating Damp
This occurs when water penetrates through walls from the outside, often due to building defects such as damaged guttering, cracked rendering, or defective pointing. It typically appears as damp patches on walls that worsen during rainy weather and may be accompanied by salt deposits or mould growth. Our detailed external and internal inspections identify the specific entry points so that repairs can target the exact cause rather than merely treating symptoms.
Condensation
The most common form of dampness in UK homes, condensation results from everyday activities like cooking and bathing combined with inadequate ventilation. It manifests as water droplets on windows, black mould growth on walls and ceilings, and a persistent musty smell. Our surveyors assess your property's ventilation systems, insulation levels, and heating patterns to provide tailored solutions that might include improved extraction systems or specialist anti-condensation treatments.
Basement and Cellar Dampness
Basements are particularly vulnerable to water ingress due to their below-ground location. We specialise in identifying the various ways moisture can enter these spaces, whether through walls, floors, or junctions. Our recommendations might include appropriate tanking systems, cavity drain membranes, or sump pump installations depending on the specific circumstances of your property.
Timber Decay and Infestation
We also identify timber problems like woodworm infestations and dry or wet rot, which can seriously compromise the structural integrity of your property if left untreated. Our thorough inspections include lifting floorboards where necessary to examine hidden joists and checking roof spaces for signs of decay or beetle activity. The early identification of these issues can save thousands of pounds in eventual repair costs.
This is How We Can Help
Our expert damp and timber survey provides you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about your property. Over the past 15 years, we’ve developed UK Damp Surveys as a solution specifically designed for homeowners and estate agents who need reliable, fast results—especially those in the process of buying or selling properties.
Whether you’re a homebuyer needing a mortgage-compliant report, a homeowner addressing existing issues, or a landlord ensuring your property is well-maintained, our detailed assessment gives you clarity and peace of mind. Our comprehensive approach covers all aspects of damp and timber problems, from the common to the complex.
We don’t just diagnose problems—we offer practical solutions tailored to your specific situation, your property type, and your budget. Our recommendations draw on our extensive experience across numerous property care disciplines, including:
Damp proofing systems appropriate to your building's age and construction
Basement and cellar waterproofing solutions, from tanking to cavity drainage
Condensation management through ventilation improvements or specialist coatings like Sure Therm Anti-Condensation Paint
Timber treatments for all types of wood-boring insects and fungal decay
Structural repairs including wall tie replacements and lintel reinforcements
External weatherproofing to prevent future problems
With our wealth of practical knowledge, we provide solutions that address the root causes of damp problems rather than just masking the symptoms. This approach ensures long-lasting results and protects your property investment for years to come.