UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi there

I have just moved into a house (built around 1930's) and had a full survey done prior to completion. There are no visible signs of damp however the following was mentioned on the report...

"Whilst no visual deterioration was noted to decorative finishes, high meter readings were recorded in both the front and rear reception rooms which would suggest a problem with damp."

There is no natural ventilation to the rear room, maybe this has something to do with it?

My question is do I instigate this further with a damp specialist firm, or just wait to see if any signs occur in the near future? Perhaps high meter readings are normal for older properties?

Also, 10 years ago, a damp proof cause was installed with a 30 year guarantee against rising damp only. If i make a claim with them, and the problem is not rising damp, they will charge me a fee! perhaps for wasting their time.

Any help would be appreciated.

Hello X

1930s.  Does that mean suspended wooden floors?  I've bought houses with the old "high meter readings" verbage and there have been no problems.  I think it's something surveyors say with old houses to give you no way of seeking compensation from them for your maintenance issues.

Older houses, built properly, have materials which are perfectly suitable to (moderately) higher levels of moisture without creating problems.

But if you have no ventialtion and suspended wooden floors, then you have something you need to investigate / rectify.  The whole underfloor must get a good ariflow.

And if you've got wooden windows, what state are they in?  If the cills aren't weather proof, they can allow water penetration into the brickwork underneath.

Have you got peble-dash?  That can ruin brick's ability to absorb and evaporate moisture, trapping in teh moisture that was present when the concrete coat was applied.

I'd talk to your known and trusted builder before a damp company.  I think you'd get more balanced advice from them.  Most damp issues are solved by building works, not chemical injection works.

Hi Jeremy

Some good points. I agree with your comments about some surveyors just covering their backs. I have spoken to a few professionals since this post and have come to the conclusion that the high meter readings could be a number of things. The property has been empty for a few weeks so this alone could explain it. After all there is no visible signs of any type of damp or condensation, not even a smell!

I am now running the central heating on a timed basis to warm the house up, and will look out for any signs of damp, but until then, this may not be a problem at all.

Hi X,

Cool.  Hope this turns out well for you.