Complete Preservation

Preserving the past, Protecting the future...


Tel: 01225 769215

Contact Us
  • Home
  • Why Choose Us
    • Accreditations
    • Testimonials
    • Our Guarantee
    • Meet The Team
  • Surveys
    • Independent Damp Survey
    • Pre Purchase Survey
    • Damp Survey
    • Woodworm Survey
    • Timber Decay Survey
    • Ventilation / Indoor Air Quality Survey
    • Structural Repair Survey
    • Lime Restoration Survey
    • Basement Waterproofing Survey
    • Thermal Imaging Survey
    • Insurance Claim Survey
    • Flood Restoration / Drying Survey
  • Damp Control
    • Rising Damp
    • Chimney Damp Issues
    • Penetrating Damp
    • Condensation / Mould
    • Basement Waterproofing
  • Timber Preservation
    • Dry Rot and Wet Rot
    • Woodworm Control
  • Structural Repairs
    • Wall Ties
    • Crack Stitching
    • Timber Resin Engineering
  • Lime Restoration
  • Case Studies
  • Blog
  • Gallery
  • Contact
 

RICS Joint Damp Methodology Investigation of moisture and it’s effects in traditional buildings

By: admin | Posted on: November 22, 2021

Damp investigations and advice will massively vary with what a client will get. This is simply because some damp investigations will not be thorough enough, and will be non invasive / non intrusive. Also it isn’t unusual to get different opinions on how to fix the issues. This is where it can get difficult especially if no data has been produced by taking plaster samples, as per BRE DIGEST 245 https://www.completepreservation.co.uk/what-is-bre-digest-245/ This then results on diagnosis confirmed just by an opinion, not by data…..If you need a damp survey that is based on opening up, data by sampling, to include drains surveys etc, please contact the office on enquiries@completepreservation.co.uk

RICS Joint Damp methodology Investigation of moisture and it’s effects in traditional buildings joint damp methodology


This image shows the latest guidance of damp surveys from historic England, Rics, spat, and the property care association
RICS JOINT DAMP METHODOLOGY, Investigation of moisture and it’s effects in traditional buildings joint damp methodology, BRE DIGEST 245, BRE DG 245

Whilst this is still the draft methodology the new methodology will be published very shortly.

Do you know the questions you need to ask prior to instructing a damp specialist surveyor? This video explains and tells you the very basics that includes the facts from the British Standards

Bridged damp proof course or a bridged dpc (it’s also known as). How to repair a bridged damp proof course is only known once an invasive damp survey has been carried out. There can be many reasons why you have damp issues when a physical damp proof course has been installed, as per the diagrams in the video

Bridging of the damp proof course, or bridging of the dpc, is such a common cause of rising damp to internal walls, and also external walls. BS 6576, and BRE DIGEST 245 is the standards that all damp surveyors should be following. As per the video you need to ask your damp surveyor some vital questions. If you donโ€™t ask these questions you might fall into the trap, and perhaps your root cause of rising damp will not be diagnosed correctly, that could result in expensive treatment and repairs. By getting the correct survey initially, it will add value long term.

1. First of all you need to make sure your damp surveyor is suitably experienced, and qualified.

2. You must ask for an invasive / intrusive survey if itโ€™s anything to do with damp at the base of the wall, and possibly bridging of the dpc, like rising damp. Non invasive surveys will simply not be good enough.

3. An averagely competent surveyor will follow the guidance in BS 6576, as per what I have spoke about in the video.

4. They will also need to follow the methodology in BRE DIGEST 245. This is basically the only quantitative methodology to confirm rising damp, by using a carbide meter / speedy meter or better still gravimetrics.

5. Make sure all of the below are eliminated as a potential cause by your damp surveyor, as per guidance in BS 6576.

1. Condensation

2. Lateral penetration associated with ground and floor level

3. Leaks from roofs gutters, and downpipes

4. Faulty drains

5. Internal plumbing leaks

6. Water penetration through external walls

7. Water penetration around windows and doors

8. Mortar droppings in the cavity

9. History of flooding

I do find that if a physical damp proof course is present and there is damp on internal walls, there is a high possibility there could be drain issues, or a possible leak.


Post navigation

Investigation of moisture and its effects in traditional buildings
How to trace a culvert

7 thoughts on “RICS Joint Damp Methodology Investigation of moisture and it’s effects in traditional buildings”

  1. Ian says:
    22nd November 2021 at 5:33 pm

    Hello Complete Preservation,

    This is the type of survey I need for my Grade 2 Listed building. Unfortunately we used a ‘damp expert’ from Swindon, that I was introduced to through the Estate Agent. An expensive survey fee, and then proceeded to recommended the dreaded usual chemical injection, plastering and a piv- fan thingy. You actually worked for my next door neighbour a couple of years ago, and resolved the drains that were causing her damp. I was wondering if you still cover Marlborough?

    Reply
  2. Julie says:
    23rd November 2021 at 10:26 am

    This video pretty much describes my house!
    Very nice to see your take on a sympathetic damp repair.
    I would be very interested in a damp investigation to find the cause.
    I would also be very interested in a repair solution like this.
    You have also been recommended to me by 3 people from North Bradley.
    Julie

    Reply
    1. admin says:
      5th January 2022 at 10:16 am

      Hi Julie, sorry for the delay in replying! always prudent to have a thorough investigation to find the root cause of the damp…. drop me an email enquiries@completepreservation.co.uk more than happy to help ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  3. Sheila says:
    24th November 2021 at 7:16 am

    What a fantastic video Complete Preservation!
    There doesnโ€™t seem to be any other damp survey specialists, offering this surveying service.
    I will contacting you next week as Iโ€™m looking for this exact service.

    Sheila

    Reply
    1. admin says:
      24th November 2021 at 12:14 pm

      Thanks Sheila ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  4. Wendy Stevens says:
    2nd January 2022 at 8:24 am

    Excellent videos Ross. I have subscribed to your YouTube channel, and hope to keep up to date with your videos.
    I canโ€™t find a damp expert that do these types of damp survey. What areas do you cover?

    Reply
    1. admin says:
      4th January 2022 at 6:44 am

      Im glad you like it Wendy ๐Ÿ™‚
      I can cover a large area if its just the survey you need. If it is the repair also it would have be closer to home. Drop me an email, and ill see what I can do enquiries@completepreservation.co.uk

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts


  • ๐Ÿšง Don’t Let Rising Damp Haunt Your Home!  Discover the ultimate defence against this silent invader with our expert surveys! Say goodbye to damp nightmares and protect your property from the drains up! ๐Ÿ 

    ๐Ÿšง Don’t Let Rising Damp Haunt Your Home! Discover the ultimate defence against this silent invader with our expert surveys! Say goodbye to damp nightmares and protect your property from the drains up! ๐Ÿ 

    31st July 2023
  • Investigation of moisture and its effects on traditional buildings. Principles and competencies joint position statement

    Investigation of moisture and its effects on traditional buildings. Principles and competencies joint position statement

    14th October 2022
  • Land drain – French drain – horse shoe tile drain

    Land drain – French drain – horse shoe tile drain

    8th March 2022
  • Investigation of moisture and it’s effects in traditional buildings  – RICS joint damp methodology

    Investigation of moisture and it’s effects in traditional buildings – RICS joint damp methodology

    5th December 2021
  • How to trace a culvert

    How to trace a culvert

    2nd December 2021

Copyright 2019 Complete Preservation All Rights Reserved. | Web design by Dsgn One