Russet & Sage Damp Surveying
Historic buildings coped with moisture, in part, through a combination of adequate ventilation, vapour diffusion and capillary action. This means draughty doors and windows, the draw of a fireplace and the movement of moisture through the building's structure.
Damp in historic buildings is a result of changes in the ways that we live in them. Modern additions such as dishwashers, kettles, showers and washing machines all increase the production of moisture. Ineffective ventilation results in moisture-laden air that will condense in various ways on or in the structure of the building.
Historic building materials were 'breathable' which describes the ability of these materials to not only allow the movement of water vapour through its structure but also to allow the movement of moisture via capillary action. Modern cement-based materials do not allow for this movement therefore trap moisture inside them. This not only damages historic buildings but creates cold and damp.
What can we do?
We are able to visit your property and make an informed assessment of your damp problem including:
Signs of damp - algae, lichen, efflorescence or tide marks, for example.
The building’s water management - defective gutters, down pipes and hoppers.
Ground levels and how this affects damp.
General building defects/ inappropriate use of material.
One of the main parts of the damp consultation we deliver is to measure internal humidity levels using a thermal hygrometer which will distinguish condensation issues from other causes of damp. This equipment is rarely used by other companies. These readings would be taken in each room to build a picture of humidity levels.
Our main advantage over other companies is that we work exclusively on historic buildings so are able to give you good guidance/specifications for any remedial work required.
A bespoke report will be compiled containing a summary of findings and suggested remedial actions to deal with your damp problem. These may include such measures as repairing defective rainwater goods, dealing with moisture levels in the building, adjusting internal temperatures, opening of relevant historic features like fireplaces and replacement of modern materials with traditional, breathable materials.
Recommended actions will be evidence based and appropriate for heritage buildings.
