Our Surveyors
Survey Equipment
The reasons for condensation and mould problems can sometimes be far more difficult to diagnose than other forms of dampness such as rising damp, penetrating damp and leaks. Many times in the course of our survey we find that the areas that are visibly affected by mould or condensation may not be in the area of the house that is causing the issue. Sometimes damp caused by condensation can be missed diagnosed as rising or penetrating damp. Heavy condensation in roof voids especially flat roofs can be misdiagnosed as a leak in the roofing membrane. With a thermal imaging and damp survey we find that there is usually a number of issues that contribute to the severity of the mould growth and damp problems. The survey covers all these areas in accordance to the relevant building technical guidance document.
What Survey Equipment We Use
During our survey we use high end survey equipment such as a thermal imaging camera, moisture meters, anemometer, borescopes, and data loggers. Our surveyor has been trained by the Property Care Association over the years to survey damp problems especially problems relating to mould and condensation. Our surveyor is a certified Level 1 Thermographer and a BPEC registered ventilation installer. We have also trained in the installing of insulation and how to identify the problems associated with poorly fitted or designed insulation in new or retrofitted houses.
Thermal Imaging Camera
We use a Flir E60bx thermal imaging camera which has a IR 320 x 240 detector. This is a very useful tool to find damp issues, missing insulation, heating system problems, and to find the reason why rooms are hard to heat.
Moisture Meters
We have a number of different moisture meters which can also connect to the thermal imaging camera. These meters give a number of different measurements and are very necessary to find out where the source of moisture is coming from. You can very quickly determine if humidity and condensation is the issue in the property when used in conjunction with the thermal imaging camera.
Anemometer
We test all the existing ventilation equipment in the property with anemometer to find out if fans meet the minimum current building regulations ventilation rates. The results will also give us a good indication as to how a new fan might preform with the old ducting.
Internal Inspection Camera
If we find during our survey that a wall or ceiling cavity would benefit from an internal inspection, we only need to drill with your permission a 6mm hole to do an internal inspection.
Data Loggers
For hard to diagnose properties or properties than maybe occupied by tenants we can use data loggers to record temperature and humidity levels over a longer period of time. This information is very useful to determine what is out of balance in the property and how to rectify the problem. We can also take radon measurements in properties that are in a at risk area.