Rising Damp the Myth

Today’s episode of The Damp Show is all about rising damp, in particular, the myths, to do this Sam uses a recent survey he has carried out. He explains what a salt band looks like, how they form and how to recognise one that someone has tried to hide.

 

This property also had sulphate contamination on the chimney breasts, penetrating damp, the wrong type of ventilation fans and a bridging issue, so you will also learn something about those common damp problems by listening to this episode.

 

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Rising damp is very rare, but it does exist, so it is important to know how to recognise it even if someone has tried to cover it up.
• An earthy smell is an unmistakable sign of dampness.
• If someone tells you a property is dry get it in writing, if you don´t and it is damp you have no proof.
• Fans that only operate when the lights are switched on are not effective enough.
• When a fan is off, it is a hole in the wall, which can contribute to damp issues because when it rains all of that humid air comes straight into the property.
• All kinds of damp can easily be covered up by skimming and painting everything, just before it goes on the market. So, you need to be careful when buying.
• If you are buying a property, especially via a broker, check the terms and conditions, often there will be a due diligence clause that states the buyer needs to do their due diligence, which means getting surveys done.

 

BEST MOMENTS 

“I´ve seen it with my own eyes, felt and smelt it, it´s a salt band.”

“Because they are hydroscopic, they'll absorb moisture from the atmosphere.”

“If I do ´owt wrong, then we try and fix it. We are not one of those fly-by-night firms.”

 

Do you want to find out why your property is damp, so you can start the process of solving the issue the right way? – Go to Why Do I Have Damp in My Property Damp Sam Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/84911630448/ and upload your photos.

 

EPISODE RESOURCES

What a salt band looks like - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m121VgI3rE

Sam´s Express Damp proofing System Masterclass - https://dampsamsdepot.samcart.com/products/the-express-damp-proofing-system-simple-to-follow-on-line-coourse

ABOUT THE HOST
Simon Cooper AKA Damp Sam is a time-served plasterer since 1983 and has a HNC in building management. He is the director of 3 Ltd companies and a PCA-qualified Damp and structural waterproofing surveyor. He also owns a portfolio of properties that he renovated over the years. 

Check my YouTube Channel where you can find hundreds of videos all about Damp!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDh4nXWTEAPxsG5JIX3VdIg - if you also want access to the paid membership content, click the Join button.

 

https://www.instagram.com/all_dry_damp/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-cooper-csrt-cssw-hncdampsam-45528649/

https://www.tiktok.com/@damp_sam?lang=en

 

The products Damp Sam recommends, because he has used them for many years, are available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/dampsamhnccsrtcssw

 

CONTACT METHOD

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