Condensation: the silent house destroyer

Condensation – the silent house destroyer

Rotten floors, roof joists, window frames and even asthma are some of the extreme results of the silent house destroyer; condensation.

People think of condensation as steamed up mirrors or water on bedroom windows in the morning.  But it’s less visible manifestations is what London Building Surveyors Woodward Chartered Surveyors look for in a Building Survey or Structural Survey.

A poorly ventilated house traps the moisture in the air from cooking, washing and even breathing.  It will then condense on cold surfaces, such as external walls or windows.  Often this is visible and easily wiped away before it causes further damage and turns to mould.  But sometimes it is not found until it is too late, for instance in a wardrobe or a loft void.  If left, roof joists can deteriorate to such an extent a new roof is the only solution.

Have a Structural Survey before you buy

A survey for a home buyer will help them understand if the surveyor has found any signs of a problem or where one might exist due to poor design or build.  Given the potential cost of rectification, you might choose to revise how much to pay for the property or whether to buy it at all.  A Building Survey, House Purchase Survey or Flat Purchase Survey can be a real eye-opener.

If you already have or suspect a damp problem, a Structural Investigation by a Chartered Surveyor will help you decide what action is necessary.  Often rising damp is blamed, rarely is it the problem, which is why we recommend a report from a RICS Chartered Surveyor before you get the builders or damp company in.