Diagnosing damp takes the surveyor through the necessary techniques for undertaking a thorough examination of a building for dampness and to understand the limitations imposed at each level of investigation.

Almost all homes, apartments, and commercial buildings will experience leaks, flooding, or other forms of excessive indoor dampness at some point. Not only is excessive dampness a health problem by itself, it also contributes to several other potentially problematic types of situations. Molds and other microbial agents favor damp indoor environments, and excess moisture may initiate the release of chemical emissions from damaged building materials and furnishings. This new book from the Institute of Medicine examines the health impact of exposures resulting from damp indoor environments and offers recommendations for public health interventions. Damp Indoor Spaces and Health covers a broad range of topics. The book not only examines the relationship between damp or moldy indoor environments and adverse health outcomes but also discusses how and where buildings get wet, how dampness influences microbial growth and chemical emissions, ways to prevent and remediate dampness, and elements of a public health response to the issues. A comprehensive literature review finds sufficient evidence of an association between damp indoor environments and some upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, wheezing, and asthma symptoms in sensitized persons. This important book will be of interest to a wide-ranging audience of science, health, engineering, and building professionals, government officials, and members of the public.

Dampness of one sort or another is the most common problem in housing. It results in visible wetting of walls, ceilings and floors, blistering paint, bulging plaster, mould on surfaces and fabrics, and sulfate attack on brickwork. It can also lead to less obvious problems - thermal insulation is reduced in effectiveness, or brickwork cracks because metal components embedded in it have corroded. As with all repair work, the first step to solving any damp-related problem is to diagnose the cause correctly. This guide is the first of a short series. Future titles will cover in more detail specific remedial treatment for the principal causes of dampness.

This book explains the nature of dampness in buildings, how to diagnose a dampness problem before it gets out of hand and how to deal with it. It covers the problems of rising dampness and condensation (and how to distinguish them), which are generally not fully understood, even by many professional surveyors. The book stresses the need to use a moisture meter to obtain reliable and comprehensive information. Dampness in Buildings will be of immediate practical use to surveyors, architects, builders, housing managers and health inspectors. It will be equally valuable to house owners and potential purchasers.

"The aim of this book is to take the reader by the hand and show them exactly how to carry out various inspection techniques to identify the causes of damp in buildings"--

Inspecting and Diagnosing Disrepair provides housing officers, surveyors, landlords, tenants, lawyers and environmental health inspectors with the essential information they need to record, diagnose and remedy disrepair. Pat Reddin presents technical information methodically, including useful diagrams to help readers to develop an understanding of building materials and structures and to advise and take action on disrepair. The book is fully up to date with the latest legislation and is essential reading for environmental health professionals, surveyors and students alike.

The aim of this book is to take the reader by the hand and show them exactly how to carry out various inspection techniques to identify the causes of damp in buildings. This is achieved by taking them through a variety of investigation methods using real-life case studies illustrated by dozens of sketches, drawings and photographs – and considerable insight into how investigations can be conducted on site – and also including most importantly the Client’s input and perspective on a damp issue. Written in non-technical language by a leading expert and author on damp, the book begins by outlining the common types and phases of an investigation, the equipment required and the nature of potential remedial work. Case studies then cover condensation, penetrating damp, plumbing and roof leaks, below ground moisture and damp bridging – and some innovative remedies installed by the author himself. The final section contains step by step guidance on procedures such as using a humidity box, inspecting a cavity wall, using a damp meter and extracting and testing a plaster sample for salt content. The book is full of hints and tips developed over a career spent investigating, diagnosing and remediating damp issues and is essential reading for surveyors looking to improve their skills and knowledge of this often complex defect. The book will also be very useful for homeowners trying to self-diagnose, and architects, engineers and other professionals who need to gain insight into common problem caused by moisture imbalance in buildings.

Dampness can become an enemy when it invades our interior space, when it persists, when it spreads and damages our domestic fittings, finishes and furnishings, when it encourages the growth of moulds that threaten our health, and when it stimulates the spread of fungus and decay in the structure of our houses. A major industry has developed with specialist contractors that sometimes concentrate on a single treatment rather than offering a comprehensive diagnosis. This invaluable book provides clear information and an overview of the types and causes of dampness plus an indication of the range of treatments and remedies that are available. Superbly illustrated with approximately 150 colour drawings and photographs, The Damp House will help readers to understand and solve simple problems themselves and to evaluate solutions offered to them by professionals. Topics include: rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation and leaking services in a wide range of different type of houses. Examines damp in all parts of the house, from the roof to the walls, ceilings and floors Considers remedying the effects of damp and living with damp.