External Defects Misdiagnosed as Internal Damp Failure – Seaham Case Study
This case study details an independent damp survey carried out at a property in Seaham, County Durham. The inspection was requested after internal damp symptoms were attributed to internal damp failure, with remedial work recommended before any external assessment had been undertaken.
Property Background
The property is a coastal residential building located in Seaham, exposed to prevailing weather conditions. Internal damp symptoms were visible on external-facing walls, including staining and deterioration to internal finishes. The homeowner was advised that internal damp treatments may be required to resolve the issue.
Initial Diagnosis Provided
Prior to our inspection, the damp issues had been attributed to internal damp failure based on visual symptoms and moisture readings taken internally. No external inspection of the building fabric had been carried out as part of the initial recommendation.
Independent Damp Survey Findings
An independent damp survey was undertaken, incorporating internal moisture testing and a detailed external inspection of the building envelope. Internal moisture patterns were found to be inconsistent with internal damp failure and were instead influenced by external moisture exposure.
External inspection identified defects to masonry joints, weathered surfaces, and failed protective details that allowed moisture ingress during periods of wind-driven rain.
Diagnosis Outcome
The damp issues present within the property were not caused by internal damp failure. The inspection confirmed that external defects were responsible for moisture ingress, leading to internal damp symptoms.
Internal damp treatments were not required.
No damp proof course installation or structural damp treatment was required.
Recommended Action
Targeted external repairs were recommended to address the source of moisture ingress, including masonry repairs and improvements to weather protection. By resolving the external defects, the internal damp symptoms could be eliminated without unnecessary internal interventions.
Why External Defects Are Often Overlooked
External building defects are frequently overlooked when internal damp symptoms are present. Without a full external assessment, internal moisture readings can be misinterpreted, resulting in incorrect treatment recommendations. Independent damp surveys ensure that the building envelope is properly assessed before conclusions are drawn.
Related Damp Survey Services
This inspection was carried out as part of our independent damp survey service across County Durham. We regularly investigate damp problems that are misdiagnosed as internal damp failure, rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation and mould related issues.
Book an Independent Damp Survey in Seaham
If you have been advised that internal damp failure is affecting a Seaham property and require confirmation before committing to remedial work, an independent damp survey provides accurate diagnosis and clear recommendations.