Survey, reporting & diagnosis for damp proofing
In above ground situations, Trace complete inspections and damp diagnosis in relation to defects or incorrect construction detailing and in simple terms defects can be typically associated with:
- Rising dampness; Traditional or via bridging
- Penetrating Dampness; associated with external defects
- Condensation; associated with environmental moisture
*Beyond this damp defects can be associated with plumbing defects and roof ingress.
At Trace we pride ourselves on the quality of our reports, detailing exact location of issues including ‘marked up’ drawings and detailed schedules of work with an explanation of the issues and diagnosis to each area.
We understand moisture and how to record this information in an unambiguous format that can be understood by the client.
We follow the methodology set out by Historic England/PCA/RICS document Investigation of Moisture and its Effects in Traditional Buildings.
There are various ways of testing a building for moisture, most of which have advantages and disadvantages:
- Electrical Moisture Meters
- Calcium Carbide Meters
- Sub-surface relative-humidity test to floor slabs
- Gravimetric Testing of samples
- Data logging – Environmental conditions
Trace can complete a combination of any investigative techniques, but the most important aspect can be the visual knowledge and experience of the Surveyor in knowing the limitations of certain moisture tests and the ability to diagnose visible symptoms in conjunction with moisture tests to provide a reliable diagnosis.
MRICS
Trace's principal Surveyor is a Chartered Building Surveyor and member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Experienced
Trace have completed over 50,000 surveys over the course of our history.
Speakers
Trace have spoken at RICS and at University lectures on the subject of dampness in buildings.
Understanding dampness
The knowledge of our surveyors also allows us to identify different building types both traditional and modern and the ability of different building materials used in traditional buildings to wet and dry and to recognise that traditional detailing and level of performance expectation differ from modern buildings and that the presence of moisture is not necessarily related to a construction failure or justifies remedial work.
We complete Surveys for a variety of clients including:
- Architects
- Structural Engineers
- Chartered Surveyors
- Property Developers
- Commercial & Domestic Landlords
- Commercial & Domestic Contractors
- Residential homeowners
We aim to provide a holistic diagnosis and have over 48 years experience in dealing with dampness in buildings.
We Are Approved & Accredited By
We could not have successfully completed this project without a flexible and proactive contractor, able to continuously deliver results under pressure in what were often difficult working conditions. When issues arose Trace assisted wherever they could, including where those issues did not fall directly within their remit. I would have no hesitation in recommending Trace to prospective clients”
‘Trace completed all of the works identified in the main building to a very high standard’. ‘All of the lads on site have been excellent and it has been a pleasure to work with you all.’
"Thank you so much for your generous and expert advice on how to cost effectively resolve the damp challenges at 422. Your guidance to our team has been great and given them the information and direction they need to get on with the job. Also thank you for linking us to your materials supplier so they can be sourced economically". *charity work*
"I think this is the best CDM installation I have ever seen. I have seen a lot. Everything about it is textbook. It is neat, tidy, straight, square…. Just perfect and the care and attention taken to fix the plugs to the exact centres ready for further trades is nothing less than a work of art. In addition to this, the site management is top-notch also. Everything about the project gives massive credit to Trace and all who worked on this project".
We’re experts in structural waterproofing with over 45+ years of experience.
