What we do
Our aim Is to provide moisture and damp reports that are Accurate, Non Alarmist and Factual
Our business specialises in mapping moisture in any building, seeking out water leaks from pressurised water pipes, locating and identifying all aspects of moisture and dampness in any built environment and then producing reports on the property that identifies all moisture and damp issues. To achieve this, we utilise some of the most sophisticated equipment available - from traditional moisture metres, to thermal imaging cameras and more traditional inspection cameras. We can inspect inside cavities both intrusively and non intrusively. Once all the moisture issues are identified and logged, we prepare a written report for the property owner. Our written reports are often used in tribunal and dispute resolution circumstances. The reports can include (as an option) a scope of works and even a cost estimate for the required works. We do not undertake any works, our only focus is on identifying the issues and providing the report to enable the property owner or manager to resolve all outstanding issues. We also have a service which can oversee the works and inspect the end result to ensure the repairs have been undertaken in a correct manner. We can also direct you to the appropriate company to undertake the works; however a lot of homeowners use our scope of works to undertake the work themselves using our reports as a blueprint.
Condensation issues are a major problem in Melbourne and rural Victoria every winter. Emminently resolveable, The Damp Inspector can supply a scope to resolve these issues.
All about damp
Dampness can come in many forms. The most common damp or moisture issues that householders have to deal with are rising damp and condensation. Rising damp is always located in brick buildings and is the process whereby moisture gets drawn into the masonry bricks and mortar and then slowly rises upwards via capillary action. As the moisture rises thrpough the bricks and mortar, the salt and mineral deposits that are in the moisture expand and contract as the moisture levels rise and fall and force disruption upon the masonry surfaces. Oveer time the mortar and the bricks can erode, over many years. It is important to undersatand that damoness that invades masonry works is generally NOT a major defect. Many building inmspectors flag dampness located in a brick wall as a major defect whe nothing could be fuirther from the truth. The impact of moisture in your masonry wall surface can take years to develop. The only time it becomes a structural defect is when the mortar has eroded to such an extent that bricks can become unstable. Fore more information click here
Distinction between moisture and liquid
It is important to understand the clear distinction between moisture/dampness and liquid/water. In most instances, the presence of ponding or ground water around or under a dwelling indicates that there is a drainage issue which requires resolving. Generally speaking this is completed with additional agi drains on the powerful side of the dwelling which can capture both ground and subground water prior to it impacting on the masonry wall surfaces and footings of the building. On the other hand, moisture can be present in a masonry wall, or in a subfloor void without any ponding water present. Accordingly it is dealt with in a different manner. Oftern adding mechanical ventilation is enough to overcome built up moisture in a subflooor void for example. In osme instances both mechanical ventilation and drainage can be required. Our inspections and reports will identify all of the issues present and offer the appropriate remedies.
Stopping water ingress or managing water ingress?
Modern arguments surrounding halting water ingress can be complicated when the water table is saturated and the division between the water table and the soil surface becomes indestinguishable. This can occur when the area beneath the building is excavated into the area generally inhabited by the water table. In this instance there is an argument for managing the water as opposed to trying to halt the water. Water management or control can be the difference between subfloor moisture causing damage to structural timbers or to having a healthy subfloor.
What equipment we use
We have the most professional and sophisticated testing equipment available which is required to identify water and dampness in any property. Inspection camera, moisture detectors, thermal imaging cameras.