Question:
We live in an old artisan cottage in Dublin city centre. There is a dark, mouldy looking patch on the inside front wall. I have had damp proof coursing put in and painted it with mould-resistant paint, but it still comes back. What should we do?
Answer:
In the case of any damp and mould the recommended starting point is a damp survey, it is the only way to ensure accurate diagnosis to identify the source cause(s). There are many different types of damp that can exist in Irish properties and quite often the symptoms can look quite similar. So you need to know what exact type of damp is present before taking more action. A reputable damp proofing company can do that. Be wary of companies offering free surveys. You need a company whose surveyors have relevant qualifications in construction engineering or building surveying as well as experience. Furthermore, these surveyors must be fully trained/ able to diagnose all types of Damp otherwise you narrow your search and run the risk of inaccurate solutions – inaccuracy may be the reason for poor performance of the current solutions. Also, it should be a legal entity to ensure that warranties and guarantees can be honoured if necessary. Proven experience is essential, if you are unsure, check out the customer reviews. Errors and incorrect information will cost you more in the long run as what was initially a superficial fix can turn to a large scale structural project overtime if left untreated correctly. Remember that professional damp surveys correctly carried out can save a lot of money in the long run and less headache… you need to hire the best damp proofing company!
When employing a damp proofing company, it is important that they meet the following criteria:
- Ability to Comprehensively Diagnose – Surveyors should be capable of diagnosing across all types of damp and mould problems and have sufficient training to do so. You don’t need the expense and hassle associated with additional damp and mould issues arising after you have completed your renovation project. This happens a lot!
- Indepth Building Knowledge – Surveyors should have relevant qualifications in Construction Engineering/Building surveying. This is important as your surveyors need an high level of understanding in terms of what your specific buildings needs are – and what specific solutions will work best in this setting. It’s important to note that certain solutions will not be effective in certain buildings.
- Experience – Sufficient experience in diagnosing and treating all types of Damp & Mould.
- Trustworthy – Experienced providers who can demonstrate that they are trustworthy e.g. working with state entities such as the main housing bodies and County Councils etc.
- Impartial advice – Tell you what’s actually there – Free of charge surveys are not impartial advice- Errors and incorrect information will cost you more!
- Registered Company – Make sure the company is a registered company – the company that you employ should be a legal entity to ensure that warranties and guarantees can be honoured if needed.
- Easy to read reports – Nontechnical, to allow you to fully understand the issues and what you need to do.
- Good results – Look at the customer reviews!
