How do you tell penetrating damp from rising damp?

By where the moisture is highest. Penetrating damp typically shows a source at height (a leaking gutter, failed pointing, defective flashing) with moisture spreading downward or inward. Rising damp starts at low level and reduces with height.

Do you inspect at height?

External elevations are inspected from the ground with binoculars and zoom photography. Where genuine at-height access is required, we discuss arrangements with you in advance.

What are typical remedial costs?

From a few hundred pounds for repointing a small area to several thousand for a full elevation. Our reports include realistic indicative costs.

Can you attend after heavy rain?

Where possible, yes — inspecting during or shortly after heavy rain often makes the source obvious and speeds up diagnosis.

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating Damp Survey Kent

Penetrating damp is water finding its way through the external fabric of a building. It's often mistaken for rising damp, and it's much more common than rising damp in Kent's coastal and Wealden housing stock. Our surveys trace the moisture back to its source rather than treating the visible symptom.

What Your Survey Includes

External elevation survey — pointing, render, cills, copings, junctions
Internal moisture profiling on the affected wall face
Cavity wall assessment where cavity bridging is suspected
Rainwater goods and drainage review
Clear diagnosis and prioritised remedial recommendations

Common Problems We Find

Failed pointing on exposed elevations
Cavity wall insulation bridging in mid-century housing
Blocked or leaking gutters saturating external walls
Failed cill or coping detailing on Georgian and Victorian properties
Wind-driven rain penetration on coastal facades

Where We Cover

We provide professional damp, mould and timber surveys throughout Kent and Greater London — including Bromley, Croydon, Bexley, Greenwich, Lewisham, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and surrounding areas.

Who This Is For

Homeowners with recurring wet patches on external walls

Landlords whose tenants report water ingress after heavy rain

Buyers of coastal and Wealden properties

Why Choose Kent Damp Surveys

Fully independent — we sell no remedial works and take no contractor commissions
CPDMS Level 3 qualified surveyors with construction-defect experience
Protimeter moisture profiling and FLIR thermal imaging on every job
48-hour report turnaround with photographic evidence and clear recommendations
Reports written to withstand disrepair, HHSRS and Awaab's Law scrutiny
Fixed transparent pricing from £249 — no site-visit charges, no upsells