Survey Process

Our survey process combines building pathology, advanced diagnostics and scientific testing to provide a precise understanding of damp, mould and moisture-related issues. Every assessment follows a structured, evidence-led approach to ensure accuracy and reliable outcomes.

1. Discussing the Issues Encountered

We begin by gathering background information from the agent, landlord or tenant.

This includes:

The history of the problem
Areas of concern
Previous attempts at repair
Occupancy patterns and environmental factors

Understanding context ensures the site visit is focused, efficient and tailored to the property.

2. On-Site Visit & Whole-Building Visual Inspection

The survey starts with a comprehensive visual assessment of the property’s internal and external condition.

External Visual Checks

We inspect:

Rainwater goods (gutters, downpipes, overflows)
Masonry defects and cracks
High ground levels or bridging of damp-proof courses
External ventilation and drainage points

These factors often play a role in moisture movement and must be assessed before testing begins.

External Baseline Readings

We record external:

Relative & Absolute Humidity (RH/AH)
Temperature

These become the baseline for analysing internal moisture load and vapour pressure later in the survey.

3. Initial Building Pathology Assessment

Next, we examine the property fabric to understand how moisture may be entering, accumulating or failing to escape.
This includes checking for:

Structural defects
Thermal bridges
Ventilation weaknesses
Material deterioration
Signs of moisture ingress or condensation risk

This building-pathology approach helps identify root causes, not just symptoms.

4. Infrared Guided Measurement (IGM™) Scanning

Using state-of-the-art infrared technology, we carry out a non-invasive moisture scan.

Thermal Scanning

We use an 160 × 120 thermal imaging sensor to quickly identify:

Cold spots
Thermal bridges
Potential damp patches
Areas of evaporative cooling

Laser-Guided Targeting

A built-in laser pointer and crosshairs allow us to pinpoint the exact location for further moisture testing, ensuring accuracy and repeatability.

5. Surface & Sub-Surface Moisture Testing

Once suspect areas are identified, we take physical moisture readings using two complementary modes:

Pinless (Non-Destructive) Testing

Measures moisture up to 19mm beneath the surface
Ideal for scanning large areas without marking finishes

Pin (Intrusive) Testing

Provides precise %MC or %WME readings
Used to confirm the depth and severity of moisture

Hammer / Deep-Wall Probes

Where necessary, we use specialised probes to measure moisture deep within brickwork, wall cavities or solid construction.

This multi-stage testing ensures a reliable moisture profile throughout the structure.

6. Psychrometric & Environmental Analysis

We conduct advanced environmental diagnostics to understand the moisture climate within the property.

Key Measurements Include:

Internal & external RH comparison
Internal & external vapour pressure (kPa)
Water vapour weight (g/kg)
Ambient temperature
Surface temperature
Calculated dew point

Why These Readings Matter

Vapour pressure differential reveals how moisture is moving between indoors and outdoors.
Mixing ratio identifies whether moisture is lifestyle-driven or structural.
Dew point analysis determines whether mould is caused by condensation or ingress.

This stage is essential for separating occupant-influenced moisture from genuine building defects.