Damp Report
Most Building Surveyors will take random damp-meter readings throughout the property being inspected. If damp is found within a standard report - you will be advised to carry out a full Damp Report.
Damp comes in various guises, most commonly Rising Damp. Here moisture from the ground rises up the walls. The long term affects of rising damp are; damaged internal decorations and debonded plaster. Due to the nature of Rising Damp - the effects are only ever up to 1meter above ground level. Modern properties are protected by a damp course built in to the walls, but older properties can either have no damp course or have old courses which have become ineffective.
Penetrating Damp is caused by moisture penetrating through the roof or walls. Causes of penetrating damp are usually very evident and is normally caused by damaged guttering or roof flashing.
Condensation is the third type of damp and is often caused from within the property. Poorly ventilated bathrooms are normally to blame.
