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Does damp affect the value of your home?

Does damp affect the value of your home?

by | Jun 1, 2025

Damp issues can be a home seller’s worst nightmare. Damp can effect the value of your home. It can affect potential buyers’ perception of your home and how much you can make from a sale.

In this article, the experts at Atlantis will explain how damp can affect the value of your home, and how a damp survey can save you time while maximising your earnings.

Can You Sell a House with Damp Issues?

Although you can sell a house with damp, you have a legal obligation to disclose damp issues to potential buyers. That obligation still exists even if the damp is not clearly visible, for example if it’s covered by a coat of paint.

How Much Does Damp effect the value of your home?

Damp issues will affect the value of your home and how much you can sell it for. Many potential buyers will be concerned if you disclose that your home has damp issues. Remaining buyers will likely use your damp issues as leverage to offer a lower price. If the issue is particularly visible or severe, buyers would consider the additional time and cost of fixing the damp should they purchase your home.

If you’re working with an estate agent, you may be advised to consider other selling options such as private sale or auction, because the house has a lower market value. This naturally leads to a lower commission for them, therefore they may encourage a quick sale.

Ultimately, the severity of the damp will determine its effect on house prices. Conducting a damp survey will give an accurate account of the damp issues in your home.

Should You Fix Damp Before Selling Your House?

It would be wise to address your home’s damp issues before selling. This action may increase your homes value. Even a history of damp is unattractive to some buyers. However, it will significantly decrease the devaluation of your home due to unfixed damp. You’re more likely to get an offer closer to your asking price.

Fixing damp issues after putting your house on the market will delay a sale. Buyers will see your house as a project, rather than a home. Furthermore, the longer your house sits on the market, the  more other buyers will assume there’s something wrong with it. Therefore, it’s better to address damp issues before putting your house up for sale.

What Is a Damp Survey and How Can It Help?

A dampness survey is an evaluation to determine the presence and extent of damp in a building.

Having a professional conduct a dampness survey before listing your house is the best course of action, because it will provide useful information that can be used before and during the sale.

You’ll receive a report on whether you have damp and the severity of the issue. If you intend to fix the damp prior to sale, an expert can estimate the cost and time of repairs. If you intend to sell without making repairs, the report can be used to adjust your asking price and explain the issue to potential buyers.

Contact Atlantis to Book Your Damp Survey

Identifying damp before putting your house on the market can determine the value of your home and affect how you proceed with the sale.

Contact Atlantis a PCA Qualified surveyor today for more information on a dampness survey.

What is a damp survey?

by | Aug 23, 2022

A damp survey is a thorough investigation of a property carried out by a professional in order to determine if there is any damp present. It’s vital to have one carried out if you’re purchasing a new property or if you believe your home might be experiencing problems associated with dampness. 

In this article, we explain what a damp survey is, what it involves, and how long it takes. 

How to Tell If You Need a Damp Survey

A damp survey is a report compiled by a professional damp specialist. There are several instances when you might require one, including:

  • If you are purchasing a new property
  • If you are selling your property
  • If you suspect you might have damp
  • If you notice any signs of damp

If you notice any of the following signs, there’s a high probability you have damp in your home. You should arrange for a survey to confirm this. These signs include:

  • Musty or fungal smells
  • Visible mould
  • Rotting timbers
  • Damaged plaster or wallpaper
  • Broken masonry
  • Salty tide marks on walls

What Does a Damp Survey Show?

Importantly, a damp survey will confirm the presence of damp in a property and can also show what type of damp is present. 

A thorough damp survey will confirm if you have any of the following in your home:

  • Condensation
  • Rising damp
  • Penetrating damp

Damp surveys are often carried out as part of a wider ‘damp and timber survey’, where a specialist will check for wet and dry rot, woodworm infestations, and other issues associated with damp and timbers. 

What Is Involved in a Damp Survey?

A comprehensive damp survey will involve a professional entering your property and carrying out a number of different investigations and tests. They will ask the property owner a number of questions in order to find out how old the property is, whether there are any noticeable problems, and more. Once the survey has been carried out, the specialist will compile a report based on their data, observations and findings. 

A few of the key steps that a damp surveyor will undertake include:

  • Asking the property owner questions
  • Looking at the history of the property
  • Taking physical observations of the property
  • Assessing visible signs of damp
  • Using specialist equipment such as a damp meter to locate damp

How Long Does a Damp Survey Take?

The time it takes for a damp survey to be carried out depends on the size of the property and the extent of any problems that may be found. This does not include the time required to compile the report afterwards. 

Contact Atlantis Damp to Book Your Damp Survey

If you’re worried about damp in your home or if you’d like a thorough damp survey carried out when purchasing a new property, Atlantis Damp is here to help. 

For more information or to book your damp survey, contact the friendly team at Atlantis Damp today. 

How to damp proof your home

How to damp proof your home

by | Jul 22, 2022

 Penetrating damp, rising damp and even condensation can cause serious damage if your property isn’t properly protected.

Without appropriate treatment, damp can lead to serious structural issues, unpleasant and hazardous living conditions, and expensive repairs.

Damp proofing is vital. In this article, the experts at Atlantis Damp explain how to damp proof your home.

What Is Damp Proofing?

Damp proofing is essential if you want to keep your home structurally sound and safe to live in.

But what exactly is damp proofing?

There are three main types of damp that could affect your home. These are rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation. Damp proofing aims to combat rising damp.

There are several ways to tackle damp issues within a property, but the main methods will involve a combination of the following:

  • Repairing and maintaining infrastructures such as drains and gutters to reduce risk of penetrating damp
  • Making structural improvements, such as installing a damp-proof course to reduce the risk of rising damp
  • Improving ventilation to avoid condensation

What Happens If Damp Is Left Untreated?

If damp is left untreated, it can cause serious structural problems within your home. Importantly, toxic black mould can also cause health problems to residents, which is why it’s so important to have problems fixed as soon as possible.

If damp is left untreated, you could experience the following problems in your home:

  • Damaged wallpaper, plaster boards and decoration
  • Damaged walls and timber supports
  • Fungal growths and musty smells
  • Crumbling masonry and brickwork
  • Respiratory illnesses
  • Serious structural damage to property

What Is the Best Method of Damp Proofing?

Damp proofing involves protecting your home against unwanted moisture and water entering the property.

This can be as simple as opening windows when showering to avoid condensation build-ups, or it could require more complex work, such as installing a chemical damp-proof course to protect against rising damp.

Your home will need to be protected against all three types of damp, and you will need to use the following methods to do so:

  • Ventilation: opening windows; installing extractor fans or dehumidifiers to stop condensation. Whole house, PIV ventilation units are often recommended. 
  • Removing potential water sources: fixing broken guttering pipes or installing better drainage systems to remove water sources that can cause dampness.
  • Damp-Proof Course: installing a damp-proof course (usually a chemical damp-proof course that’s injected into the walls) to create a waterproof barrier that stops water from rising from the earth up the walls of your home.
  • Groundwork: lowering the ground level around your home to ensure water can’t seep in from the outside. An internal tanking solution may also be recommended when external levels remain higher than internal floor levels.

Why Is It Better to Hire Damp Proofing Specialists to Damp Proof Your Home?

If you need to damp proof your home, it’s always best to hire a damp proofing specialist to carry out the work.

Damp proofing is complex, as there are multiple types of damp that need to be protected against, across a property. 

Different types of damp require different solutions, so it’s important to have an expert identify the cause of problems and highlight the best way to treat the damp and protect against it in the future.

Contact Atlantis Damp to Find Out More About Damp Proofing Your Home

Atlantis Damp’s experienced team of damp proofing specialists will ensure that your property is fully protected.

Contact our friendly staff today to find out how we can damp proof your home.

What Are the Different Types of Wall Ties?

What Are the Different Types of Wall Ties?

by | Jul 5, 2022

From masonry wall ties to timber wall ties, different types of wall ties are designed for different purposes, so it’s crucial that the right wall ties are selected for the task at hand.

In this article, the experts at Atlantis Damp explain everything you need to know about the different designs and types of wall ties, and when and where they are needed.

What Is a Wall Tie?

A wall tie is a thin strip of metal designed to hold two layers of masonry together. They are commonly produced from zinc, steel and other metal alloys, and are usually installed in the cavity space between an inner and outer wall.

Wall ties are vital to the structural integrity of a property. They provide the support that’s necessary for a building to be constructed with two layers of brickwork or masonry. If they fail, the walls will become destabilised and could even collapse.

Because wall ties allow for the creation of a cavity space, they are also important for insulation.

This cavity space can be filled with insulating materials, which then keeps heat in and energy costs down.

What Are the Different Types of Wall Ties?

Because they are vital to the structural integrity of a property, it’s important that the correct wall ties are installed.

The most common types of wall ties include:

  • Masonry to Masonry Wall Ties: Are designed to hold two layers of masonry together, thereby allowing for a secure inner and outer wall with a cavity space in between. There are three major designs of masonry-to-masonry wall ties, and they are classed as ‘heavy duty’, ‘general purpose’ or ‘light duty’ wall ties.
  • Masonry to Timber Wall Ties: Designed to hold an outer wall of brickwork together with an inner wall that’s been constructed from timber.
  • Lateral Restraint Wall Ties: Designed to stop any lateral movement occurring between a layer of masonry and existing structures in a building, such as supports or older walls.
  • Remedial Wall Ties: Are specifically designed to be installed into an existing cavity space where wall ties have become damaged, broken or corroded.

There are several other types of wall ties, too, which are often suitable for specific or niche construction purposes. 

How Do I Know Which Type of Wall Tie I Need?

The most common types of wall ties needed are generally masonry to masonry wall ties. If the walls in your property are constructed from different materials, such as timber, then it may also be readily apparent which type you require.

However, because of the importance of wall ties to the structure of a home, it’s vital that you seek professional assistance when replacing wall ties or installing new ones.

Contact Atlantis Damp Today for More Information on Different Types of Wall Ties

Atlantis Damp provides a comprehensive range of wall tie services. 

Wall tie failure can lead to serious structural issues, but our experienced team is on hand to carry out surveys, maintenance and repair work to ensure your property is safe.

Contact Atlantis Damp today for more information on different types of wall ties, and to find out how we can help you.

What are wall ties?

What are wall ties?

by | May 24, 2022

Wall ties hold the walls of buildings together, providing vital structural support and allowing for the existence of insulating cavity spaces. Wall ties are integral but over time they can corrode and decay, so it’s important to have regular surveying and replacement work carried out by a professional when necessary. 

In this article, the team at Atlantis Damp explains what wall ties are, why you need them and when they need replacing. 

What Are Wall Ties?

Wall ties are strips of metal or metal rods, usually produced from zinc, steel, or other metals. These metal rods are used to hold two separate layers of brickwork together, and you’ll find them placed in the cavity space between an inner and outer wall in modern properties.

Why Do You Need Wall Ties?

Wall ties play an integral role in the structure of your home. Without wall ties, it would be difficult to construct the sturdy inner and outer walls that modern homes are built with today. They literally hold these two sets of brickwork together and, in this respect, are vital to the stability of your home.

Because wall ties allow this type of cavity wall to be safely constructed, they also become vital for insulation. Cavity spaces between these layers of wall are commonly filled with insulating materials, thereby allowing homeowners to keep their houses warm while saving on energy costs. 

Why Do Wall Ties Need Replacing?

Wall ties are made from long-lasting metal materials, but unfortunately they aren’t indestructible. The most common reason that wall ties need replacing is corrosion, a natural process that can’t necessarily be halted, only slowed down.

Wall ties can fail and need replacing for a number of different reasons, including:

  • Corrosion
  • Subsidence
  • Extreme weather or natural events
  • Damaged masonry or brickwork

If wall ties aren’t replaced, then wall tie failure can lead to damaged brickwork, structural damage, poor insulation in your home, the need for costly repairs, and more. 

Damaged and corroded wall ties can pose a danger to the structural integrity of your property. If you’re concerned that your wall ties could be failing, the team at Atlantis Damp can carry out surveys and repair work to ensure that your home is safe.

Contact Atlantis Damp today for more information on replacing wall ties.

How To Treat Penetrating Damp

How To Treat Penetrating Damp

by | Mar 30, 2022

Penetrating damp is a serious issue that can cause expensive and potentially hazardous damage to your property. 

Caused by excess water seeping into the walls, floors or ceilings of a building, if you think your home might have a penetrating damp problem, it’s important to act fast to remove it.  In this article, the experts at Atlantis Damp explain what penetrating damp is, what problems it’s likely to cause, and how it can be treated. 

What Is Penetrating Damp?

Penetrating damp is a serious form of damp that sees excess moisture and water seeping, leaking or flooding into the walls, floors or ceilings of a building. Once established, penetrating damp can move through the building, forcing homeowners to carry out repair work to treat and remove it. 

Penetrating damp commonly occurs as a result of damaged infrastructure, including poorly maintained gutters or broken pipes. It can also occur because of flooding or unusually intense levels of rainfall. The most common causes include:

  • Broken gutters or leaking pipes
  • Old or damaged brickwork or masonry
  • Broken slates, tiles or faulty roofing
  • Broken seals
  • A damaged damp-proof course

What Problems Can Penetrating Damp Cause?

Penetrating damp can cause a number of issues and problems. If left untreated, minor issues can quickly become exaggerated leading to more expensive repairs, so it’s important to act quickly if you believe you might have a problem.

Common problems caused by penetrating damp include:

  • Damage to external walls or roofing
  • Damaged plasterwork
  • Damp, mouldy patches and smells
  • Moist patches
  • Visible leaks or pools of water
  • Structural damage
  • Decaying timbers

How Is Penetrating Damp Treated?

The first step in treating penetrating damp is identifying its cause, which is a task best left to a damp specialist. There can be several ways to remove the damp problem, and an expert can recommend the best solutions for your home.

The most effective way to solve a penetrating damp problem is to repair the cause of the problem. This will vary, but generally it can mean repairing the damaged guttering or pipes that led to the issue or isolating the source of a leak and removing it. Damaged plaster, decoration, flooring and woodwork may need to be replaced, while water repellent can help to protect the home in the future. 

In certain cases, it may be necessary to reinstall or update the building’s damp-proof course, especially if water has leaked in from the ground level. Another solution may be tanking, which sees the ground level lowered to stop water flooding in from the outside. 

In all cases, a home should always be fully damp proofed to protect any further instances of penetrating damp. 

Contact Atlantis Damp to Find Out More About Treating Penetrating Damp in Your Home

Identifying penetrating damp early can help you remove the problem before it causes serious damage to your property. If you believe there might be a penetrating damp issue in your home, our expert team is here to help. 

Our family-run business can assist with problems arising from all forms of damp in the home, and we can provide damp-proofing solutions that ensure your house is well protected. Contact Atlantis Damp today for more information. 

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