damp survey check cavity wall

INDEPENDENT DAMP SURVEY

Protect your property with the right advice.

As a homeowner, you need clear, unbiased answers when dealing with damp. Our independent surveys use advanced tools (and years of experience) to pinpoint the exact cause. Since we don’t offer repairs, you can trust our advice is honest, impartial, and solely focused on protecting your home.  

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Rated 4.1/5 stars

TESTIMONIALS

Customer reviews

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Ministry of Mould provide a fantastic service along with excellent advice on how to tackle all manner of issues. There is no pressure when they give quotes for their recommendations and they do not steer you into spending unnecessary money. They have been most helpful.

 Eamon - Dart & Partners

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I instructed this company to carry out mould testing at my rental property as the tenants were concerned about mould spores in the home.

The surveyor, was very helpful and knowledgeable. The Company provided lots of recommendations to help make the air quality better and since acting on these instructions the mould and condensation issues have been rectified..

 Andrew - Landlord

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I would highly recommend Tom and his team to anyone looking to get their property tested for mould. Tom was incredibly helpful and honest from the moment I contacted Ministry of Mould, answering all my questions and providing advice on the best way forward. In addition to being very knowledgeable and responsive, he provided the support I needed while always keeping with my best interests in mind, without trying to overcharge me or sell me tests or services that I didn’t needed – very refreshing and reassuring after disappointing interactions with other mould remediation specialists in London!

 PJ - London - Via Google Reviews

MISDIAGNOSIS IS COMMON AND COSTLY

Why Most Damp Problems Aren’t What Rising Damp Contractors Claim

  • The real causes of damp and mould are sadly misunderstood by many of the largest "Rising Damp Contractors". They usually offer an expensive fix which treats the damp symptoms and covers up the problem for a while or simply pushes it elsewhere. 
  • True cases of rising damp are incredibly rare. Damp proof courses don't break down like the cowboys will tell you. Feel free to ask them to point out exactly where your damp proof course has broken... they won't be able to because it hasn't! 
  • The wrong 'solutions' can lead to ongoing problems which often make the damp even worse. Trapping moisture in walls is never a good thing, expect timber decay, dry rot, spreading of dampness and a 'sticky' living environment.  
  • The real causes of damp and mould are usually things like poor ventilation, high external ground levels, hidden leaks, plastic paints and unsuitable building materials. Many builders and 'rising damp surveyors' have very little understanding of different building methods. A traditionally built stone house is designed to handle moisture differently to a 1980s red brick house.   

WE GET IT

Independent Damp Surveys That Understand Homeowners’ Concerns.

As a homeowner and damp professional with nearly 10 years of experience, I understand how stressful it can be to deal with persistent damp and mould. Your home is your biggest investment—and your safe space—so when problems arise, it’s natural to want clear, honest answers. I’ve been in your shoes, just wanting unbiased guidance to get to the root of the issue without being sold a quick fix. 

Don’t waste money on guesswork or sales focussed “damp solutions.” Get clear, expert advice with an independent damp survey—no upselling, just honest answers you can trust. Book yours today and take the first step toward a healthier home.



ministry of mould damp surveys logo

DAMP SURVEY TOOLS 

How We Find The Causes Of Damp in Your Home

We Find Far More Information Than Damp Contractors

FIND THE COLD BRIDGES

THERMAL IMAGING

We use advanced FLIR thermal imaging cameras to detect temperature variations—hot spots, cold spots, and areas of moisture—within a building. FLIR’s MSX technology overlays thermal data onto a standard image, providing clear visual context and fine detail, making it easier to spot potential issues. These cameras are purpose-built for building inspections and help us identify cold areas that could indicate leaks, thermal bridging, or mould-prone zones.

In skilled hands, this technology is an incredibly effective diagnostic tool. With years of experience in damp assessment, we interpret these images accurately and use them to guide further investigation where needed.

  • ​Cold bridges and cold spots are often a cause of damp and mould
  • Fast non - invasive technology 
  • ​Helps to explain damp cause in a visual style



Thermal image of condensation on plasterboard wall

CHECK YOUR EXTRACT FANS

TESTO ANENOMETER

When tackling damp and mould issues, it's essential to understand how effectively your ventilation system is performing to keep your humidity levels low. We use a specialist airflow meter that functions like a wind vane to measure the extraction rate of any installed fans.

This allows us to determine whether your extractor fans meet current Building Regulations. After all, a fan that can’t properly remove steam from a shower is about as useful as a chocolate teapot! 🫖

  • ​Extract fans often don't work well enough to clear steam
  • We tell if they work well enough or need replacing
  • ​Humidity has a massive impact on damp and mould 



Thermal image of condensation on plasterboard wall

LOOK IN YOUR WALLS

BORESCOPE / CAVITY CAMERA

Sometimes it's essential to see inside a cavity wall or behind plasterboard to fully understand the cause of damp or mould. For this, we use a borescope—or snake camera—which gives us a clear internal view without the need for major disruption.

This tool allows us to quickly assess whether a cavity is blocked, if mould or debris is present, or if interstitial condensation is occurring within the wall. It also helps us identify hidden sources of moisture, such as leaking pipes or failed seals.

Importantly, we can also check for signs of cavity wall insulation failure—such as slumping, damp insulation, or bridging—which are common but often overlooked causes of persistent damp problems. 

  • ​Minimal disruption - just a 10mm hole needed
  • Find cavity wall insulation failures
  • ​Look inside damp walls 



Thermal image of condensation on plasterboard wall

IS IT REALLY DAMP?

SPEEDY METER

Calcium carbide meters—often called "speedy meters"—are a reliable and accurate way to measure moisture levels within masonry materials. They work by reacting calcium carbide with a small sample of masonry (usually drilled from the wall), producing acetylene gas. The amount of gas generated correlates directly with the moisture content in the sample, providing a quantitative reading in just a few minutes.

This method is particularly valuable because it measures the actual moisture content in the substrate, rather than just surface humidity. Unlike electronic damp meters, which can be influenced by salts or surface condensation, speedy meters give a true representation of internal moisture levels. This makes them especially useful for diagnosing rising damp, confirming drying progress after flooding, or assessing whether damp-related issues are active or historic.

 ​When used alongside other tools, they help ensure an accurate, evidence-based diagnosis

  • ​Accurate diagnosis of moisture in walls
  • Confirm, or deny, the presence of rising damp 
  • ​Check if destructive damp works are really needed



speedy calcium carbide meter indpendent damp survey

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT WITH A

Landlords Damp & Mould Survey

Damp and mould problems can be stressful, costly, and confusing—especially when every contractor seems to offer a different opinion. That’s why our independent damp surveys are designed with homeowners in mind. Based right here in Devon, we offer honest, expert assessments with no hidden agenda.

We don’t sell repairs or treatments, so you can trust that our findings are completely unbiased. Using advanced tools like thermal imaging, moisture meters, and airflow testing, we identify the true cause of damp—whether it’s poor ventilation, hidden leaks, or something else entirely.

With years of experience and deep knowledge of local building types—from historic stone cottages to modern brick homes—we provide clear answers and practical guidance you can rely on.

​Get peace of mind with a professional damp survey that puts your home—and your interests—first.

  • ​Experienced Surveyors: All with years of time spent solving damp issues
  • Based in DevonExpert damp surveys across the South West
  • Save Money: Our independent advice can save you £££ on pointless works

Here's what you get:

A comprehensive survey report with smart recommendations.

  • ​Moisture assessment: Relative and absolute humidity levels can explain why the walls are getting wet
  • Condensation riskReflecting how the property is being used to pinpoint high risk areas
  • Humidity control: Extract fans speeds and ventilation checked against building regs
  • Building construction: Consideration to construction of the building and how it should work
  • Defects report: Photos and descriptions of any defects which could lead to moisture stress on the property
  • Clear recommendations: Practical advice to fix any defects and prevent future moisture problems
  • Specialist tools: Equipment to identify cause and find lasting solutions

OUR STORY

Why would an asthma sufferer work with damp and mould?

Well, that's what my doctor asked me with a genuinely baffled look on her face! And it is a good question, why would I work with damp and mould when I suffer with asthma? The honest answer is that I love buildings and I want every body in the UK to live in a warm, dry and healthy home. It shouldn't be a lofty goal and yet somehow it is. After a decade on and off the tools in construction I realised that so many of the problems I see in homes are down to a lack of understanding around how moisture moves in a building. This is the knowledge which could immediately improve the lives of so many people and it is this which gets me up in the morning. Yes, I am a damp nerd and proud of it.

Damp and mould are not simply maintenance or decorative  issues, they have real world legal, health and reputational consequences. That's why Ministry of Mould only use property surveyors with years of experience looking at building defects and dealing with disrepair for private and social landlords....30+ years of experience in one case (Sorry, Peter 😊).

Ministry of Mould aims to uncover the real causes of damp and mould, offer clear, practical solutions and explain clearly why the damp or mould is happening.

We can help you with:

  • Assessing and diagnosing the causes of damp and mould
  • Mould testing commercial and residential property
  • DIY mould testing kits and self paced courses
  • Landlord compliance with new legislation 

damp and mould expert

On the tools way back when I had more hair 😂

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