Damp Solve Surveying

Independent Damp and Timber Surveys in London, Kent and East Sussex

Damp Solve Surveying is an independent surveying firm specialising in the investigation and diagnosis of damp problems, timber decay, condensation and structural waterproofing defects. Its stated area of operation covers London, Kent and East Sussex, and its main clientele are homeowners, although it also handles commissions from landlords and estate agents.

The company presents itself as a service with no treatment sales or commissions: its activity is limited to surveying and technical advice, without carrying out the repairs it recommends. It is led by Zak Weeden, principal surveyor and director, who holds CSRT and CSSW certifications and has more than a decade of experience in the sector, with inspections carried out in both period properties and modern homes and developments.

Surveying Services

The firm's catalogue is organised around different types of reports, each aimed at a specific problem or stage of a property transaction:

• Damp surveys: investigation and diagnosis of the cause of damp.
• Condensation surveys: analysis of moisture imbalance and cold surfaces.
• Timber surveys: assessment of decay from dry and wet rot and location of moisture sources and associated fungi.
• Woodworm surveys: detection of the activity of wood-boring beetles that can weaken structural timbers.
• Homebuyer surveys: full damp and timber assessment before purchasing a property.
• Structural waterproofing consultations: review of existing protection in basements and detection of defects.
• Surveys for landlords and estate agents.
• Mortgage damp and timber surveys.

The site indicated guide prices for some of these services: damp, condensation, timber and woodworm surveys started from £195; the homebuyer survey from £345, and structural waterproofing consultations from £400.

Advanced Diagnostics as a Complement

In addition to the main reports, the company offers a range of enhanced diagnostic tests and services that can be added to any survey to reinforce the conclusions:

• Thermal imaging: identification of hidden moisture, thermal bridges and insulation defects using high-resolution thermal images, from £95.
• Data logging: monitoring of temperature and humidity over time to assess condensation risk and indoor environmental conditions, from £145.
• Ventilation testing: measurement of air flow rates to detect insufficient extraction or circulation problems, from £95.
• Salt analysis: identification and quantification of soluble salts in plaster and masonry to determine the origin of damp, from £50.
• Calcium carbide testing: precise measurement of moisture content in masonry and screeds, from £125.
• Drone inspections: aerial reconnaissance of roofs, chimneys and hard-to-reach areas with high-resolution imagery, from £175.

Method of Work

The firm's approach is based on the idea that damp should rarely be diagnosed from a single meter reading. The investigation considers the building as a whole —construction, materials, alterations and defects— and combines visual observation with moisture profiling and specialist diagnostic equipment. The process is structured in four steps: on-site inspection, diagnosis of the cause, clear explanation to the client and a detailed report with photographs and recommendations.

According to the company, the reports include the diagnosis of what is happening, where and what the most likely cause is; photographs, moisture readings and supporting evidence; and practical recommendations aimed at resolving the source of the problem without proposing unnecessary treatment work.

Principal Surveyor Profile

Zak Weeden leads the firm as principal surveyor. According to his presentation, he founded Damp Solve Surveying after more than a decade in the sector, during which he observed how property defects can be misdiagnosed and lead to costly and unnecessary repairs. His stated aim is to offer truly independent surveys, clear answers and practical advice. He is certified as CSRT and CSSW.

Client Reviews

The site shows an average rating of 5.0 based on customer reviews. Among the testimonials collected are those of Lauryn Seal, from Gillingham, who highlights the consistent communication and the hassle-free experience; William Ivins, from Tonbridge, who emphasises the professional nature and clarity of the report, as well as the prior call to explain the findings and the absence of sales pressure; and Maria Burke, from Bromley, who values the call on the same day as the inspection to explain the findings and the realistic cost estimate.