Thank you so much, Ryan! 😊 I’m really glad you’re enjoying the videos and learning from them. 🙏 When an air brick causes a cold spot, it is either: Above floor level: Cold air enters and cools the surrounding wall. Below ground level: Causes heat loss from the sub-floor. Both scenarios can lead to condensation and potential mould growth. 🦠💧 While you can’t easily relocate an air brick, here are some ways to address the issue: 1️⃣ Increase Airflow Around the Air Brick 🌬️ Improving air circulation can help prevent moisture from settling. Ensure furniture or other items don’t block airflow. You can also use a small fan to keep air moving. 2️⃣ Add Insulation Around the Cold Spot 🧱❄️ Insulate the interior wall near the air brick to reduce heat loss. Options include: Thermal lining paper 📄🏠 Insulated plasterboard 🪵🔨 Polystyrene-backed wallpaper (if suitable for the wall). 3️⃣ Check the External Condition 🔍 Ensure the air brick is free from debris or blockages. Improving the external airflow can sometimes reduce the cold spot effect. 4️⃣ Monitor Humidity Levels 📊 Keep an eye on humidity and dew point levels. Using a dehumidifier or improving overall ventilation can help reduce condensation risks. 🌡️💧 Additional Tips for Air Bricks 🛠️ Above-Floor Air Bricks 🏠 Consider replacing them with targeted ventilation methods, such as: Opening windows on safety locks 🪟🔒 Following Dew’s Law (keeping the internal dew point below the external temperature). 🌡️💧 You could also consider blocking the air bricks with insulation and covering them with external render. This works best when combined with good ventilation practices, like mechanical extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens. 🚿🍳 Sub-Floor Air Bricks 🧱 Sub-floor air bricks are only necessary if the sub-floor humidity is consistently high (above 85% RH). If it is, you may have a leak that needs investigation and repair. For more on this, see: 🔗 Mains Water Leak Spoiling Timber Floor th-cam.com/video/4hC9XqLirow/w-d-xo.html If sub-floor humidity is low, and you monitor it weekly, consider blocking the air bricks to reduce heat loss. For flexibility, use a flood-protected, rubberised seal that can be easily opened or closed. 🛠️🔧 The goal is to balance ventilation and warmth to prevent cold spots, condensation, and mould growth. 🌬️🏠 I hope this helps! 😊💬
@@dampsurveys Thank you so much. This is the most comprehensive replay I have ever had from a question on youtube. Greatly appreciated. keep up the great work
Thanks for your comment. French drains, invented by Mr. French, are often misunderstood. Their purpose isn’t to drain water away from walls but to disperse water. In the UK, French drains are typically covered with shingles, which can actually worsen the problem. The shingles reduce evaporation, keeping water in contact with walls for longer. This can lead to damp issues rather than resolving them. If you're looking for a drainage solution, ACO drains (a brand commonly used in the UK) are a better option. These are designed to channel water away from the base of walls, preventing it from sitting against the structure. For a more detailed explanation, I highly recommend this video by Robyn Pender from Historic England: 👉 th-cam.com/video/Jo8oF9ubvtI/w-d-xo.html Let me know if you'd like further clarification! 😊
Non of this is new...damp fraud is normal practice in the UK. It’s like asking an umbrella salesman if it's going to rain! I can diagnose that property without even visiting it. Its simply been covered in impervious materials and can't then deal with the humidity created within. Far too many people don't have have enough knowledge of how an old property should function and end up getting the wrong people in.
Thank you for your insightful comment. You're right that misdiagnosis of damp issues isn't new, and it's a persistent problem in the UK property market. Your analogy about the umbrella salesman is quite apt! You've touched on several important points: The prevalence of "damp fraud" or misdiagnosis in the UK The common issue of impervious materials trapping humidity in old properties The lack of understanding about how older buildings should function These are all crucial aspects of the problem. However, I'd like to add some nuance to the discussion: While experienced professionals can often make educated guesses about a property's condition, it's important to conduct thorough, on-site inspections to provide accurate diagnoses. Each property can have unique factors affecting its moisture levels. In this case, the buyer's damp survey was conducted by a plasterer. While plasterers are skilled professionals in their field, they may not have the specialised knowledge required to differentiate between various types of damp accurately. This highlights the importance of consulting experts with specific training in building pathology and damp diagnosis. It's difficult to describe it as fraud when all the plasterer is doing is trying to sell a product. In my opinion, RICS, the PCA, and the government should improve the scientific research, training, regulation and proper auditing of damp surveyors. The plasterer's damp survey lacked crucial evidence to support a rising damp diagnosis. For instance, there was no reference to geological surveys that would have indicated the presence (or absence) of groundwater - the source of water in rising damp. It's understandable that the property buyer was concerned by the plasterer's damp survey. Most people aren't experts in building physics and rely on professional advice. This underscores the need for responsible, well-informed professionals in the industry. The key takeaway is the importance of education - for homeowners, buyers, and even some trades professionals - about the complexities of moisture management in buildings, especially older ones. It's crucial to seek opinions from qualified experienced experts who can provide evidence-based diagnoses and solutions. Thank you for contributing to this important conversation. It's through discussions like these that we can raise awareness and hopefully improve practices in the industry.
@@dampsurveys I was merely being tongue in cheek with my comment regarding diagnosis without visiting. You are totally correct in stating that a good diagnosis being served by a competent person and many homeowners are like an open book in the hands of some more unscrupulous people. I've been in this industry for 18 years and have come across many badly diagnosed damp issues and unfortunately many people who have been charged the best part of a fair bit for unnecessary works. I've noted similar damp issues abroad to here in the UK . The symptoms can be very similar, dew point, over reliance of impervious materials but the difference is mainly due to over scaremongering, sales figures, banks demanding action or unscrupulous individuals or companies. The levels of money spent here in comparison in resolving some basic physics is quite astounding. My years of experience has taught me to know that when it comes to a period property, the majority of damp is actually caused by plasterers, builder's and architect's. From this point during the renovation process the problems start to progress and the homeowners call in the "so called" damp expert who will typically suggest one type of diagnosis and treatment. So, in effect the real problem never actually gets resolved and the merry go around continues. Its without doubt an area that needs regulation and control and one such measure, I my opinion, is to only allow plasterers with at least a level 3 NVQ to be allowed to work on period properties and listed buildings. The builders should also have some firm of heritage accreditation. Obviously non of this would however control the humidity created inside be individuals but with the correct or mediating materials on the walls and balanced heating, ventilation and extraction,go along way in replacing the merry go around with some sustainable grounding.
Thank you for your detailed and insightful follow-up! 😊 Your 18 years of experience clearly shine through in your analysis, and I wholeheartedly agree with many of your points. You’re absolutely right-so much of the damp industry in the UK is driven by over-simplifications, scaremongering, and profit-driven misdiagnoses, often leading to unnecessary and damaging treatments. Your observation about period properties and the damage caused by inappropriate materials like impervious plaster is spot on. Plasterers, builders, and even architects often unwittingly set the stage for future damp issues. As you mention, the subsequent reliance on “so-called” damp experts compounds the problem. 🔑 Key Points to Address the Merry-Go-Round: 1️⃣ Education and Accreditation: I completely agree that professionals working on period properties should have appropriate qualifications, such as NVQs for plasterers and heritage accreditation for builders. Adding to this, surveyors diagnosing damp should undergo rigorous training in building pathology and moisture management-far beyond what is currently required. 2️⃣ Balanced Approach: As you mention, balanced heating, ventilation, and extraction are critical. I’d also add dehumidification and targeted insulation to this mix. Following Dew’s Law-keeping the internal vapour levels (dew point) below the outside temperature-is an excellent guiding principle. For more, check out damp.ai/dews-law. 3️⃣ The True Culprits: Most damp isn’t caused by rising damp (as the industry often claims) but by moisture mismanagement, such as: Poor ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms. Condensation due to insufficient airflow behind furniture. Modern paints, renders, or slurries that block natural evaporation. Humidity spikes caused by everyday living, such as drying clothes indoors. 🔍 What We Can Do: The merry-go-round continues partly because homeowners don’t have access to reliable information or professionals who genuinely understand the science of moisture management. This is why I’ve dedicated myself to building resources like damp.ai and sharing examples of damp misdiagnosis and resolution in my TH-cam videos. It’s not about reinventing the wheel but showing people how basic physics and proper practices can save them thousands of pounds-and their homes. Suggested videos to explore: 👉 Hygroscopic Salts Triggered by Rain - Part 1 👉 Damp Déjà Vu - When Proofing Merely Displaces Damp 👉 Rising Damp Treatment Like Snake Oil Thank you again for your thoughtful comment. Let’s keep the conversation going-it’s voices like yours that help raise awareness and push for better industry practices. 🚀
I absolutely love your videos I am learning so much. Where you say the air brick is allowing a cold spot what could be done about that
Thank you so much, Ryan! 😊 I’m really glad you’re enjoying the videos and learning from them. 🙏
When an air brick causes a cold spot, it is either:
Above floor level: Cold air enters and cools the surrounding wall.
Below ground level: Causes heat loss from the sub-floor.
Both scenarios can lead to condensation and potential mould growth. 🦠💧 While you can’t easily relocate an air brick, here are some ways to address the issue:
1️⃣ Increase Airflow Around the Air Brick 🌬️
Improving air circulation can help prevent moisture from settling. Ensure furniture or other items don’t block airflow. You can also use a small fan to keep air moving.
2️⃣ Add Insulation Around the Cold Spot 🧱❄️
Insulate the interior wall near the air brick to reduce heat loss. Options include:
Thermal lining paper 📄🏠
Insulated plasterboard 🪵🔨
Polystyrene-backed wallpaper (if suitable for the wall).
3️⃣ Check the External Condition 🔍
Ensure the air brick is free from debris or blockages. Improving the external airflow can sometimes reduce the cold spot effect.
4️⃣ Monitor Humidity Levels 📊
Keep an eye on humidity and dew point levels. Using a dehumidifier or improving overall ventilation can help reduce condensation risks. 🌡️💧
Additional Tips for Air Bricks 🛠️
Above-Floor Air Bricks 🏠
Consider replacing them with targeted ventilation methods, such as:
Opening windows on safety locks 🪟🔒
Following Dew’s Law (keeping the internal dew point below the external temperature). 🌡️💧
You could also consider blocking the air bricks with insulation and covering them with external render. This works best when combined with good ventilation practices, like mechanical extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens. 🚿🍳
Sub-Floor Air Bricks 🧱
Sub-floor air bricks are only necessary if the sub-floor humidity is consistently high (above 85% RH). If it is, you may have a leak that needs investigation and repair. For more on this, see:
🔗 Mains Water Leak Spoiling Timber Floor th-cam.com/video/4hC9XqLirow/w-d-xo.html
If sub-floor humidity is low, and you monitor it weekly, consider blocking the air bricks to reduce heat loss. For flexibility, use a flood-protected, rubberised seal that can be easily opened or closed. 🛠️🔧
The goal is to balance ventilation and warmth to prevent cold spots, condensation, and mould growth. 🌬️🏠
I hope this helps! 😊💬
@@dampsurveys Thank you so much. This is the most comprehensive replay I have ever had from a question on youtube. Greatly appreciated. keep up the great work
@dampsurveys why would french drains not be a good idea?
Thanks for your comment.
French drains, invented by Mr. French, are often misunderstood. Their purpose isn’t to drain water away from walls but to disperse water.
In the UK, French drains are typically covered with shingles, which can actually worsen the problem. The shingles reduce evaporation, keeping water in contact with walls for longer. This can lead to damp issues rather than resolving them.
If you're looking for a drainage solution, ACO drains (a brand commonly used in the UK) are a better option. These are designed to channel water away from the base of walls, preventing it from sitting against the structure.
For a more detailed explanation, I highly recommend this video by Robyn Pender from Historic England:
👉 th-cam.com/video/Jo8oF9ubvtI/w-d-xo.html
Let me know if you'd like further clarification! 😊
Non of this is new...damp fraud is normal practice in the UK. It’s like asking an umbrella salesman if it's going to rain!
I can diagnose that property without even visiting it. Its simply been covered in impervious materials and can't then deal with the humidity created within. Far too many people don't have have enough knowledge of how an old property should function and end up getting the wrong people in.
Thank you for your insightful comment. You're right that misdiagnosis of damp issues isn't new, and it's a persistent problem in the UK property market. Your analogy about the umbrella salesman is quite apt!
You've touched on several important points:
The prevalence of "damp fraud" or misdiagnosis in the UK
The common issue of impervious materials trapping humidity in old properties
The lack of understanding about how older buildings should function
These are all crucial aspects of the problem. However, I'd like to add some nuance to the discussion:
While experienced professionals can often make educated guesses about a property's condition, it's important to conduct thorough, on-site inspections to provide accurate diagnoses. Each property can have unique factors affecting its moisture levels.
In this case, the buyer's damp survey was conducted by a plasterer. While plasterers are skilled professionals in their field, they may not have the specialised knowledge required to differentiate between various types of damp accurately. This highlights the importance of consulting experts with specific training in building pathology and damp diagnosis.
It's difficult to describe it as fraud when all the plasterer is doing is trying to sell a product. In my opinion, RICS, the PCA, and the government should improve the scientific research, training, regulation and proper auditing of damp surveyors.
The plasterer's damp survey lacked crucial evidence to support a rising damp diagnosis. For instance, there was no reference to geological surveys that would have indicated the presence (or absence) of groundwater - the source of water in rising damp.
It's understandable that the property buyer was concerned by the plasterer's damp survey. Most people aren't experts in building physics and rely on professional advice. This underscores the need for responsible, well-informed professionals in the industry.
The key takeaway is the importance of education - for homeowners, buyers, and even some trades professionals - about the complexities of moisture management in buildings, especially older ones. It's crucial to seek opinions from qualified experienced experts who can provide evidence-based diagnoses and solutions.
Thank you for contributing to this important conversation. It's through discussions like these that we can raise awareness and hopefully improve practices in the industry.
@@dampsurveys I was merely being tongue in cheek with my comment regarding diagnosis without visiting. You are totally correct in stating that a good diagnosis being served by a competent person and many homeowners are like an open book in the hands of some more unscrupulous people. I've been in this industry for 18 years and have come across many badly diagnosed damp issues and unfortunately many people who have been charged the best part of a fair bit for unnecessary works. I've noted similar damp issues abroad to here in the UK . The symptoms can be very similar, dew point, over reliance of impervious materials but the difference is mainly due to over scaremongering, sales figures, banks demanding action or unscrupulous individuals or companies. The levels of money spent here in comparison in resolving some basic physics is quite astounding. My years of experience has taught me to know that when it comes to a period property, the majority of damp is actually caused by plasterers, builder's and architect's. From this point during the renovation process the problems start to progress and the homeowners call in the "so called" damp expert who will typically suggest one type of diagnosis and treatment. So, in effect the real problem never actually gets resolved and the merry go around continues. Its without doubt an area that needs regulation and control and one such measure, I my opinion, is to only allow plasterers with at least a level 3 NVQ to be allowed to work on period properties and listed buildings. The builders should also have some firm of heritage accreditation. Obviously non of this would however control the humidity created inside be individuals but with the correct or mediating materials on the walls and balanced heating, ventilation and extraction,go along way in replacing the merry go around with some sustainable grounding.
@@dampsurveysIf plasterers are ‘skilled professionals’ who isn’t? In any normal use of the word, plastering, building etc are trades, not professions.
Thank you for your detailed and insightful follow-up! 😊 Your 18 years of experience clearly shine through in your analysis, and I wholeheartedly agree with many of your points.
You’re absolutely right-so much of the damp industry in the UK is driven by over-simplifications, scaremongering, and profit-driven misdiagnoses, often leading to unnecessary and damaging treatments. Your observation about period properties and the damage caused by inappropriate materials like impervious plaster is spot on. Plasterers, builders, and even architects often unwittingly set the stage for future damp issues. As you mention, the subsequent reliance on “so-called” damp experts compounds the problem.
🔑 Key Points to Address the Merry-Go-Round:
1️⃣ Education and Accreditation:
I completely agree that professionals working on period properties should have appropriate qualifications, such as NVQs for plasterers and heritage accreditation for builders. Adding to this, surveyors diagnosing damp should undergo rigorous training in building pathology and moisture management-far beyond what is currently required.
2️⃣ Balanced Approach:
As you mention, balanced heating, ventilation, and extraction are critical. I’d also add dehumidification and targeted insulation to this mix. Following Dew’s Law-keeping the internal vapour levels (dew point) below the outside temperature-is an excellent guiding principle. For more, check out damp.ai/dews-law.
3️⃣ The True Culprits:
Most damp isn’t caused by rising damp (as the industry often claims) but by moisture mismanagement, such as:
Poor ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms.
Condensation due to insufficient airflow behind furniture.
Modern paints, renders, or slurries that block natural evaporation.
Humidity spikes caused by everyday living, such as drying clothes indoors.
🔍 What We Can Do: The merry-go-round continues partly because homeowners don’t have access to reliable information or professionals who genuinely understand the science of moisture management. This is why I’ve dedicated myself to building resources like damp.ai and sharing examples of damp misdiagnosis and resolution in my TH-cam videos. It’s not about reinventing the wheel but showing people how basic physics and proper practices can save them thousands of pounds-and their homes.
Suggested videos to explore:
👉 Hygroscopic Salts Triggered by Rain - Part 1
👉 Damp Déjà Vu - When Proofing Merely Displaces Damp
👉 Rising Damp Treatment Like Snake Oil
Thank you again for your thoughtful comment. Let’s keep the conversation going-it’s voices like yours that help raise awareness and push for better industry practices. 🚀