Damp Surveys
in Solva.
Independent damp and timber surveys for homes and properties in Solva and the surrounding Pembrokeshire area.
Qualified, evidence-led investigation with no damp-proofing treatments, remedial building works or repair contracts to sell. We investigate the cause of moisture before recommending what should happen next.
No remedial works to sell
BSc (Hons) • MCIOB • CSTDB
Surveying throughout Pembrokeshire
Cause before treatment
Historic valley properties need
a building-led approach.
Solva has a distinctive mix of historic buildings arranged around Lower Solva's steep-sided harbour valley and the higher settlement of Upper Solva.
Many older buildings form part of the village's historic eighteenth- and nineteenth-century development, including roadside terraces and traditionally constructed properties. Solid masonry, older mortars and historic finishes can behave very differently from modern construction when exposed to moisture.
The steep valley setting is also important when investigating dampness. Changes in external ground level, terraced gardens, retaining relationships, drainage and surface-water movement can all influence low-level or lateral moisture within buildings.
Solva's harbour and coastal position means wind-driven rain, weathered external finishes, roof and chimney details and vulnerable junctions should also be assessed before internal moisture is attributed to a single mechanism.
Our approach is to investigate the building as a whole rather than diagnose dampness from a single moisture-meter reading.
What we consider
when investigating damp.
Damp is the symptom. The purpose of the survey is to identify the building conditions and moisture mechanisms capable of producing it.
Traditional Masonry
Older solid-wall buildings require assessment in the context of their original materials, construction and ability to manage and release moisture.
Ground Levels & Slopes
Steep ground, terraced gardens, retaining relationships and surface-water movement can contribute to lateral or low-level moisture.
Coastal Exposure
Harbour and coastal weather can expose walls, roofs, chimneys and vulnerable junctions to prolonged rain and weathering.
Render & External Finishes
Cracking, weathering, debonding and incompatible coatings can contribute to rain penetration or restrict evaporation from masonry.
Ventilation & Condensation
Internal humidity, heating, ventilation and surface temperatures are considered where condensation or mould may contribute to dampness.
Timber & Floor Voids
Suspended timber floors, sub-floor ventilation and concealed timber elements are considered where moisture may increase the risk of deterioration.
We investigate the cause.
We don't sell the treatment.
DF Damp Consultancy is an independent surveying consultancy.
We do not install chemical damp-proof courses, sell waterproofing systems, undertake tanking or carry out remedial building works.
Our recommendations are therefore based on the evidence identified during the survey rather than the opportunity to sell a subsequent treatment contract.
Where repair is justified, we explain why. Where further investigation, drying or monitoring is more appropriate than immediate treatment, we can recommend that instead.
The right survey
for the right question.
Tell us why you need the survey and what has been identified. We will advise which level of investigation is appropriate and provide a tailored quotation.
Pre-Purchase Damp Surveys
Independent investigation before purchasing a Solva property, helping buyers understand damp-related defects and potential liabilities before committing.
EXPLORE SURVEYS → 02Pre-Purchase Damp & Timber Surveys
Suitable where a mortgage lender or surveyor has requested specialist damp and timber investigation, or where a purchaser wants additional reassurance before buying.
EXPLORE SURVEYS → 03Full Property Damp Surveys
Comprehensive non-intrusive assessment where dampness is widespread, recurring or potentially associated with several building defects.
EXPLORE SURVEYS → 04Localised Damp Surveys
Focused investigation where the concern relates to a defined room, wall or particular area of the property.
EXPLORE SURVEYS → 05Verbal Damp Assessments
Professional assessment with findings and recommendations discussed verbally where a formal written report is not required.
EXPLORE SURVEYS → 06Borescope Investigations
Targeted minimally intrusive inspection of accessible cavities and concealed areas where additional evidence is required.
EXPLORE BORESCOPE →
Building surveying knowledge.
Specialist damp expertise.
Your property is assessed by a qualified surveyor with professional building surveying knowledge and specialist damp and timber qualifications.
BSc (Hons)
Building Surveying
First Class Honours degree providing professional knowledge of construction, building defects and building pathology.
Chartered Member
of CIOB
Chartered membership demonstrating recognised professional competence and experience within the built environment.
Timber & Damp
Qualified
Certificated Surveyor of Timber & Dampness in Buildings, providing specialist knowledge of moisture and timber defects.
From enquiry
to clear answers.
Send the property details
Tell us the Solva property address, what has been identified and why you require the survey.
Receive a tailored quote
We recommend the appropriate level of investigation rather than forcing every property into the same survey package.
Property inspection
The building and moisture evidence are assessed using an appropriate range of professional investigative techniques.
Understand the findings
We explain the likely cause, relevant limitations and proportionate recommendations for what should happen next.
Local coverage across
west Pembrokeshire.
We undertake damp surveys throughout Solva and surrounding communities across west Pembrokeshire.
VIEW OUR FULL SURVEY AREA →
Concerned about damp
in a Solva property?
Speak to an independent, qualified damp surveyor before spending money on treatment. Send us the property details and we will advise which survey is most appropriate.