Business Details
22 Years
experience
Trusted Damp & Timber Surveyors
Established in 2004, we operate as an independent surveying practice accredited by the Property Care Association. Our expertise lies in conducting specialist investigations into dampness, timber decay, cavity wall ties, and building disrepair across domestic, commercial, and historic properties. We provide unbiased expert advice supported by laboratory analysis, thermal imaging, and architectural drawings, maintaining strict independence from treatment contractors.Our team holds professional qualifications including CSTDB, CSSW, and MIWSc certifications, with David Aldred serving as an expert witness in dampness and timber-related disputes. We prioritise factual analysis over speculative diagnoses, ensuring clients receive technically robust assessments free from commercial bias. Our services extend nationwide, covering all areas of the UK while maintaining local operational bases in Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire.
Services
Damp Surveys
Timber Decay Inspections
Cavity Wall Tie Surveys
Thermal Imaging Analysis
Expert Witness Reports
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of specialist experience in damp and timber diagnostics
- Our independence ensures completely unbiased technical assessments
- We employ laboratory analysis to verify moisture conditions scientifically
- Our team holds multiple industry-recognised professional certifications
- We provide expert witness testimony in property defect disputes
Associations and certifications
- Property Care Association
Services
Damp Surveys
Specialist investigations into rising damp, condensation, and penetrating damp issues. We use scientific methods including laboratory testing of wall samples to determine moisture sources. Our reports provide definitive diagnoses without commercial bias, avoiding reliance on electrical meter readings alone.
Timber Decay Inspections
Comprehensive assessment of wet rot, dry rot, and woodworm infestations. We identify structural timber decay causes through physical examination and laboratory analysis. Our reports specify necessary remedial actions while distinguishing between actual decay and superficial moisture issues.
Cavity Wall Tie Surveys
Detailed inspections of cavity wall tie condition and cavity insulation defects. We use endoscopic photography and physical testing to assess corrosion and structural integrity. Our reports determine whether wall ties require replacement or if movement issues stem from alternative causes.
Expert Witness Reports
Court-compliant technical reports for property disputes. We provide impartial assessments of building defects, supported by photographic evidence, laboratory results, and construction analysis. Our reports withstand legal scrutiny in housing disrepair and contractor dispute cases.
Thermal Imaging
Infrared thermography to detect moisture patterns and heat loss. We use thermal imaging to identify hidden damp areas and insulation defects. This non-invasive technique helps target intrusive investigations while forming part of comprehensive defect analysis.
People
David Aldred
Building Pathologist
Chartered Specialist in Timber and Dampness with 20+ years' experience. Holds multiple industry qualifications including CSTDB, MIWSc, and CSSW certifications. Provides expert witness testimony in property defect cases.
Questions
Are you independent from treatment contractors?
Yes, we operate completely independently and do not sell any damp proofing or timber treatment services.
Do you provide expert witness services?
Yes, we prepare court-compliant reports and provide expert testimony in property defect disputes.
How do you diagnose damp problems?
We use laboratory analysis of wall samples rather than relying solely on electrical moisture meters.
Do you survey historic buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience assessing damp and decay issues in buildings of special historic interest.
Can electrical meters prove rising damp?
No, our technical analysis shows meters alone cannot definitively diagnose rising damp conditions.
Do you offer nationwide coverage?
Yes, we conduct inspections across all areas of the United Kingdom.
