We recently undertook a survey for a prospective purchasers of a detached bungalow in a Glasgow suburb where the Home Report identified issues of dampness and decay.
Our inspection discovered sub-floor condensation had resulted in warping if the floorboards but to our surprise the joists remained sound. Reason being the joists were made of concrete (a very unusual construction – at least in my experience for this area).
Sealing of the solum, improved ventilation and renewal of floorboards and timber bearers was specified.
Dampness was also detected to lower walls, however, moisture profiling determined this was a consequence of the sub-floor condensation and not rising damp, thus avoiding the requirement of expensive and unnecessary damp-proofing works.
