Can Injected Damp Treatments Damage Your Home?

Thacthed cottage leaded light windows
(Image credit: Redwood Stone - Folly & Garden)

If you’re planning on buying an older property any time soon you could be entering into a world of unnecessary damp treatments. At the slightest whiff of dampit’s not unusual for mortgage lenders to insist on a ‘timber and damp report’, withholding part of the loan as a ‘retention’ (typically around £2,000) which can only be released once any necessary remedial work has been carried out backed by a 20-year guarantee.

The trouble is, this approach often results in a lot of unnecessary work being carried out. At worst, damp treatments can be counter-productive, damaging to the fabric of the property as well as being a complete waste of money.

Ian Rock

Chartered surveyor Ian Rock MRICS is a director is Rightsurvey.co.uk and the author of eight popular Haynes House Manuals, including the Home Extension Manual, the Self Build Manual and Period Property Manual.

Ian is also the founder of Zennor Consultants. In addition to providing house surveys, Zennor Consultants provide professional guidance on property refurbishment and maintenance as well as advising on the design and construction of home extensions and loft conversions, including planning and Building Regulations compliance.

Ian has recently added a 100m2 extension to his home; he designed and project managed the build and completed much of the interior fit-out on a DIY basis.