Damp, mould and thermal imaging

[WillyWilson1]

We have a damp, and rather mouldy single-skin kitchen (1930s semi).

Before we start on any work we think to get an independent damp expert to try to find out where the problem(s) are. There are possibly more than one - the single-skin, lack of decent ventilation and heating, and possibly other factors.

One chap has offered to do this, using, among other techniques, thermal imaging. How effective is this likely to be? Has anyone any successful experience of using this for damp/mould problems.

Many thanks.

Walter Wilson

 

[foxhole]

Pretty pointless, damp problem's and solutions are usually quite simple to diagnose and solve. Thermal imaging will just tell you what everyone knows , your walls are cold.

 

[WillyWilson1]

Foxhole,

Thanks.

Do you mean that the imaging will not go any further than showing the pattern of cold, and won't be helpful in pinpointing the source(s)?

From your answer I get the feeling that you're saying that it is a problem with the wall thickness, rather than any particular source?

That may be the case, as the mould is on lots of different parts of the 3 walls (high and partway down on 2 and all levels on the third) which are the 'outside', whereas the main house wall is free.

Any thoughts on external wall cladding - we don't want to lose and interior space.

Walter

 

[Pigeon85]

Agreed it is pointless it will just show where the cold spots which is where the damp you can see is now

 

[OwainDIYer]

the single-skin, lack of decent ventilation and heating,

That's the cause of the damp.

You could also look at roof, flashing and guttering, and DPC bridged outside or under the floor.

But a 'specialist damp survey' won't tell you any more.

Or you have a very high water table and your kitchen is floating ...

 

[WillyWilson1]

OwainDIYer

OK, thanks.

Any thoughts on making single-skin thicker? What about external insulation/cladding of some kind - we don't want to lose any space inside.

Walter

 

[OwainDIYer]

OwainDIYer

OK, thanks.

Any thoughts on making single-skin thicker? What about external insulation/cladding of some kind - we don't want to lose any space inside.

Yes.

 

[WillyWilson1]

Cheers,

I guess external insulation is a place to start.

I'll post on the relevant forum.

Thanks