Monitoring moisture condition

Level 1: senses (mainly visual)

There really is no substitute for regular visual inspection, no matter how sophisticated remote monitoring systems become. A remote monitoring system cannot interface with an occupier, who may divulge useful information concerning how the property is performing or being used, or how the environment is controlled. Sights, sounds and smells inform the visiting surveyor.

Monitoring with the senses

  • As materials dry out or wet up, they often exhibit visual change:
    • Masonry lightens in colour as it dries, or darkens as it wets.
    • Stains remain after a material dries.
    • Water levels rise and drop, leaving tide lines or collected detritus.
  • Fungi and moulds may show signs of extension or regression.
  • You may notice formation of salts on an exposed brick substrate.
  • Perhaps equipment (e.g. dehumidifiers) has been moved or switched off.
  • Outside you note rain penetration problems where faults in rainwater goods enable water to soak through onto an internal wall or floor, or flooding of certain areas occurs at times of high rainfall.
  • The roof light is left open to allow in drips of water that wets the floor you are trying to dry.
  • The scratching and scuttling sounds from the loft above – and didn’t we learn from the caretaker that some creature has chewed through a plastic pipe from the storage cistern?
  • The musty smell you noticed in the entrance porch with the flat roof.
  • Listen to occupiers and or building owners accounts of the dampness present.
  • You need to be there to hear it, smell it, and ask the questions.