Identifying dampness in buildings
Tools can help trace dampness back to the root cause.
The list is not exhaustive. Please propose your own method.
Methods are intended to build on RICS, PCA, English Heritage etc. joint methodology 2019 (“JM-19“): “Investigation of Moisture and its Effects in Traditional Buildings”. Differences are highlighted below.
Despite its ambitions, there is no evidence that the joint methodology has improved diagnosis of dampness in buildings.
These methods can be applied to properties thoughout the world.

Cameras
The mainstay of damp detection is visual observation and record.

Still & video
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Borascope
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CCTV drain
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Distance techniques
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Damp meters
Damp meters are used to profile damp. They can be used as evidence of dampness, but can never diagnose the source of moisture.

Resistance meters
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Capacitance meters
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Simple microwave
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Microwave mapping
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Hygrometers & thermometers
Damp meters are used to profile damp. They can be used as evidence of dampness, but can never diagnose the source of moisture.

Simple hygrometer
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Data logger
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Laser thermometer
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Infra-red camera
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Chemical analysis
Damp meters are used to profile damp. They can be used as evidence of dampness, but can never diagnose the source of moisture.

Gavimetric
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Moisture meter
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Salt identifier
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Hygroscopic tester
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Other tools
Damp meters are used to profile damp. They can be used as evidence of dampness, but can never diagnose the source of moisture.

Anemometer
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Simple airflow checker
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Metal detector
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Groundwater identifier
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