A very informative article written by Graham Coleman who is recognised as one of the country’s leading independent experts specialising in laboratory and consultancy services for the examination of dampness, timber infestation and timber decay in the built environment. Graham has been in private practice as an independent consultant since 1982 and we are grateful for his permission to reproduce this article.

Differentiating between rising damp and condensation is essential to avoid wasting money.

Article 4a is the first in a series of four useful articles (4a – 4d) to help you through the process of finding a contractor, assessing reports and estimates, selecting a contractor and booking the job.
Article 4a explores the pros and cons of the various ways by which you may be introduced to or locate a specialist contractor who you instruct to conduct a survey and submit a report and estimate for timber and/or damp treatment that they deem to be necessary in a property. It is very enlightening.

You have received reports and estimates from the companies you contacted and now you have to decide which one you would like to carry out work for you. This article helps you through the process of selection.

An informed article written by Graham Coleman which explains the truth about rising damp and dispells the ilinformed theory that rising damp does not exist which is peddled by those whose only agenda is self publicity.

This article is a well informed opinion of performance data produced by a well respected Dutch Laboratory (TNO) in respect of an environmentally controlled damp-proofing system

Another interesting article written by Graham Coleman that explains what most experienced surveyors should already know . There are others however with a self publicity agenda who pontificate about what might influence a hand held surface moisture meter as if they are the only ones that know! Never mind the politics - an informative article.

An explanation of the title ‘Approved Contractor’ that is often seen in contractor’s advertisements and on their headed paper – What does it really mean?

Not all timber treatment fluids have the same working strength - some have 100% less active ingredient than others. This article contains a table to help you work out the differing strengths.