What Damp and Mould Actually Look Like
Most damp problems are misdiagnosed before anyone takes a reading. A dark patch gets called rising damp, a tenant gets blamed for drying washing indoors, and £3,000 of the wrong work gets done to a wall that was never the problem.
These are photographs from real inspections across South & West Wales. No stock images. Each one shows something we look for and what it tends to indicate — so you can see how a diagnosis is actually built, before you commission anyone.
Condensation & Damp Behind Kitchen Units
Solid stone walls stay cold, and enclosed cupboards trap air — so moisture from daily living settles on cold surfaces, including pipes and the back of units. This creates hidden damp that builds up unseen. Full investigation carried out before any work started.
Roof leak — penetrating damp
Water ingress travelled through the masonry, blowing plaster and causing visible damp damage. Often mistaken for internal damp.
Chimney breast damp penetration, water running down inside the chimney stack and emerging at the base. Common issue where flashing or pointing fails.
Damp investigation — Damp testing with the thermal camera to trace hidden moisture paths and confirm the leak source.
Black mould growth from trapped moisture — poor ventilation, furnature up against external walls and everyday moisture (cooking, breathing, drying clothes) creates ideal conditions for mould on cold internal surfaces.
Precision moisture testing in traditional stone buildings accurate readings confirm damp levels and map affected areas, so we target the right solution — no guesswork.
What these photographs can't tell you
A photo can't diagnose your property. Every one of these cases needed depth readings, environmental data, and sometimes salt analysis before the likely cause could be stated with confidence. A photograph shows what's visible — but only an inspection reveals the root cause.
That's the value of an independent investigation. We measure, we record, and we explain what the evidence shows — including when no works are needed.
Damp & Mould Investigation from £295, inclusive of your AD4 Evidence Report.