Welcome to today's podcast, where we delve deeply into a widely misunderstood but crucial topic in residential property surveying: accurately detecting and interpreting dampness in buildings. We'll explore why moisture readings alone can be misleading, what other essential factors must be considered, and how a comprehensive understanding of moisture dynamics can help us avoid costly errors and confusion.

Explore how roof coverings in Britain evolved from thatch and clay to slate, felt, and modern composites. This episode examines the materials, systems, and design choices that shaped roofing practice, including conservation challenges, structural risks, and common survey observations. Ideal for trainee surveyors or anyone keen to understand why roofs fail, how they perform, and what they reveal about the buildings they protect.

This episode explores bitumen and asphalt, two essential materials used in roofing, damp-proofing, and tanking. We trace their geological origins, historical use in ancient and modern construction, and their roles in UK housing. We explain how they’re used in flat roofs, DPCs, and basements, highlight common defects, and look at modern alternatives and sustainability issues. A must-listen for surveyors seeking to better understand these often overlooked but critical waterproofing materials.