• Who Are Elta Trade?!
    Jun 18 2024

    Today’s episode of The Damp Show is all about Elta Trade the firm that Sam has been buying his fans from for 10 years. A firm he has found that he has been able to rely on to sell him products that work well and are very effective at managing airflow in all sorts of buildings and therefore playing an important role in managing damp and mould.

    Sam tells you all about their top products and explains exactly how he has been using them for the past 10 years.



    Get Your FREE E-Book PLUS More Great Content, Courses and Advice @ www.dampsam.com



    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Elta Trade make an alternating fan, called the push pull fan, that can change the air inside a room. It is extremely quiet.
    • They are careful to produce products that comply with all building regulations and quickly update them when the regulations change.
    • The support and advice they offer is very good and easy to access.
    • Be careful not to fit commercial fans in residential properties, they tend to be too noisy for these settings.
    • For homeowners they sell a remote-controlled fan.
    • For landlords who do not want their tenants to turn the fan off, which could lead to mould, Elta makes a low carbon unit that cannot be turned off.
    • Elta also sells window kits.

    BEST MOMENTS

    “You need air coming in and going out and you need it not to be freezing cold.”

    “Elta Trade specializes in residential ventilation that's available to electricians, plumbers and homeowners.”

    “They are low carbon so they´re not going to cost you a fortune.”

    Do you want to find out why your property is damp, so you can start the process of solving the issue the right way? – Go to Why Do I Have Damp in My Property Damp Sam Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/84911630448/ and upload your photos.

    EPISODE RESOURCES

    Fans for the tradespeople - https://www.eltatrade.co.uk/

    Fans for homeowners - https://eltauk.com/


    ABOUT THE HOST
    Simon Cooper AKA Damp Sam is a time-served plasterer since 1983 and has a HNC in building management. He is the director of 3 Ltd companies and a PCA-qualified Damp and structural waterproofing surveyor. He also owns a portfolio of properties that he renovated over the years.

    Check my YouTube Channel where you can find hundreds of videos all about Damp!

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDh4nXWTEAPxsG5JIX3VdIg - if you also want access to the paid membership content, click the Join button.

    https://www.instagram.com/all_dry_damp/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-cooper-csrt-cssw-hncdampsam-45528649/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@damp_sam?lang=en

    The products Damp Sam recommends, because he has used them for many years, are available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/dampsamhnccsrtcssw

    CONTACT METHOD

    Dampsam@alldrydampproofing.com
    https://www.facebook.com/AllDryDP/

    Simon@thedampshow.co.uk

    Simon@alldrydampproofing.com



    Damp, Damp proofing, Property, Help, plaster, mould, ingress, wet, water: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-damp-show/id1616529938?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • Rising Damp the Myth
    Jun 11 2024

    Today’s episode of The Damp Show is all about rising damp, in particular, the myths, to do this Sam uses a recent survey he has carried out. He explains what a salt band looks like, how they form and how to recognise one that someone has tried to hide.

    This property also had sulphate contamination on the chimney breasts, penetrating damp, the wrong type of ventilation fans and a bridging issue, so you will also learn something about those common damp problems by listening to this episode.

    Get Your FREE E-Book PLUS More Great Content, Courses and Advice @ www.dampsam.com



    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Rising damp is very rare, but it does exist, so it is important to know how to recognise it even if someone has tried to cover it up.
    • An earthy smell is an unmistakable sign of dampness.
    • If someone tells you a property is dry get it in writing, if you don´t and it is damp you have no proof.
    • Fans that only operate when the lights are switched on are not effective enough.
    • When a fan is off, it is a hole in the wall, which can contribute to damp issues because when it rains all of that humid air comes straight into the property.
    • All kinds of damp can easily be covered up by skimming and painting everything, just before it goes on the market. So, you need to be careful when buying.
    • If you are buying a property, especially via a broker, check the terms and conditions, often there will be a due diligence clause that states the buyer needs to do their due diligence, which means getting surveys done.

    BEST MOMENTS

    “I´ve seen it with my own eyes, felt and smelt it, it´s a salt band.”

    “Because they are hydroscopic, they'll absorb moisture from the atmosphere.”

    “If I do ´owt wrong, then we try and fix it. We are not one of those fly-by-night firms.”

    Do you want to find out why your property is damp, so you can start the process of solving the issue the right way? – Go to Why Do I Have Damp in My Property Damp Sam Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/84911630448/ and upload your photos.

    EPISODE RESOURCES

    What a salt band looks like - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m121VgI3rE

    Sam´s Express Damp proofing System Masterclass - https://dampsamsdepot.samcart.com/products/the-express-damp-proofing-system-simple-to-follow-on-line-coourse


    ABOUT THE HOST
    Simon Cooper AKA Damp Sam is a time-served plasterer since 1983 and has a HNC in building management. He is the director of 3 Ltd companies and a PCA-qualified Damp and structural waterproofing surveyor. He also owns a portfolio of properties that he renovated over the years.

    Check my YouTube Channel where you can find hundreds of videos all about Damp!

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDh4nXWTEAPxsG5JIX3VdIg - if you also want access to the paid membership content, click the Join button.

    https://www.instagram.com/all_dry_damp/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-cooper-csrt-cssw-hncdampsam-45528649/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@damp_sam?lang=en

    The products Damp Sam recommends, because he has used them for many years, are available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/dampsamhnccsrtcssw

    CONTACT METHOD

    Dampsam@alldrydampproofing.com
    https://www.facebook.com/AllDryDP/

    Simon@thedampshow.co.uk

    Simon@alldrydampproofing.com



    Damp, Damp proofing, Property, Help, plaster, mould, ingress, wet, water: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-damp-show/id1616529938?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Surveyors, Surveys and Reports
    Jun 4 2024

    Today’s episode of The Damp Show is all about surveyors, surveys and reports, which Sam gets sent a lot of. He shares some of his insights, explaining what you need to be looking out for. Including what should be in the report, how to work out if someone is qualified and more.

    Get Your FREE E-Book PLUS More Great Content, Courses and Advice @ www.dampsam.com

    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • A lot of surveys are missing information that should legally be included.
    • It is not uncommon for companies to put clauses in their quotes. For example, that their work is not guaranteed if a PIV unit has not been fitted.
    • Different types of dampness have different patterns. Sam is seeing reports which say there is rising damp when the meter readings do not indicate this.
    • Misdiagnosis is becoming an increasing problem within the industry.
    • Independent surveyors should not be putting prices in their reports. They do not do remedial work themselves, so are very out of touch when it comes to costs.
    • If you think a report may be wrong based on something you have learned from Sam, send him a copy.

    BEST MOMENTS

    “The problem is this, why our industry has got a bad reputation, and it's misdiagnosis.”

    “They have not actually gone and …. got qualifications.”

    “I reckon we could save him a lot of money because there's a lot of work here that don't need doing.”

    Do you want to find out why your property is damp, so you can start the process of solving the issue the right way? – Go to Why Do I Have Damp in My Property Damp Sam Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/84911630448/ and upload your photos.


    ABOUT THE HOST
    Simon Cooper AKA Damp Sam is a time-served plasterer since 1983 and has a HNC in building management. He is the director of 3 Ltd companies and a PCA-qualified Damp and structural waterproofing surveyor. He also owns a portfolio of properties that he renovated over the years.

    Check my YouTube Channel where you can find hundreds of videos all about Damp!

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDh4nXWTEAPxsG5JIX3VdIg - if you also want access to the paid membership content, click the Join button.

    https://www.instagram.com/all_dry_damp/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-cooper-csrt-cssw-hncdampsam-45528649/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@damp_sam?lang=en

    The products Damp Sam recommends, because he has used them for many years, are available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/dampsamhnccsrtcssw

    CONTACT METHOD

    Dampsam@alldrydampproofing.com
    https://www.facebook.com/AllDryDP/

    Simon@thedampshow.co.uk

    Simon@alldrydampproofing.com

    Damp, Damp proofing, Property, Help, plaster, mould, ingress, wet, water: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-damp-show/id1616529938?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • The Importance of Pre-Purchase Damp & Timber Surveys
    May 21 2024
    Today’s episode of The Damp Show is all about why having a full damp and timber survey done before purchasing a property is a good idea. Using a recent survey he completed in Barnsley; he demonstrates how easy it is for lay people to miss the signs that a property has a serious damp and mould issue. Sam also explains how to become a qualified damp and timber surveyor. He looks at the changes that have been made to the training provided by organisations like the PCA and CITB. Get Your FREE E-Book PLUS More Great Content, Courses and Advice @ www.dampsam.com KEY TAKEAWAYS Some damp issues are obvious. You can see and smell it, but often you are only seeing half the story.When a house goes on the market it is often freshly painted and has new carpets which can make everything look OK to a layperson and even some general surveyors. A qualified damp surveyor will see beyond this.The average person won´t notice floor deflections which are a sign of long-term damp issues.You have to look beyond any repair work. The property Sam surveyed had a new roof, yet there was still extensive black mould in the attic.Buyers are rarely given enough access to discover damp and mould in places like the gable ends. A surveyor will have access and should check every nook and cranny.Most general surveyors will not be anywhere near as thorough as a proper damp and mould surveyor. It is not uncommon for them to totally miss damp issues or only partially identify structural issues relating to damp.If problems are found, you can find out how much the work will cost and negotiate a lower price.Having a full damp and timber survey done is not cheap, but it can easily save you thousands, so is often a good investment.There is some funding available for employers who want to send their apprentices for training. BEST MOMENTS “If I could condemn it, I would have.” “It were like climbing North face of Eiger, the steepest stairs I´ve ever seen.” “A competent qualified surveyor will be able to see if there's going to be an issue in the next 6 to 36 months.” Do you want to find out why your property is damp, so you can start the process of solving the issue the right way? – Go to Why Do I Have Damp in My Property Damp Sam Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/84911630448/ and upload your photos. EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.citb.co.uk/standards-and-delivering-training/training-standards/short-training-standards-search/insulation-and-building-treatments/surveying-timber-and-dampness-in-buildings/ABOUT THE HOSTSimon Cooper AKA Damp Sam is a time-served plasterer since 1983 and has a HNC in building management. He is the director of 3 Ltd companies and a PCA-qualified Damp and structural waterproofing surveyor. He also owns a portfolio of properties that he renovated over the years. Check my YouTube Channel where you can find hundreds of videos all about Damp! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDh4nXWTEAPxsG5JIX3VdIg - if you also want access to the paid membership content, click the Join button. https://www.instagram.com/all_dry_damp/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-cooper-csrt-cssw-hncdampsam-45528649/ https://www.tiktok.com/@damp_sam?lang=en The products Damp Sam recommends, because he has used them for many years, are available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/dampsamhnccsrtcssw CONTACT METHOD Dampsam@alldrydampproofing.comhttps://www.facebook.com/AllDryDP/ Simon@thedampshow.co.uk Simon@alldrydampproofing.comDamp, Damp proofing, Property, Help, plaster, mould, ingress, wet, water: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-damp-show/id1616529938?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Common Furniture Beetle, Fleas and PIVs
    May 14 2024

    Today’s episode of The Damp Show is all about insects. Furniture beetles which typically come out in May and wreak havoc in timbers and fleas which love warm weather damp corners or humid conditions. An infestation of either of these pests is no joke.

    So, Sam explains how to recognise that these pests are taking up residency in your home and what to do about them. Including, how to use a PIV to help with this issue, while greatly improving the air quality in your home.



    Get Your FREE E-Book PLUS More Great Content, Courses and Advice @ www.dampsam.com



    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Furniture beetles are also known as May flies because that is when they breed and leave their eggs in your timber.
    • They are tiny little flies that have a long nose.
    • Fleas can be picked up from anywhere by humans as well as pets.
    • Vacuuming regularly and emptying the bag every time and double sealing it in a plastic bag is important for prevention.
    • Adding a PIV unit to your property helps to reduce humidity, which makes it a little harder for pests to breed.
    • A PIV unit cleans out a lot of pollutants out of the air, which is why so many people with allergies benefit from using them.

    BEST MOMENTS

    “For some reason, just talking about fleas just makes you itch.”

    “I don´t have carpets in my house. I learned this a long time ago.”

    “In my experience, it is not that it is blowing cold air in, it is that your PIV has not been set correctly.”

    Do you want to find out why your property is damp, so you can start the process of solving the issue the right way? – Go to Why Do I Have Damp in My Property Damp Sam Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/84911630448/ and upload your photos.

    EPISODE RESOURCES

    https://www.cpdme.com/webinar

    https://safeguardstore.co.uk/nope-cp-flea-killer-spray/

    How to fit a PIV - https://www.property-care.org/write/MediaUploads/News/Documents/Guidance-Document_PIV-Systems_May-2020.pdf

    Flea circus - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X2YDdq9gS0


    ABOUT THE HOST
    Simon Cooper AKA Damp Sam is a time-served plasterer since 1983 and has a HNC in building management. He is the director of 3 Ltd companies and a PCA-qualified Damp and structural waterproofing surveyor. He also owns a portfolio of properties that he renovated over the years.

    Check my YouTube Channel where you can find hundreds of videos all about Damp!

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDh4nXWTEAPxsG5JIX3VdIg - if you also want access to the paid membership content, click the Join button.

    https://www.instagram.com/all_dry_damp/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-cooper-csrt-cssw-hncdampsam-45528649/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@damp_sam?lang=en

    The products Damp Sam recommends, because he has used them for many years, are available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/dampsamhnccsrtcssw

    CONTACT METHOD

    Dampsam@alldrydampproofing.com
    https://www.facebook.com/AllDryDP/

    Simon@thedampshow.co.uk

    Simon@alldrydampproofing.com





    Damp, Damp proofing, Property, Help, plaster, mould, ingress, wet, water: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-damp-show/id1616529938?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • How The Preservation Awards are Judged and Marked
    May 7 2024

    Today’s episode of The Damp Show looks ahead to the CPA awards, which take place soon. Simon explains how the CPA is changing their awards system. He also provides an insight into how the CPA perseveration awards are judged and marked. In particular, the new “digital space award.”

    Get Your FREE E-Book PLUS More Great Content, Courses and Advice @ www.dampsam.com

    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • To ensure all size firms are in with a chance of winning, splitting each award into 3 categories – micro, small and large would give everyone a chance to win. Including very small firms who also do good work.
    • Picking up an award provides a big boost for everyone who works in the company.
    • Awards do encourage companies to push up their standards.
    • Creating an award for the digital space, if done right should help to get more information about tackling damp online and accessible to everyone.

    BEST MOMENTS

    “I´ve looked at the categories and realised just how unfair they were for smaller companies.”

    “But they are making little pin steps.”

    “I don´t get this thing about inventiveness, it´s f**king social media!”

    Do you want to find out why your property is damp, so you can start the process of solving the issue the right way? – Go to Why Do I Have Damp in My Property Damp Sam Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/84911630448/ and upload your photos.

    ABOUT THE HOST
    Simon Cooper AKA Damp Sam is a time-served plasterer since 1983 and has a HNC in building management. He is the director of 3 Ltd companies and a PCA-qualified Damp and structural waterproofing surveyor. He also owns a portfolio of properties that he renovated over the years.

    Check my YouTube Channel where you can find hundreds of videos all about Damp!

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDh4nXWTEAPxsG5JIX3VdIg - if you also want access to the paid membership content, click the Join button.

    https://www.instagram.com/all_dry_damp/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-cooper-csrt-cssw-hncdampsam-45528649/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@damp_sam?lang=en

    The products Damp Sam recommends, because he has used them for many years, are available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/dampsamhnccsrtcssw

    CONTACT METHOD

    Dampsam@alldrydampproofing.com
    https://www.facebook.com/AllDryDP/

    Simon@thedampshow.co.uk

    Simon@alldrydampproofing.com

    Damp, Damp proofing, Property, Help, plaster, mould, ingress, wet, water: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-damp-show/id1616529938?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Should Damp Surveyors Have Practical Training?
    Apr 30 2024

    For today’s episode of The Damp Show Sam explains why he thinks that the training that damp surveyors undergo needs revamping. He aims to raise the standards for his industry.

    He also shares the details of his latest survey and a job he shared on LinkedIn. Both of which include some interesting damp-related facts.

    Get Your FREE E-Book PLUS More Great Content, Courses and Advice @ www.dampsam.com

    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • To be a PCA apprentice and get qualified you need to be working for a damp company for 3 years and have passed the exams.
    • To become an independent damp surveyor, you do not necessarily need experience in working to fix the underlying causes of damp.
    • It makes sense to hire a damp surveyor who has experience in making the repairs. Their recommendations are far more likely to be viable for your property.
    • Being audited is not a bad thing, it helps to keep your standards high and ensures you stay up to date.

    BEST MOMENTS

    “They've not actually been on the coal face and actually been working, doing practical, remedial work.”

    “The majority of independents don´t even draw a plan.”

    “You´ve got to have some kind of familiarity with the products you are recommending.”

    Do you want to find out why your property is damp, so you can start the process of solving the issue the right way? – Go to Why Do I Have Damp in My Property Damp Sam Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/84911630448/ and upload your photos.

    EPISODE RESOURCES

    Damp Sam Course - https://dampsamsdepot.samcart.com/products/the-express-damp-proofing-system-simple-to-follow-on-line-coourseABOUT THE HOST
    Simon Cooper AKA Damp Sam is a time-served plasterer since 1983 and has a HNC in building management. He is the director of 3 Ltd companies and a PCA-qualified Damp and structural waterproofing surveyor. He also owns a portfolio of properties that he renovated over the years.

    Check my YouTube Channel where you can find hundreds of videos all about Damp!

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDh4nXWTEAPxsG5JIX3VdIg - if you also want access to the paid membership content, click the Join button.

    https://www.instagram.com/all_dry_damp/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-cooper-csrt-cssw-hncdampsam-45528649/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@damp_sam?lang=en

    The products Damp Sam recommends, because he has used them for many years, are available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/dampsamhnccsrtcssw

    CONTACT METHOD

    Dampsam@alldrydampproofing.com
    https://www.facebook.com/AllDryDP/

    Simon@thedampshow.co.uk

    Simon@alldrydampproofing.com

    Damp, Damp proofing, Property, Help, plaster, mould, ingress, wet, water: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-damp-show/id1616529938?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Can I Fix a FLOODED House?!
    Apr 16 2024

    In today’s episode of The Damp Show Sam gives you an update on what is happening with the flood house he spoke about last week. He shares how he realised that the previous owner had sold the house knowing that it had serious damp issues without telling the person he sold it to. Sam explains how using legislation from 2006 the new owner can sue the person who mis-sold the property to them.

    As well as telling you about a pre-purchase damp and timber survey he has done in Bradford. A survey that the potential buyer is planning to use to try to buy the property for less. Sam also tells you about a charity that is close to his heart – Matthew´s A Friend In Me.

    Get Your FREE E-Book PLUS More Great Content, Courses and Advice @ www.dampsam.com



    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • When installing a subfloor, you really need a blank canvas. Everything needs to come out.
    • If you are a business owner, it is easy to get to know and like someone, which can lead to your trying to save them money, but doing so in a way that risks things going wrong and leaving you out of pocket.
    • Passive vents are basically just holes in the wall, you really do need fans.
    • Usually, when someone makes an insurance claim, the company changes the policy so that the issue is no longer covered. Although usually, you can get the cover reinstated by paying extra.
    • Group gate is sorted and has been resolved peacefully.

    BEST MOMENTS

    “The person that had the property before knew that there were an issue.”

    “I let me heart rule my mind when doing the estimate.”

    Do you want to find out why your property is damp, so you can start the process of solving the issue the right way? – Go to Why Do I Have Damp in My Property Damp Sam Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/84911630448/ and upload your photos.

    EPISODE RESOURCES

    https://matthewsfriend.godaddysites.com

    https://www.facebook.com/p/Matthews-A-Friend-In-Me-100064834447220/


    ABOUT THE HOST
    Simon Cooper AKA Damp Sam is a time-served plasterer since 1983 and has a HNC in building management. He is the director of 3 Ltd companies and a PCA-qualified Damp and structural waterproofing surveyor. He also owns a portfolio of properties that he renovated over the years.

    Check my YouTube Channel where you can find hundreds of videos all about Damp!

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDh4nXWTEAPxsG5JIX3VdIg - if you also want access to the paid membership content, click the Join button.

    https://www.instagram.com/all_dry_damp/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-cooper-csrt-cssw-hncdampsam-45528649/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@damp_sam?lang=en

    The products Damp Sam recommends, because he has used them for many years, are available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/dampsamhnccsrtcssw

    CONTACT METHOD

    Dampsam@alldrydampproofing.com
    https://www.facebook.com/AllDryDP/

    Simon@thedampshow.co.uk

    Simon@alldrydampproofing.com



    Damp, Damp proofing, Property, Help, plaster, mould, ingress, wet, water: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-damp-show/id1616529938?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins