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

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

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

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

In today’s episode of The Damp Show Sam talks about having his Facebook group copied. He explains how he discovered this and what he is doing about it. Sam also speaks up about another issue he has faced on social media and how he is managing this.

He also talks about a recent survey he has done on a property that has a high-water table. Including, why the insurance company would not pay out and how he is tackling raising the sub-floor.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Imitation is the best form of flattery, but no one wants what they produce to be used to mislead people.
• The more people who post on social media about damp and condensation the better because it is a great way for the public to learn.
• It is important to be open-minded and listen to how others tackle damp and mould issues. Even if you don´t fully agree with that approach you still learn things.
• Traditional materials still work so can be used for fixing the issues heritage properties have. But modern materials also have advantages.
• Include proper ventilation when you lay a new subfloor.
• In areas with high water tables, sump pumps are needed.
• Since 2006, if you sell a property in the UK with a subfloor issue that you know about, the new owner can sue you.
• Consider having a damp and timber survey done before buying a house.

BEST MOMENTS

“It´s a bit underhanded, but people do it.”

“I just want to find out why he is being a fraud… what´s his agenda.”

“Not all damp is rising.”

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

During today´s episode, Sam tells you about a rare kind of survey he recently conducted when a homeowner who had suffered a fire 3 years earlier asked him to do a survey. The home now has multiple damp and mould issues. Sam explains how this has happened and how it can all be fixed. As well as explaining how a homeowner who finds themselves in a similar situation can manage things to ensure that they are fully compensated by their insurance company.

He also shares an interesting snippet of history he picked up while working on an old cottage.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Loss adjusters look for clauses, so they don´t have to pay out. You have to be really careful about what you say to them.
• If you have a flood, fire or another type of home disaster that involves an insurance claim, document everything. Photos, a diary of events and recordings of conversations can become invaluable later if things go wrong.
• If you can, use the firm the insurance company recommends.
• After water ingress, a flood or when a major fire has been put out, the property has to dry out fully before repairs can be carried out. Sam explains how to check this
• Proper ventilation is essential.
• Not using salt-neutralising plaster when needed is always a false economy. If sulphates are still in the building materials, they will try to migrate to the surface.
• In the winter, it is possible for condensed moisture between the wall and plaster to turn to ice, which blows the plaster or renders out.
• Companies that do reinstatement work after water damage should issue you with a dryness certificate.

BEST MOMENTS

“Loss adjusters just want to save money for insurance companies – they don´t want to pay out.”

“Make sure you log everything and put it in a file somewhere, so you can access it easily.”

“In this case, there were no dryness certificates. In their wisdom, they decided not to do any tests.”

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

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

In today’s episode of The Damp Show Sam shares the details of a new damp-proofing gadget, which he has been asked to try out by a highly respected and PCA-qualified UK-based company. It is designed to reverse damp in walls and solid floors without anodes, injection, or wiring. Sam shares what he thinks about it, including some of his reservations.

He explains how the device works and the science behind it.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• In the UK, it is now quite rare to find classic rising damp. Sam explains why, in the podcast.
• Bridging issues are far more common, in the UK.
• The unit has been developed and used in Spain for many years. In Spain, most buildings do not have a damp course.
• With rising damp, once the wall has dried out you should hack off the spoiled plaster and replaster with the right product.
• The biggest problem the industry has is misdiagnosis. If it is not rising damp a solution for that issue will not solve the customer´s damp problems.

BEST MOMENTS

“It also has a frequency setting which are just for brick, stone and concrete walls.”

“I´ve no doubt they have had results with it, that is not what I think is wrong with it.”

“I specifically want to find out more about the “no hacking off of plaster” bit.”

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.preservationshop.co.uk

https://mursec-eco.co.uk/

Express Damp Proofing System - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/dampsamhnccsrtcssw/list/1ASCOWQPXBIZ9?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_s_ofs_mixed_d

Express Damp Proofing course - 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

Today’s episode of The Damp Show is a mix of industry news and insights into the work Sam has done recently. He takes a look at the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) employers network pilot. Before sharing how he tackled a job where there was water in the subfloor. A problem Sam is expecting to see more often as a result of the recent wet conditions in the UK causing the water table to rise.

Sam also tells you about the PCA awards and how he has dealt with the restrictive banking policy of a UK bank that has made it harder for him to invest his money as he wants.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The new CITB employers network pilot is designed to make it possible to book training for employees without filling out any forms.
• Water that runs off of buildings needs to go into a drain not into someone´s garden. The consequences of not doing this can be serious. Sam shares a sad story that demonstrates this.
• Sometimes water in the subfloor comes from the water table rising.
• When water in the subfloor starts to evaporate it can lead to mould.

BEST MOMENTS

“Two big organizations both fell out and to the detriment of everybody.”

“They follow, I lead.”

“That were me blowing me top the other day.”

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

CITB employers network pilot - https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-and-funding/employer-network-pilot/

Carlite - https://www.ccfltd.co.uk

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