Keep the water out: why clear rainwater goods matter. RICS Level 2 Home Surveys across Petersfield, Liss, Bordon, Alton and Haslemere.

Overflowing gutters.

Blocked or leaking gutters and tired downpipes are among the most common issues we flag on a survey in Petersfield, Liss, Bordon, Alton or Haslemere—and they’re one of the easiest to prevent. When rainwater isn’t collected and taken away properly, it drives moisture into walls, saturates ground at the base of the building and accelerates decay to fascias, soffits and joinery.

Damp problems we regularly see on RICS Level 2 Survey in Hampshire.

From our RICS Level 2 Surveys at Surveyor Now Ltd, poorly maintained rainwater goods often sit at the root of:

• Penetrating damp: overflowing gutters and leaking joints soak brickwork; you’ll see damp patches under eaves, blistering paint and salts (white staining) on internal walls.

• Bridged DPCs: downpipes discharging onto paving/soil or high ground levels at patios let moisture bypass the damp-proof course, causing skirting/plaster damage and musty odours.

• Spalled bricks & crumbling mortar: repeated wetting then frost leads to face loss on bricks and open joints.

• Wet rot in fascias/soffits: persistent drips at gutter ends rot timber and invite pests.

• Hidden defects: dormer/valley gutters blocked with leaves cause leaks you only notice after heavy rain.

• Internal condensation “hotspots”: damp walls become cold, encouraging mould growth behind furniture and in corners.

  

  Damp staining.

  
  

Quick checks homeowners can do

• Watch the gutters during rain: any overflow = a fault.

• Look for streaks/algae lines on walls, and white salts internally.

• Ensure downpipes discharge into trapped gullies (not onto the ground) and that gullies are clear.

• Confirm end stops are fitted and unions are seated; replace perished seals.

• If you have a soakaway, make sure it’s well away from the foundation zone and not silted up.

  
  

A simple maintenance plan

• Twice yearly clears (after leaf fall and in spring), plus a check after major storms.

• Flush downpipes; add leaf guards where trees overhang.

• Re-bed/realign sagging lengths; extend downpipes to reach gullies properly.

• Repair damaged gullies and fit proper covers; consider a CCTV drain survey if overflow or slow drainage persists.

• Keep ground levels at least 150 mm below the internal floor level, especially near patio doors.

  
  

How we at Surveyor Now Ltd assess damp on survey

On a home survey in Petersfield, Liss, Bordon, Alton or Haslemere and surrounding areas, Surveyor Now Ltd will:

• Look for external defects (gutters, joints, end stops, outlets, valleys, high ground levels).

• Take targeted moisture readings internally to map affected areas.

• Distinguish between likely penetrating damp, bridging, and condensation, and advise when a specialist (e.g., drainage contractor or PCA damp/timber specialist) should be instructed.

• Prioritise works so you know what to fix now versus what to budget for.

  
  

When to act

• You have recurring damp patches after rain.

• Plaster is blowing or skirtings are swollen/blackened.

• There’s persistent gutter overflow or a downpipe that discharges onto the roof or ground.

• You’re planning to buy and want independent advice before committing.

  
  

Whether you need a RICS Level 2 survey in Petersfield, Liss, Bordon, Alton or Haslemere and surrounding areas of Hampshire/Surrey, Surveyor Now Ltd can help you pinpoint rainwater defects, reduce damp risk and protect your home whilst undertaking a residential survey or defect report.