Certificated Surveyor of Dampness in Buildings (CSDB) Free Practice Test

Question 1

A commercial property has severe rising damp but alternative treatments (electro-osmotic, capillary breaks) cannot be installed due to structural constraints. The surveyor's recommendation should include:

A. Conventional chemical DPC installation as appropriate method, with realistic expectations regarding moisture reduction timescale

B. Demolition of the building

C. Accepting permanent damp

D. Only internal cosmetic treatments

Correct Answer: A

Question 2

According to BS 6576:2005, chemical DPC installation typically requires holes drilled to:

A. Full thickness

B. 80-90% of wall thickness

C. 25-30% of wall thickness

D. 50-75% of wall thickness

Correct Answer: B

Question 3

A surveyor reports on penetrating damp in a cavity wall property. The report should include:

A. Location of damp internally, corresponding external defects photographed, assessment of cavity integrity, insulation condition, and recommended repair prioritization

B. Only aesthetic observations

C. Only moisture meter readings

D. Only recommendations without investigation details

Correct Answer: A

Question 4

During a basement waterproofing survey, the surveyor identifies the building is partially below water table with evidence of seepage through walls. To comply with BS 8102:2022, what is the appropriate next step?

A. Recommend only internal decoration

B. Install only internal gutter system

C. Accept water ingress

D. Specify protection Type A (external drained cavity), Type B (integral concrete), or Type C (internal managed water ingress) depending on circumstances

Correct Answer: D

Question 5

Before commencing dampness treatment works, the surveyor/contractor should:

A. Start work immediately

B. Establish a method statement and risk assessment for the proposed works

C. Ensure the building is unoccupied without notification

D. Assume no risk exists

Correct Answer: B

Question 6

In a listed building, the surveyor's recommendations must balance:

A. Only modern solutions

B. Damp remediation requirements with conservation constraints; proposing appropriate solutions respecting historic fabric

C. Ignoring conservation status

D. Accepting all damp

Correct Answer: B

Question 7

Rising damp is moisture that:

A. Travels upward from the ground through capillary action in masonry

B. Falls from the roof

C. Enters through windows

D. Is caused by condensation only

Correct Answer: A

Question 8

Internal treatments for penetrating damp (when external repairs are not possible) should:

A. Never be used

B. Be considered only if external repairs cannot be made, with appropriate membranes installed behind affected linings

C. Always be the first option

D. Be used alone without external investigation

Correct Answer: B

Question 9

Heating is important for condensation control because:

A. It is not relevant

B. It increases humidity

C. It warms surfaces above the dew point and helps moisture evaporation

D. It generates moisture

Correct Answer: C

Question 10

A comprehensive dampness survey report should include:

A. Building identification, history, construction details, diagnostic findings with locations marked on plans, and recommended actions

B. Only recommendations

C. Moisture meter readings only

D. Only photographs

Correct Answer: A

Question 11

A surveyor is diagnosing damp in a Victorian terraced property built in 1885. The property lacks a DPC and shows clear tide marks at 600mm above floor level with white salt crystals. The surveyor performs a calcium carbide test which shows 18% moisture content. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Rising damp confirmed by multiple diagnostic methods

B. Penetrating damp from failed pointing

C. Condensation with salt efflorescence

D. Leaking pipework

Correct Answer: A

Question 12

To differentiate penetrating damp from rising damp, the surveyor should note:

A. They look identical

B. Penetrating damp causes tide marks; rising damp does not

C. Rising damp occurs above 1000mm; penetrating damp below 500mm

D. Rising damp appears as tide marks from ground level; penetrating damp patches vary with external defects and rainfall exposure

Correct Answer: D

Question 13

To confirm the presence of a DPC and assess its integrity, the surveyor should:

A. Physically locate it through inspection, breaching if necessary with permission, and test its continuity

B. Never investigate the DPC

C. Assume it exists without checking

D. Only use visual methods

Correct Answer: A

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PCA Certificated Surveyor of Dampness in Buildings (CSDB) Free Practice Test