Damp, foam or old insulation? Fixed in Newhaven

Loft problems we see in Newhaven

With 31% of households in semis, a lot of the lofts we see in Newhaven have old insulation that needs stripping out rather than topping up.

Terraced houses are 27% of the housing. In small terrace lofts the eaves get stuffed with insulation, air stops moving and condensation follows. Clearing the eaves usually fixes it.

Private renting is common in Newhaven (23%). The loft is easy for landlords to forget until damp shows through a ceiling.

Before you book, have a look for spray foam stuck to the underside of the roof, boxes sitting straight on the insulation or a musty smell as the hatch opens. Spot two or more and something is probably wrong.

Booking a loft check in Newhaven

Newhaven, Peacehaven, Seaford, Lewes, Brighton and Hove and Polegate: all covered for loft checks.

Have a surveyor’s report mentioning the loft? Note it on the form.

Newhaven’s housing at a glance

Going by the 2021 Census, Newhaven has close to 5,740 households. By type: semi-detached houses 31%, terraced houses 27%, flats and maisonettes 22%, detached houses and bungalows 18%. Owner-occupiers: 62%, of whom many own outright (32% of all households). Private renters: 23%. Social renters: 16%.

Figures: Office for National Statistics, Census 2021, Newhaven built-up area. Percentages rounded.