RICS Suffolk local association had one of the largest turn outs in its history when it recently hosted a special seminar looking at the mysteries of rising damp.

Led by author Jeff Howell, who is also a qualified bricklayer, university construction lecturer, chartered builder and chartered surveyor, the seminar looked at what Jeff calls ‘The Rising Damp Myth’.

Jeff writes about building and DIY for a variety of newspapers, magazines and construction trade journals, and appears regularly as a guest expert on TV and radio. He recently published a new book called ‘The Rising Damp Myth’. He entertained more than 90 RICS and CIOB members with a fascinating talk on why he doesn’t believe that rising damp exists.

Jeff came about his findings whilst working as a senior lecturer in construction technology and building science at London South Bank University between 1990 to 1998. During this time he carried out government-funded research into dampness in buildings. The results of his investigations have formed the basis for his new book and of his talk, which took place at the Holiday Inn in Suffolk.