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Dealing With Damp: How to Protect Your Property

Written by Posted On Monday, 05 June 2017 04:27

Damp is a significant problem across the UK, with an estimated 10 million homes affected by mould, rot and excess moisture. This is partly down to our delightful weather making rainwater a persistent problem, but also due to the aging condition of our buildings (built in an era without modern damp proofing), and the rising costs of fuel deterring us from taking sufficient preventative measures.

If you notice signs of damp in your home it’s important to address them as soon as possible. Left untreated, problems tend to deteriorate quickly, compromising the structural integrity of your home. Persistent damp will also affect the air quality of your home and cause health concerns (such as respiratory problems) for your family.


Key signs that could indicate a damp problem include:

• A distinctive, musty odour
• Stale air from lack of ventilation
• Walls that are very cold, or even damp to the touch
• Discoloured patches on the walls or ceiling
• Speckles of mould, particularly in the corners or around the window
• Moisture marks around chimney breasts, or “tide” marks on walls

If any of these sound familiar then read on to learn about the three main kinds of damp, and the best way to eliminate the problem from your home. An incorrect “solution” may reduce the symptoms of the problem, while allowing it to continue to cause unseen damage, so if you are in any doubt, contact a damp surveyor who can accurately diagnose the issue.


Condensation

Caused by internal water vapour, condensation is commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms. The moisture is created when steam hits a much cooler surface (like a window or wall) and is not sufficiently evaporated away by air currents. This kind of damp can also build up inside the walls of a building, and effects are typically observed in room corners and window casings.

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Treatment
The remedy for condensation is to lower the humidity of the air, which can be done in several ways:

- Installing a vent or fan in bathrooms, or leaving a window ajar
- Using a kitchen extractor hood over boiling pans and kettles
- Slightly raising the temperature of the property, to limit the number of cool surfaces
- Ensuring washing machines and clothes driers have ventilation leading outdoors
- Refraining from drying laundry indoors
- Running a de-humidifier for short periods of time

 

Rain penetration

Faults on the roof or masonry can allow rainwater into the building, causing damp when it is unable to evaporate or drain away. Look for patches of mould indoors that will reflect the exterior cause of the problem, which could include porous brickwork, gaps in window frames, cracked (or missing) roof tiles or splits in external render.
The root of rain penetration should be tackled as soon as possible, as it can quickly cause further problems as moss or rot grows, storing additional moisture. Be especially conscientious when making modern alterations to old properties (such as external wall insulation), as the combination of porous and non-porous materials can trap moisture and create new damp issues.

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Treatment

Maintain the exterior of your home, and regularly check the condition of your roof, pipes and gutters. Check that doors and windows are properly sealed, around the exterior frame as well as openings. Repair any cracks, gaps or weak points as soon as possible.

 

Rising Damp / from the ground

Rising damp refers to moisture that is coming from the ground, gradually soaking upwards through the building due to porous materials in the walls. The most common cause is that the damp proof course has been inadvertently bridged, often by landscaping. It can also be triggered by poor ventilation beneath a suspended floor, either by construction design or a build-up of debris.

Landscaping is a frequent reason for damp to appear where none did previously (where ground levels are inadvertently raised about the internal damp proof course). Or creating rainwater pools that were not there previously.

High local water table and or proneness to flooding - check with the Environment Agency, Local water provider and or Local Authority for further information.

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Treatment

Walk around the exterior of the property, checking for areas where soil or foliage is sitting above the level of the damp proof course. It’s recommended that the ground is kept at least 15cm below this level, so lowering flowerbeds or turf will solve the problem, in most cases. Check that drainage systems are working effectively, and clear any standing water.
If your home is over a century old, it’s quite possible that it won’t have any damp proof course. There are a number of solutions available, but it’s recommended that you enlist the advice of an expert in period properties to decide on the best course of action.

If you are concerned about damp, the easiest way to put your mind at rest is to speak to a specialist. They will be able to provide a detailed report on how best to deal with damp to keep your property, and family, safe.

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Julia Adair

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