What is Damp?

Damp is the presence of moisture in the structure of a house. Click here for more info appears within the bricks and mortar and may be caused by rain water, condensation or inadequate drainage. Indeed, as the UK experiences 25,000 gallons of rain water every year, damp is one of the most frequent problems encountered in homes. Yet, the problem can also arise from a insufficient poor property maintenance concerning the floors, doors, windows and pipe-work. The presence of damp can cause a variety of issues ranging from colder temperatures and the degradation of a property’s interior to risks of mould and much more seriously, aggravated respiratory problems.

Minimising Condensation

Condensation is the only cause of damp that you may partially manage. Below are a few tips:

? Produce Less Moisture at home

There is always some moisture in the air but adding to the amount will only increase the odds of damp. Dry clothes outside rather than on the radiator, have the windows open when bathing and showering and keep lids on the pans or work with a ventilator when cooking.

? Ventilate your Home

Keeping windows slightly ajar can help reduce the natural moisture occurring from breath. Close your kitchen and bathroom doors when these rooms come in use and open the windows accordingly. Leave space between furniture and the walls to allow air to circulate. Purchasing a dehumidifier is also a terrific way to remove moisture from your home.

? Heat, Insulate and Draught-Proof your house

The warmer your home, the less likely the presence of condensation. Keep your house heated as much as it is possible to and install insulation and draught-proofing measures for the loft, walls and windows to keep your house warmer for longer. Double glazed windows are another effective option.

What are the Signs?

As damp could be a problem, it’s wise to keep a look out that it isn’t effecting your property. When wanting to spot signs of damp, consider:

? Wallpaper or paint that’s peeling away from the wall

? Skirting boards that have become discoloured or decayed

? Crumbling or discolouration of plaster

? Timber floors that have become decayed.

Yet, damp does not always make itself as obvious as this so if you’re still worried that it is present in your home, call in an expert to carry out an expert inspection.

Damp Proofing

If your building has a history of or is suffering from a damp problem, it’s a good idea to start alleviating the problem before it spirals uncontrollable. Damp proofing frequently takes a professional hand and with regards to the type of damp situation, it could involve a number of of these measures:

Damp Proof Course:

This is the course frequently taken for cases of rising damp. The procedure involves drilling holes into the brick of the property’s internal walls and injecting the structure with a damp-proofing fluid to reduce the movement of water through the wall’s capillaries. The course acts as a barrier to moisture rising from the ground and passing into the walls. Choosing this route may also involve the necessity to re-plaster the walls.

Structural Waterproofing:

This system involves the incorporation of a drain membrane in to the walls and floors. It is the best remedy for damp issues that are caused by high ground levels. Once the membrane has been installed, the current presence of damp is managed as the moisture can run down the membrane and be channelled right into a drain.

Cementitious Tanking:

This technique involves coating the internal walls of a property to seal moisture from the home. This technique is useful for general moisture but ineffective for situations such as flooding. Three coats are applied and then the wall re-plastered.