An estimated 5.8 million British tenants have been affected by damp or condensation issues. However, how are you able to tell what damp issue you have and what you need to do to remove it. Below, we will discuss the most prominent forms of damp that are evident in homes, how you can identify what form of damp you have and how to eliminate this problem.
CONDENSATION
The most common damp problem to affect properties is condensation. It occurs when warm damp air comes into contact with cooler air or a cooler surface. This is most frequent in rooms containing a lot of moisture such as kitchens from cooking and bathrooms from washing.
SIGNS
TREATMENT
Not all condensation issues need to be treated professionally. The first steps you can take to tackle your condensation issues involve simple lifestyle changes such as opening windows regularly and washing clothes outside where possible, or in a small room with the window open. It is important to keep doors closed and a gap between furniture and walls.
If the above does not eliminate your condensation problem, then you may wish to consider purchasing a dehumidifier or mechanical air ventilation to eliminate your condensation problem.
RISING DAMP
Rising damp can only occur on the ground floor of a building, through the process of water travelling up from the ground through the bricks and mortar by the process of capillary action.
SIGNS
TREATMENT
Rising damp often leads to timber decay so generally, the sooner you have the issue treated, the less expensive it will be to treat. If you have noticed the above signs in your home, then contact an experienced and qualified rising damp specialist to have the problem eliminated before any more damage can occur.
PENETRATING DAMP
Penetrating damp is the result of water from outside the building successfully finding its way to the inside of your property. Unlike rising damp, penetrating damp can occur on any level of the property. There are several causes of penetrating damp with the most common being leaking pipes or poor brickwork. It may also be the result of gaps or damage to windows or doors.
SIGNS
TREATMENT
The first step to treating a penetrating damp issue is establishing how the water or moisture is penetrating your property and having this leak or hole sealed so that it can no longer enter your property. If this is something you can not identify yourself, a builder or plumber should be able to identify the entry point and cut it off.
The most worrying issue with penetrating damp is it can be difficult to determine if it has caused any greater problems such as dry rot or wet rot which can have disastrous consequences for a property. If you are unsure about what to be looking out for, then don’t hesitate to contact a professionally qualified damp surveyor who can assess what damage may have been potentially caused by penetrating damp.
CONCLUSION
It can be tricky to establish what type of damp problem exists but if you look out for these signs and have the issue dealt with quickly then there should be no long-lasting damage to your property.
Thank you to our guest blogger:
Jake Ryan of Wise Property Care
0141 876 9200
jake.ryan@rentokil-initial.com
East Horsley: 6 Station Parade, Ockham Road South, East Horsley, Surrey, KT24 6QN / 01483 284 141
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