What is Damp?
Damp is the presence of moisture in the structure of a property. It appears within the bricks and mortar and may be caused by rain water, condensation or inadequate drainage. Indeed, because the UK experiences 25,000 gallons of rain water each year, damp is one of the most typical problems encountered in homes. Yet, the issue can also arise from the insufficient poor property maintenance concerning the floors, doors, windows and pipe-work. Find out more of damp can cause all sorts of issues ranging from colder temperatures and the degradation of a property's interior to risks of mould and more seriously, aggravated respiratory problems.
Minimising Condensation
Condensation is the only reason behind damp that you can partially manage. Here are some tips:
? Produce Less Moisture at home
There's always some moisture in the air but adding to the amount is only going to 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 use a ventilator when cooking.
? Ventilate your Home
Keeping windows slightly ajar can help decrease the natural moisture that occurs 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 great way to remove moisture out of your home.
? Heat, Insulate and Draught-Proof your Home
The warmer your home, the less likely the presence of condensation. Keep your home heated around it is possible to and install insulation and draught-proofing measures for the loft, walls and windows to keep your home warmer for longer. Double glazed windows are another effective option.
What are the Signs?
As damp can be quite a problem, it's wise to keep a look out that it isn't effecting your premises. When wanting to spot signs of damp, look out for:
? Wallpaper or paint that is peeling from the wall
? Skirting boards which 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 house, call in a specialist to carry out an expert inspection.
Damp Proofing
If your building includes a history of or is experiencing a damp problem, it's a good idea to start alleviating the situation before it spirals out of control. Damp proofing frequently requires a professional hand and depending on the type of damp situation, it might involve one or more of these measures:
Damp Proof Course:
This is the course most often 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 lessen the movement of water through the wall's capillaries. The course acts as a barrier to moisture rising from the bottom and passing into the walls. Choosing this route will also involve the necessity to re-plaster the walls.
Structural Waterproofing:
This technique involves the incorporation of a drain membrane into the walls and floors. It's the best fix for damp issues that are due to high ground levels. After the membrane has been installed, the presence of damp is managed as the moisture can run down the membrane and be channelled right into a drain.
Cementitious Tanking:
This process involves coating the internal walls of a house to seal moisture out from the home. This technique pays to for general moisture but ineffective for situations such as flooding. Three coats are applied and then the wall re-plastered.