Commercial Feature

At some time or another, households will or have experienced damp problems. If left untreated damp problems have the potential to cause health issues to home occupiers, as well as affecting the very structural integrity of buildings that show evidence of damp problems.

Damp problems are usually associated with moisture penetrating interior or exterior walls. From a visual point of view evidence of damp problems can present themselves in the form of mould, peeling wallpaper and rotting wood. Damp problems can also present themselves in the form of musty smells and potent odours.

One of the primary causes of damp problems is down to lack of home maintenance. With the potential to penetrate windows, roofs, floors, ceilings and walls, damp problems can spring up anywhere. With such a wide range of areas that could be affected by damp problems the costs of maintaining problem areas can be quite overwhelming.

Yet, it’s essential that damp problems are dealt with promptly as first and foremost damp problems can lead to serious health hazards. Therefore, a high standard of home maintenance should be a priority to avoid your health being put at risk. Damp problems can cause aggravation to existing illnesses, particularly respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Damp problems also encourage the presence of mould and mould is known to carry active spores and contain germs that can lead to colds, aggravation of respiratory conditions and in some very extreme cases even death.

Aside from the health hazards that damp problems can cause, there are also risks to building safety. Problems such as wet rot are often an indication of damp problems and wet rot is dangerous to the degree that buildings with a high percentage of wooden joists have been known to suffer partial collapse due to the problem.

Two of the most common damp problems are that of rising damp and penetrating damp. Rising damp tends to enter households from a ground level through a capillary action. Rising damp often contains a high salt content which often results in damage to plaster. The presence of rising damp within plaster would usually mean a complete plaster removal and replacement.

Penetrating damp is often associated with the very fabric of building structures. Issues such as broken guttering, cracked rendering, damaged flashings and even poor pointing usually account for penetrating damp problems. Penetrating damp is often associated with damp patches appearing on ceilings or walls. With penetrating damp, the issues of mould and timber damage are often not far behind if left untreated.

On the whole, damp problems can occur through many circumstances and whilst more common among old buildings, new build homes are not completely immune to the problem. Whatever condition your home may be in, should you suspect damp problems within your household; it is always recommended to seek expert help for a correct diagnosis.

Some rising damp problems can be rectified through simple procedures such as a damp proofing course, whereby chemicals are injected into walls to restrict the movement of moisture within walls. Many penetrating damp problems can often be resolved by ensuring high standards of home maintenance.

Overall, what is important when it comes to dealing with damp problems is to act promptly in order to avoid health hazards and putting the stability of your home at risk.

Be sure to get the correct diagnosis when it comes to damp problems, that way the correct resolution methods can be applied.