Commercial Feature

When you hear the phrase “damp” in association with a property, it usually in refers to the presence of unwanted moisture within the fabric of the building. This can be the result of imposition from the outside or condensation within the structure. Most damp issues in buildings are caused by condensation, rain penetration or rising damp.

It is a word that strikes terror into the hearts of every homeowner, and there is the fear that it is expensive to remedy. Damp can affect any home and, given the obvious health and aesthetic issues, it is always wise to spot any problems early so they can be quickly rectified.

Damp constitutes any unwelcome moisture within the structure of your property, and is usually caused by rising damp, penetrating dampness or condensation. One of the most obvious signs is a musty smell, like a wet dog, or a soggy towel .However, there are ways you can differentiate between the three that will help in treating the problem.

Rising damp typically affects the bottom of a wall at ground floor level. This is normally due to the fact that a damp proof course in the wall or the floor is missing, perhaps because the original course has broken down or been damaged, or that the building was built without one in the first place.

With the recent surge in property renovations, damp proof courses have often been covered over by wall finishes, solid floors, soil or pathways. When a perfectly good course has been crossed by garden earth or raised pathways, simply digging away all the soil or reducing the level usually allows the physical damp course to work.

There are several telltale signs that you have a problem with rising damp. For inside walls, these will be obvious, such as paint not adhering to the wall, the lifting of wallpaper, distinctive brown staining, flaky plaster and rotting skirting and floorboards.

When it comes to signs of damp in outside walls, you should look for evidence of mortar frets or fall-outs between the brickwork, as well as white powder or staining on the walls themselves.

Although these problems are usually aesthetic, it is not inconceivable that extensive exposure to moisture could lead to more serious structural damage as well as posing a health risk to you and your family.

If simple building repairs are not sufficient and do not rectify the problems the installation of a new damp course is advisable. A new damp course should always be installed professionally, so ensure you use a reputable firm which is a member of the Property Care Association.

The contractor should provide you with a report on the defects, advice on recommended treatments and a damp-proofing certificate once the work is completed.

However, damp is not only attributable to rising damp. Penetrating damp occurs when water gets in from the outside, so the first step is to check in and around the property. Examine gutters, down pipes, flashing, rendering and window frames in detail to check for damage and possible entry sites that will need to be repaired.

Be sure to also check underneath windowsills, as there should be a drip groove to shed rainwater and prevent it running down the house wall. If the drip grooves are blocked with moss, dirt or cement, clear it thoroughly if they have weathered away or have them renewed.

Condensation can also cause damp within your property. If condensation forms on your windows it can damage the sills and walls. This excess moisture also forms in cupboards, resulting in mould or mildew.

To tackle condensation, provide adequate insulation such as glueing sheets of aluminium foil to cupboard interiors, add room ventilation such as a window fan, and maintain regular heating.

Regardless of how the damp gets in, you should treat it immediately in order to avoid costly repair bills and potential health risks.

Once you have identified a problem with damp, it is best to sort it out quickly to minimise the threat of further structural damage.