What is Damp?
Damp is the presence of moisture in the structure of a property. It seems 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 issue can also arise from the lack of poor property maintenance concerning the floors, doors, windows and pipe-work. The presence 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 may partially manage. Below are a few tips:
? Produce Less Moisture at home
There's always some moisture in the air but adding to the amount will only increase the odds of damp. Dry clothes outside instead of 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 to decrease the natural moisture occurring from breath. Close the kitchen and bathroom doors when these rooms are in use and open the windows accordingly. Leave space between furniture and the walls to allow air to circulate. Investing in a dehumidifier is also a great way to remove moisture from your home.
? Heat, Insulate and Draught-Proof your house
The warmer your house, the less likely the current presence of condensation. Keep your home heated just as much as it is possible to and install insulation and draught-proofing measures for the loft, walls and windows to keep your home warmer for longer. Gardens Walls Barrow glazed windows are another effective option.
Do you know the Signs?
As damp could be a problem, it's a good idea to keep a look out that it is not effecting your premises. When wanting to spot signs of damp, consider:
? Wallpaper or paint that's peeling away from the wall
? Skirting boards which have become discoloured or decayed
? Crumbling or discolouration of plaster
? Timber floors which have become decayed.
Yet, damp does not always make itself as obvious as this so if you are still worried that it is present in your house, call in an expert to carry out a specialist 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 uncontrollable. Damp proofing most often requires a professional hand and according to the kind of damp situation, it could involve one or more of these measures:
Damp Proof Course:
This can be a course frequently taken for cases of rising damp. The process 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 ground and passing in to 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's the best remedy for damp problems that are caused by high ground levels. After the membrane has been installed, the current presence of damp is managed as the moisture can run down the membrane and become channelled into a drain.
Cementitious Tanking:
This process involves coating the inner walls of a property to seal moisture from the home. This technique is useful for general moisture but ineffective for situations such as for example flooding. Three coats are applied and then the wall re-plastered.