What is Damp?

Damp may be the presence of moisture in the structure of a house. 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 problem can also arise from the lack of poor property maintenance concerning the floors, doors, windows and pipe-work. The presence of damp can cause a variety of issues which range from colder temperatures and the degradation of a property's interior to risks of mould and much more seriously, aggravated respiratory problems.

Minimising Condensation

Condensation is the only reason behind damp you can 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 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 the kitchen and bathroom doors when these rooms come in use and open the windows accordingly. Leave space between furniture and the walls to permit air to circulate. Purchasing a dehumidifier is also a terrific way to remove moisture out of your home.

? Heat, Insulate and Draught-Proof your Home

The warmer your house, the less likely the presence of condensation. Keep your house heated as much as it is possible to and install insulation and draught-proofing measures for the loft, walls and windows to help 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 a good idea to keep a look out that it isn't effecting your property. When attempting to spot signs of damp, look out for:

? Wallpaper or paint that is peeling away 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 an expert to carry out an expert inspection.

Damp Proofing

If your building includes a history of or is suffering from 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 with regards to the type of damp situation, it could involve one or more of these measures:

Damp Proof Course:

This can be the 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 into the walls. Choosing this route will also involve the necessity to re-plaster the walls.

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This technique involves the incorporation of a drain membrane into the walls and floors. It is the best fix for damp issues that are caused by high ground levels. After the membrane has been installed, the current presence of damp is managed because the moisture can run down the membrane and be channelled right into a drain.

Cementitious Tanking:

This process involves coating the inner walls of a property to seal moisture out from the home. This technique pays to for general moisture but ineffective for situations such as for example flooding. Three coats are applied and then the wall re-plastered.