6 Signs Damp Needs Fixing In Your Property
Damp can appear suddenly after a period of heavy rain or flooding, or it can emerge very slowly over the course of several years. The excess moisture is usually found in the walls, ceilings or floors, and can be caused by leaking pikes, broken or missing roof tiles, soil or porous bricks.
A small patch of damp might not initially seem too much of a cause for concern, however if it isn’t dealt with properly, it can become more serious.
How to Prevent Damp
Prevention is better than a cure when it comes to damp and mould. To prevent it, regularly check your home’s roof for damage, especially after stormy or particularly wet weather. Always keep gutters clear and get them repaired as soon as any damage occurs. Use specially designed gutter clearing equipment to clear the blockage as quickly as possible without causing any further damage.
It is important to protect the inside of your home from damp and mould. Ensure that all walls and ceilings are professionally damp proofed for an effective solution.
Signs Damp Needs Fixing
1 – Smell
If your home has started to smell damp or musty, it is possible that your property is suffering from damp. The smell can be especially prominent in bathrooms, kitchens, basements and unheated storage spaces.
2 – Mould or Mildew
Mould or mildew forming is one of the most common signs of damp in a property. This will commonly be found on the walls, floors or ceilings. Black mould can also grow on furniture and soft furnishings, such as curtains, blinds and upholstered furniture such as sofas. Keep an eye on the backs of furniture for black mould, and for cloudy condensation on wooden or plastic surfaces.
3 – Walls, Floors or Ceiling that feel Cold or Damp
Surfaces such as walls, floors or ceilings that feel unusually cold or damp is a common indicator that excess moisture is present. These surfaces can be cold or damp with minimal visual cues that damp is present.
4 – Dark or Discoloured Patches
Damp can cause discolouration or staining. One common type of this is brown patches in the external corners or near chimney breasts. In some situations, salt stains can appear on the outside walls of a property.
5 – Lifting or Peeling
Damp that has gotten into the walls and floors may cause lifting or peeling of floor coverings or wall paper. It can also cause paintwork to blister if the damp has gotten underneath.
6 – Excessive Condensation
The extra moisture can cause excessive condensation on windows or walls, as well as on metallic or glass surfaces. This can present as condensation on the windows in the morning, or small puddles of water on windowsills. Excessive condensation can be a cause or a symptom of damp within a property.
