London is a sprawling metropolis that sits on the Thames Valley Basin, a large clay-based region that holds water, which is not good news for buildings. Rising and penetrating damp are a very real threat to all structures in the UK and in this article, we present a few cost-effective ways to keep damp and mould at bay in your London homes.
- Book a damp survey with London Damp Surveys and receive an accurate report on the presence of damp, mould and timber rot. This is a great starting point and the survey report would detail any recommended remedial work that we feel should be carried out. This is especially important if you are planning to make an offer on a London property; signs of damp and mould can easily be concealed with a few coats of paint and the last thing you want is to discover that your newly acquired property is riddled with damp and mould.
- Add extra insulation – The first place to look is in the loft, where there should be at least one layer of fibreglass insulation between the joists. Adding an extra layer will improve insulation, helping to retain heat that reduces the risk of damp, while also saving valuable energy. Heat dries out moist air, which is why you should turn on the central heating to heat the entire house at least once a week.
- Generate a strong airflow – Damp and mould thrive in still, humid spaces and you can create a strong circulation of air by opening some windows, as this reduces the risk of moisture building up inside the home. If you install extractor fans in chosen locations, you can create good ventilation without opening windows and doors. One at each end of the house makes sense, one sucking air in and the other drawing air out. Mould cannot grow in a dry atmosphere, so make sure the interior has air circulation.
- Keep the house warm at all times – If you keep the central heating on throughout the day, this will help to maintain a temperature that dries out the air and that keeps damp and mould at bay. Of course, energy is not cheap at present and you might be tempted to turn off the central heating for long periods, yet a damp environment can be in the onset of issues that could end up costing thousands.
- Cavity wall insulation – A lot of valuable heat can leave a home through cavity walls and it is possible to inject a special insulation foam into the cavities, providing optimum insulation to retain the heat. This is a very effective way to stop valuable heat from exiting the interior, which helps to keep damp conditions at bay.
If you would like a definitive answer to whether damp is present in your home, call London Damp Surveys on 0207 305 5997 or fill in the form on this website.
