The UK has a wet and muggy climate and one of the downsides of this is rising and penetrating damp, which can seriously damage buildings. In this short blog, we take a look at the primary causes of damp in London homes, highlighting the importance of regular inspections.
- Rising damp – Moisture can rise up from wet ground and attack a building; every house would have a damp proof course close to the ground level and this waterproof membrane prevents damp from rising up the walls. If the DPC is compromised in any way, moisture can move into brickwork, mortar, cement rendering and timber, causing damage as it does. There must be a solid barrier between the ground and the structure, which can be provided with DPC injection into cavity walls. A foam-like material is injected into cavity walls just above ground level and when this cures, it becomes an impenetrable barrier to rising damp.
- Leaking roof – The roof tiles prevent rain from entering the interior roof structure and gale force winds can lift clay shingles without a problem; a few missing tiles and a heavy downpour is all it takes to wreak total havoc with roofing timbers. Regular inspections are the proactive way to monitor the roof and this avoids costly repairs.
- Blocked guttering – The guttering plays an integral role by providing an escape route for excess rainwater and should it become blocked, water will run down the exterior walls and that is not good. Moisture can easily penetrate masonry and brickwork and that would eventually lead to damp patches on walls and ceilings.
- Rotten timber – Old softwood window frames are prone to damp; when built, the timber would likely have been treated with preservatives, yet that can wear off over time and humidity attracts destructive insects such as woodworm and beetles, which lay eggs and destroys the wood.
- Damaged fascia and soffit boards – The fascia and soffit boards on the roof offer rain protection at the line where the roof meets the walls and decaying timber can allow rain to enter the structure. These lengths of timber are not for decorative purposes, and should they get damaged, the interior is at risk of penetrating damp.
- Blocked drains – A drain blockage can cause serious damage to building materials, making the ground wet and impacting the structure. Should the worst happen, don’t delay in calling out a local drain unblocking specialist, as time is not on your side.
- Lack of ventilation – Condensation is a sure sign of a damp and humid environment; still, damp air is a breeding ground for fungi and mildew, so you need to ensure there is a good airflow inside your home.
London Damp Surveys provide accurate damp inspections for London homeowners and if you would like a definitive answer as to whether damp is attacking your home, we offer a pre-purchase survey; call us on 0207 305 5997 and arrange for one of our certified surveyors to assess the property.
