UK property owners should be aware that dampness and moisture damage are a very real threat; thanks to the damp and humid climate we experience, rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation are all things to watch out for.
Identify the cause of damp
In order to effectively prevent damp from entering your home, you first need to identify the cause, which might be any of the following:
- Rising damp – The cause is typically a faulty damp proof course, a membrane that stops damp from rising up the walls. Defective DPC needs to be replaced prior to repairing damp damage, otherwise the problem will continue.
- Condensation – Excessive moisture in the air can lead to condensation forming in windows and walls.
- Penetrating damp – Moisture can impact a building through the roof and exterior walls; the best way to discover if penetrating damp is affecting your home is to arrange for a damp survey from London Damp Surveys; we have a team of certified damp surveyors who are ready to inspect your London home.
Ventilation
Lack of ventilation can lead to condensation and even the growth of mould; airflow can be generated naturally by opening specific windows or it can be generated using extractor fans. If your home lacks ventilation, one solution is to acquire a portable dehumidifier, which can be moved from room to room, drying out the air.
Roof inspections
The roof is a critical component of every structure and even a small leak can cause serious damage to the internal roofing timbers. A roof inspection is part of our damp survey, or you could ask a local roofing contractor to carry out a thorough inspection.
Interior inspections
It is wise to inspect all interior walls and ceilings looking for damp patches and tide marks, which are tell-tale signs that damp is present. Keep an eye out for condensation, which occurs in a humid environment and can damage building materials; if condensation is present, you should generate a high level of ventilation, either by opening windows or the use of extractor fans.
Exterior building inspections
Start by inspecting the exterior walls at ground level; if there is evidence of moisture damage, it is likely that the damp proof course has somehow been compromised. Moss growth is one sign that moisture is present; use a screwdriver to poke brickwork and masonry, checking to see whether or not the material is damaged.
Professional damp inspections
If you would like a professional appraisal of your home regarding damp and mould, contact London Damp Surveys or fill in the form on this website. If we recommend remedial work, we present an all-inclusive quotation for your consideration. We are a company that provides written damp survey reports and we have working relationships with reliable damp-proofing contractors that cover the London region, should you wish to go ahead with the repairs.
Damp and mould are a very real threat to London homes and if you would like a professional evaluation, call London Damp Surveys on 0207 305 5997 during office hours or fill in the form on this website.
