London sits on a clay base called the Thames Valley Basin, a stretch of low-lying land that holds water and this means that rising damp is a very serious issue for many London properties. In this short article, we offer top tips from professional damp-proofing experts on how to protect your London home from damp and mould.
- Add extra loft insulation – Hot air rises and when you heat your home, a large percentage of the heat leaves the building through the roof. Adding extra layers of fibreglass insulation in the loft will slow down the heat loss and this will keep the interior warmer for longer, which saves energy. If, by some chance, you do not have loft insulation, this is something to rectify as soon as possible. If you already have a single layer of fibreglass insulation, adding an extra one will help.
- Create a strong circulation of air – Damp and mould thrive in still conditions; therefore, you should ensure that the air circulates around the building, which can be achieved by opening windows or using extractor fans. Invest in a hygrometer so that you can check humidity levels and if the air is too moist, use a dehumidifier to dry out the air. A portable dehumidifier can be moved from room to room, which can remove excess moisture.
- Heat the whole house – Turning on the central heating in all rooms will raise the temperature by a few degrees and this will dry out the air, thus preventing damp and condensation. We understand why you would be reluctant to heat rooms that are not in use, but if you do this one time per week, this will reduce the risk of damp. Of course, this is something to do in the winter months and possibly spring and Autumn, rather than in the summer.
- Cleaning the bathroom – Mould can easily take hold in those dark, hard-to-reach places in the bathroom; use a good chemical cleaning product and thoroughly clean every square inch of the bathroom, especially ceramic tiles. Any signs of mould and you should call London Damp Surveys and we will arrange to carry out a survey.
- Have your home professionally inspected by London Damp Surveys – We cover all London Boroughs and our team of damp surveyors use state-of-the-art tools and equipment to help them accurately determine the presence of damp, mould, woodworm and timber rot. If your home is old and you haven’t checked for damp issues, now is the right time to arrange for a professional damp survey; you receive a detailed report within 24 hours.
Regarding damp and mould, it is a good idea to take a proactive approach by inspecting the whole house every few months and by calling London Damp Surveys on 0207 305 5997, we can set a date for one of our certified surveyors to inspect your home for mould, mildew, damp and timber rot.
Winter is not far away and a damp inspection will bring you peace of mind.
