The UK has a very changeable climate and that has been the case for a few years already; some say it is due to climate change while others cite geo-engineering, either way, we are experiencing record levels of rainfall. In this short article, we look at major indicators of moisture damage and when to call in the experts.
Major indicators of moisture damage
The following are main indicators of the presence of moisture in a building.
- Peeling wallpaper – Damp compromises wallpaper adhesive and if the corners are coming away from the wall, this is a sure sign that the walls are damp. You might notice small bubbles appearing on wallpaper, or peeling paint, which means the atmosphere is very damp; good ventilation goes a long way to drying out a room. Open a few windows to circulate the air, while installing a few extractor fans is an effective way to ventilate a space. If your home has peeling wallpaper, it is time to make contact with London Damp Surveys, the leading provider of damp surveys in the capital.
- Damp stains on ceilings – Be proactive and inspect all rooms looking for tide marks or damp patches, these are signs that damp is present; contact us at London Damp Surveys to arrange a comprehensive damp survey from a qualified surveyor who uses cutting-edge equipment to detect the presence of damp, mould, woodworm and timber rot. The professional can identify the root causes and recommend remedial work; we even have ties with reputable damp-proofing contractors that service all London Boroughs.
- Mould – Mould is a fungus that thrives in a damp environment and it can pose a significant health risk; the organism releases minute spores that become airborne. If a person inhales these spores, this can lead to serious respiratory issues; call in a professional damp-proofing company and they will identify the cause and carry out remedial work.
- Condensation – Moisture turns to water when two extreme temperatures come together on a surface; excessive moisture combined with lack of ventilation, can damage plaster, brickwork and timber. Heating damp rooms is one way to reduce or remove condensation, although that does not address the underlying causes.
- Moss growth on exterior walls – If you notice moss growing on outside walls, it is likely that rising damp is present; take a screwdriver and poke brickwork/mortar/render to check if it is compromised. If the damp proof course is damaged, damp will rise up brickwork, causing damage as it does. Rising damp affects homes and offices alike and without professional damp-proofing services in London, serious damage will occur.
If you are planning to buy a London property, we recommend our pre-purchase survey to find out whether or not the building has damp issues. Call London Damp Surveys on 0207 305 5997 or fill out the form on this website and we will arrange for one of our certified damp surveyors to inspect the property and provide you with a full report.
