What is Damp? Damp is the presence of moisture in the structure of a property. It seems within the bricks and mortar and will be caused by rain water, condensation or inadequate drainage. Indeed, as the UK experiences 25,000 gallons of rain water every year, damp is among the most frequent problems encountered in homes. Yet, the issue can also arise from a lack of poor property maintenance regarding the floors, doors, windows and pipe-work. The presence of damp can cause a variety of issues ranging from colder temperatures and the degradation of a property's interior to risks of mould and more seriously, aggravated respiratory problems. Minimising Condensation Condensation may be the only cause of damp that you may partially manage. Here are some tips: ? Produce Less Moisture at home There's always some moisture in the air but increasing the amount is only going to increase the probability of damp. Dry clothes outside instead of on the radiator, have the windows open when bathing and showering and keep lids on the pans or use a ventilator when cooking. ? Ventilate your Home Keeping windows slightly ajar can help to reduce the natural moisture that occurs from breath. Close your kitchen and bathroom doors when these rooms come in use and open the windows accordingly. Leave space between furniture and the walls to allow air to circulate. Investing in a dehumidifier is also a terrific way to remove moisture out of your home. ? Heat, Insulate and Draught-Proof your house The warmer your home, the less likely the current presence of condensation. Keep your home heated around it is possible to and install insulation and draught-proofing measures for the loft, walls and windows to keep your house warmer for longer. Double glazed windows are another effective option. Do you know the Signs? As damp could be a problem, it's wise to keep a look out that it isn't effecting your premises. When attempting to spot signs of damp, look out for: ? Wallpaper or paint that is peeling from the wall ? Skirting boards which have become discoloured or decayed ? Crumbling or discolouration of plaster ? Timber floors that have become decayed. Yet, damp will not always make itself as obvious as this so if you're still worried that it's present in your house, call in an expert to carry out a specialist inspection. Damp Proofing If your building includes a history of or is experiencing a damp problem, it's a good idea to start alleviating the problem before it spirals out of control. Damp proofing most often requires a professional hand and with respect to the kind of damp situation, it might involve one or more of these measures: Damp Proof Course: This can be the course most often taken for cases of rising damp. The process involves drilling holes into the brick of the property's internal walls and injecting the structure with a damp-proofing fluid to reduce the movement of water through the wall's capillaries. The course acts as a barrier to moisture rising from the ground and passing in to the walls. Choosing this route will also involve the need to re-plaster the walls. Article source : This technique involves the incorporation of a drain membrane into the walls and floors. It's the best fix for damp problems that are caused by high ground levels. After the membrane has been installed, the current presence of damp is managed as the moisture can run down the membrane and become channelled into a drain. Cementitious Tanking: This technique involves coating the inner walls of a property to seal moisture out from the home. This technique pays to for general moisture but ineffective for situations such as flooding. Three coats are applied and the wall re-plastered.
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