Three Main Causes of Damp in Properties

Any kind of building, whether residential, commercial, industrial or otherwise, can be affected by damp issues. All buildings have areas where there’s a lack of ventilation, and all are vulnerable to moisture. And it’s in these conditions that problems like wet rot, dry rot, and woodworm can all occur. Here are the three main causes of problems which result in buildings requiring professional damp treatment:

Causes of Damp Within Properties

Damp is one of the most frequent problems found in properties in the UK and one of the main reasons why it’s so common is our temperate climate. On average, we experience around 1,500mm of rain in the UK every year. Of course, there isn’t much we can do about rainfall, but there are plenty of frequently occurring issues that cause damp within buildings that can be minimised. Here, we’ll look at some of them.

1. Condensation is a key factor in many damp problems, particularly in properties that have operational kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Condensation develops when warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces, and water forms on the surface. Everyday activities like bathing, cooking and drying clothes can generate up to four pints of water to a home’s atmosphere on a daily basis, and if the property is insulated with double glazing and other forms of insulation, all that moisture is trapped inside, pooling on surfaces or accumulating within porous materials like wood.To reduce condensation, ensure the building is sufficiently ventilated by opening windows frequently, especially in areas where lots of steam is generated. Try and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the property, which will keep surfaces like walls warmer and prevent a build-up of condensation. Avoid activities that contribute to moisture in the atmosphere, like drying wet clothes indoors.




2. Rising damp treatment is another frequent necessity for damp buildings in the UK. Because of the hefty amount of rain we suffer, natural groundwater from earth surrounding a property can rise up through the brickwork. The key damp treatment here is a damp proof course, which is a water-resistant layer of plastic, slate or bitumen that prevents the damp passing up through the walls.Even if a damp proof course (DPC) or damp proof membrane (DPM) has been installed, that can be breached over time or may not have been fit for purpose in the first place, so if you start to notice tide marks on internal walls or darker patches on external walls, for instance, you need to speak to a professional damp proofer in Hastings to rectify the problem.




3. Penetrating damp is another culprit of damp problems in properties. Here, the water finds its way into the building through a fault such as blocked guttering, failed wall rendering or storm damage to roofing tiles. Routine building maintenance is the best way to prevent rising damp, but if you spot the signs, it’s essential to find the cause and stop the problem as soon as possible before it becomes more serious.

Don’t Ignore Damp

Left unresolved, damp in buildings of any type can end up permanently damaging the property’s structure. Catch the problem early, though, and with proper damp treatment, wood restoration and wood preservation where needed, you can stamp out the problem. If you’re in Hastings or the surrounding area and would like to take advantage of one of our free damp surveys to find out whether you need expert damp treatment, call B P Preservations today.