Residential Damp Treatment for Homes

With the amount of rainfall we receive within this country, it is of no surprise we might on occasion notice some damp issues.  But, what are the main causes of damp in our homes?

A high proportion of damp problems in buildings are caused for example, by condensation, rain penetration, rising damp and pipe leakage. Our guide below aims to help you identify the causes of damp affecting your property and to help you solve your damp problem.

Leaks can often be a major cause of damp within a property leading to issues such as penetrating damp and wet rot. Generally, the result of a leak will be localised to one area of a wall.  If you notice localised damp patches, check the following:

• Examine downpipes and gutters within the affected area. Is water escaping or are the water management systems faulty leading to the damp issue inside?

• Look for damage, cracks, faulty joints or poor/corroded seals. Is there an obvious fault leading to the water ingress?

• Ensure that your drains and downpipes are not blocked. Rain water can very easily be backed up forcing itself out of a pipe joint within the affected area.

• If the damp is below a flat roof, or a roof channel, check that the felt is sound.

• If the damp is below a window, check the window frame and window sill. Badly fitted windows will let damp penetrate into a room affecting the internal plaster round about the window.

• If the damp is localised around a chimney breast, check the flashing and tiles.

If you are on the ground floor and the damp seems to be localised to the bottom of your walls, then it could be that the cause of damp is the result of your damp proof course being bridged or potentially faulty resulting in rising damp.

If it is the case whereby the damp proof course has been bridged, consider if there are any external features installed within the affected area such as a flower bed or new patio. Could there be an excess amount of soil against the wall from some recent gardening that has bridged the damp proof course? By simply lowering the ground level or removing any of these features and leaving the area to dry out, you could solve your rising damp issue.

It is not always the case whereby the cause of damp originates from the outside.  In the last 20 years, the most common cause of damp within homes is actually due to condensation.

Condensation occurs when large quantities of water vapour from general everyday living becomes trapped within a property. When the warm moist damp air comes into contact with cooler air, or a surface which is at a lower temperature, the result is condensation. This can prove ideal for the germination of the commonly associated black mould.