Damp is one of the last things we want to face at home. It doesn’t matter if we’re a homeowner or a renter, it’s not a good thing. It can make a room feel cold, unwelcoming and unhealthy, and at worst it can mean structural or weatherproofing issues.
Luckily, damp can often be treated and prevented without calling in the professionals. There are also easy signs to keep an eye out for that might indicate a problem, and simple things you can try to stop it from appearing.
Rising damp usually occurs in older homes (early 20th century or older). In modern properties, damp-proof courses are built into the footings and foundations of a home. These help to provide a barrier between the moist soil below the house, and the habitable areas above. In older properties however, damp-proof courses may be less substantial or not part of the construction. This means that brick walls can absorb moisture from the ground below, allowing damp to rise into the floors above. The addition of modern plaster, insulation, windows and doors in more recent years may also have weakened the building’s ability to breathe, trapping moisture in the walls.
What are the signs to look out for?
Cold, damp surfaces and mould growth in the external corners of ground-floor rooms. Cold walls and floors, as well as a musty smell.
How to fix this
For homes with considerable rising damp, installing a modern damp-proof course is the best solution. Whilst this can be an expensive option, it will help to prevent any further deterioration of the building and reduce the need for preventative measures in future. Consult an expert to find out the best option for your home and budget. Where symptoms are milder, rising damp can be managed in a similar way to issues caused by condensation.
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