How to Identify Signs of Damp Issues and What to Do If You Find It

In its most basic definition, damp refers to a great deal of moisture.

However, the word “damp” can frighten both tenants and landlords. It is simple to understand why given concerns over the possibility the property is suffering structural damage, and the health effects of ongoing damp exposure. However, moisture need not be a major problem with early detection and treatment.

In today’s post, I’ll explain how to detect the tell-tale signs of moisture in a room and what to do to address the cause of the problem that could be affecting your home.

So, shall we get started?

The difficulty of addressing damp

Most of us undoubtedly agree that dampness is a thing to be avoided.

In many cases, though, it’s not as horrific as it seems. Yes, it will be unpleasant and require attention, but once the root cause has been found, the majority of situations are simple to treat. When dampness is not managed, issues develop. When left unchecked, damp can lead to negative effects on one’s health and even harm structures, which is why it has such a terrible reputation.

The key point that you should take away from this post is to take action if you see any dampness.

Different Types of Penetrating Damp Exist in Residential Properties

Before trying to solve the damp, you must first determine the precise type of dampness, which can be caused by a variety of conditions. The first step in developing an efficient treatment is diagnosing damp. It’s usually preferable to see an expert if you’re unclear about the source of the problem and the type of damp in your property.

The following are the Top 3 Types of Damp found in properties in the UK:

Condensation

An excessive amount of moisture in the air, which can happen in poorly vented buildings or properties, is what leads to Condensation. This kind of wetness can cause health issues including asthma and allergies and frequently manifests as black mould on walls and ceilings.

Rising Damp

When groundwater seeps through a building’s walls and floors, rising damp happens. If ignored, it can harm structural elements.  This type of damp may result in rot as well as wear and tear to brickwork, plaster and paint.

Penetrating Damp

Water entering a property through leaks in the roof or external walls around your property leads to penetrating dampness. If left untreated, penetrating damp will cause damage to paint and plaster as well as create structural damage.

Areas to Look for Damp Problems

Finding dampness early and avoiding it from causing significant damage requires knowing where to check for it.

Though it can happen anywhere in a house, dampness is most frequently found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. The area around the shower or bath, as well as the walls and ceilings, in bathrooms, tend to get moist. In basements, dampness can be discovered on the walls and floors as well as around sinks in kitchens.

Moreover, it’s essential to check for dampness in hidden areas including behind furniture, underneath rugs and within cabinets. A musty smell or discoloured or damp patches on the walls or ceiling are examples of warning indicators.

Regularly inspecting your house for damp and condensation is important especially in places prone to moisture, as early detection is the key to avoiding significant damage and costly repairs.

Damp treatment : How to get rid of the Dampness

While getting rid of dampness can be a challenging and time-consuming task, it is important to avoid having your property and health suffer further harm.

The specific type of dampness and the seriousness of the issue will determine the appropriate course of action. The initial step in treating condensation is often to improve ventilation in the afflicted area. This is really simple to accomplish. 99% of condensation problems can be resolved by opening windows, using extractor fans or dehumidifiers, and making sure there is enough cavity wall and roof insulation. If condensation is particularly bad then try to avoid drying clothes indoors. in extreme circumstances you could need a specialist to construct a mechanical ventilation system .

Installing a damp proof course (DPC), a barrier installed into the walls of your property to stop moisture from rising is typically the most efficient solution for damp problems. It’s important to make absolutely certain that any damaged plaster or paint is removed before the DPC is put in. This is a job best left to the professionals.

If your property is suffering from penetrating damp then treatment might be more challenging since it frequently necessitates finding external defects and fixing the water infiltration point. This can involve fixing leaks in the pipes, gutters, outside walls, or roof as well as adding a waterproof membrane to stop water from infiltrating the inner walls.

In extreme damp situations, it could be necessary to treat any structural damage the damp has caused in addition to removing any damaged plaster. If you’re uncertain about the severity of the harm or the best course of action, it’s crucial to seek professional advice which may include a damp survey.

The best treatment for dampness is generally prevention. The first step in preventing dampness is to frequently check for signs of wear and tear, check whether there is excess moisture, and take measures to increase insulation and ventilation in the property.  It is generally more expensive to fix an issue than it is to prevent it first.

Damp Proofing : How to Prevent Damp?

Now that we are aware that the best course of action is always to prevent dampness, you may be wondering what you should do.

The following tips will help keep your house dry:

Enhanced ventilation

To avoid condensation and moisture, there must be enough ventilation. Open windows, use extractor fans or dehumidifiers and make sure that your house has enough insulation to ensure that there is sufficient ventilation.

Resolve leaks quickly

It’s important to repair leaks from appliances, pipes, gutters, and especially defective roof coverings as soon as possible to stop water from getting into your house.

Keep your house warm

Condensation likes damp and cold houses where it can localise the build up of water droplets, therefore it can be avoided by keeping the temperature in your home constant. Aim to maintain your house at least 18°C warm during the day and 15°C warm at night.

Use water-resistant materials

It’s also a good idea to use waterproof materials like tiles, water-resistant plaster, or paint in wet spaces like bathrooms and kitchens.  Waterproof primers and undercoats can also be used in any particularly prone damp cold areas.

Don’t dry the clothes indoors

A lot of moisture in the air might result from indoor clothes drying. If you must dry your stuff indoors, use a dehumidifier to take the moisture out of the air or make sure it is not an already damp area is sufficiently aired.

Keep your Home in good condition

Check your roof, gutters, pipes and walls regularly for any signs of damage and take immediate action to address any problems that need to be repaired to stop water from leaking.

You can help prevent moisture and maintain the health and safety of your house by using these straightforward recommendations.

How to identify penetrating damp and spots signs of any other serious moisture issues when checking out properties

When checking a property, it’s important to keep an eye out for any indications of moisture.

The following are some important warning signs to keep an eye out for:

• Musty odours – It’s possible that there is a damp problem if the house smells musty or damp.
• Stains on walls or ceilings – Watermarks or stains on walls or ceilings are indicators of water leaks and may point to a damp issue.
• Paint or wallpaper that is flaking or bubbling – This can indicate that there is too much moisture in the walls, which might cause dampness.
• Deteriorating plaster – The quality of the plaster can deteriorate or become brittle and spongy when it is damp.
• Mould or mildew infestation – Watch out for visible signs of mould growth, which may pose a health risk and be a hint of hidden moisture problems.
• Cold areas – Insufficient insulation may be the cause of cold spots on walls or ceilings, which can result in dampness.

Before placing an offer on a property, if you keep an eye out for these indicators, you can spot potential damp problems. Do not be hesitant to enquire about the history of dampness in the property from the homeowner, the real estate agent, or both.

What should I do if my survey indicates a sign of damp?

If your inspection finds that the property you are considering buying has damp issues, you must take action before finalising the transaction of purchasing a new property.

You can follow the guidelines listed below:

#1. Seek out expert guidance

Speak with an experienced damp specialist who is able to assess the severity of the issue and give you a report explaining the required fixes and expenses.

#2. Negotiate with the Homeowner

In the event that dampness has been discovered, you might negotiate the price with the seller or ask them to make the necessary repairs before finalising the sale.

#3. Think about the costs of Repairs

Before making the purchase, think about the cost of any repairs that need to be carried out and include them in your budget.

#4. Make sure an expert professional does the job

If repairs are needed, make sure they are performed by a licenced and competent professional to prevent any more damage.

#5. Inspect for Dampness often

Once repairs have been made, keep an eye out for dampness to make sure the issue has been fully fixed.

By following these instructions, you can prevent moisture problems before finalising the purchase, which will ultimately save you time and money.

It’s all done for this week. Contact Western Lettings Glasgow if you’re looking to relocate within or near the city. Give our specialists a call if you’re considering moving soon because we have award winning experience in the real estate industry and know a thing or two about the regional housing market.

To ensure the smoothest possible sale and/or purchase, our team of amiable agents at Western Lettings Glasgow is available to provide any assistance or direction you may need.