Preventive Measures Against Rising Damp

As the days grow colder, the annual damp season sets in and your home may fall prey to the dangers of excess moisture that can harm both the structure and your health! You can usually tell that you have a damp problem from signs like excess condensation, discoloured or damaged walls, and an unpleasant musty odour that permeates the house. If you see this happening, arrange for a damp and timber independent survey right away!

Ideally, your home will never show signs of damp because precautions are already in place! The following are some of the preventative measures that you can take to keep your home warm and dry all year long!

Repair or Replace The Damp-Proof Course – The main cause of rising damp is a faulty damp-proof course. Older properties might lack one entirely! Most damp-proof course issues can be treated by a damp specialist who injects a special damp-proofing cream directly into your wall through holes drilled in the wall to form a new course. Once the injected cream has cured, it provides a strong protective layer that stops moisture from rising up through the walls. In some severe cases, you may need to have an all-new damp-proof course inserted, but this is an invasive procedure that involves removing portions of the wall, you will definitely want to consult with an independent specialist damp surveyor before attempting this!

Lower The Exterior Ground Level – In some cases, the damp-proof course isn’t the issue. It could be the structure’s exterior ground level exceeds the height of the damp-proof course, which allows moisture to seep down. If the higher ground level is the result of natural build-up over time, you may be able to dig out the excess soil, so the surface drops below the damp-proof course’s level. If decking or stonework has been constructed adjacent to or connected with the house above the damp-proof course, it has to be dropped down below it.

Add A Coat Of Damp-Proof Paint – An older property will be more susceptible to damp issues because of its materials ageing and growing more porous, which over time will allow moisture to come in. A coat of silicone-based and water repellent, damp-proof paint can help a lot! Seeking an independent damp and timber surveyor’s advice would be best to ascertain if this simple method will be effective for your home.

Use A Dehumidifier And Ventilate Your Home – Excess condensation in your home can be quickly reduced by a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers suck moisture out of the air to reduce the humidity level, preventing condensation on windows and walls during the cold season. The most cost-effective way to prevent condensation is to keep your property well ventilated by opening the doors and windows during the winter when the weather permits.

For professional help with ascertaining the best damp proofing measures to take for your home, just call London Damp Specialists on 020 7523 5882 to arrange for an independent damp surveyor to assess the situation.