Do you think your home might have damp problems?
There are a few tell-tale signs that can help you figure out if this is the case. Are there any areas in your home where condensation appears on windows, walls or ceilings? If so, this could be an indication of a damp issue. You may also notice discoloration, mold and mildew growth on walls and floors. Additionally, do you detect musty smells coming from certain rooms? This too suggests moisture levels in the property may be too high.
It’s possible to have damp without seeing visible signs as well; however, it’s always worth checking for these indicators first before looking further into the matter.
Do you suspect your residence has dampness issues? A few warning signs can assist with uncovering if this is indeed the case. Look for condensation on windowsills, walls or ceilings – these might point to humidity concerns around your abode. Furthermore, check for discoloration marks along with mould and mildew formation on surfaces such as walls and floorboards; musty odours detected within particular rooms could also indicate excessive moisture levels in the building. Though it’s possible to experience dampness without perceiving obvious symptoms first-hand – still it’s sensible to inspect for these clues prior to investigating further into the problem at hand.
What is Damp?
Damp is an issue affecting buildings, caused by excess moisture in the air and on surfaces. It can cause structural damage as well as health issues from mould growth.
A wet issue in a house implies that water has infiltrated walls, floors, or ceilings. This can originate from various causes such as broken pipes, elevated condensation, loose/missing roof tiles or moisture rising from the ground and some bricks becoming porous.
There are two types of damp: mild and severe. Rising damp spreads upwards from the ground, while penetrating damp travels horizontally or downwards. Neither form will resolve itself; the damage will only worsen and become more costly to fix as time passes.
Excessive condensation can cause damp within a building.
Damp abodes can lead to health problems, particularly for those with an allergy to mould spores who experience skin, eye and chest irritations. Furthermore, it has the potential to exacerbate medical conditions such as asthma.
As autumn arrives and winter draws near, it’s wise to evaluate your home for any moisture problems or potential issues and handle them quickly. If you have opted to tackle moisture issues directly, or to check for any potential problems, it is important to look out for certain symptoms.
Signs of Damp in a Home
Take note of the following critical indicators of rising damp: peeling wallpaper, staining on walls and floors, mould growth and rot in timber flooring. Additionally, look out for evidence of a salty deposit around window frames or other masonry surfaces.
The sense of smell is our most powerful of the five senses. Closing a door or opening a wall cupboard reveals a distinct, damp, musty odour in a moist room which may be the only warning sign of an underlying issue at its outset. An abnormally high level of moisture is another indication.
Indicators on walls or ceilings can signal the presence of moisture issues. Mouldy mildew wet patches, a white coating resembling sea salt crystals, darkening and changing colour of plaster, flaking or peeling paper – all are indicators that water may be present. Additionally, look for a ‘tide mark’ stretching up to one metre above the floor. In older homes where bricks have become permeable with age, black mould is likely present. Inspect walls, floors and ceilings for any evidence of wetness; damp areas and check beneath buckling flooring should also be investigated.
Check your home for dampness by systematically feeling walls, floors and ceilings. Damp surfaces feel cool and humid to the touch. If you suspect growing damp, run your hands over the affected area – if it is damp you will be able to feel white deposits (plaster salts) washed into the plaster from the bricks. To confirm further, with wallpaper present move your fingers over any salts and listen for a slight crunching sound.
Examine both inner and outer walls to detect any dampness issues. Regularly inspect windows, walls, and roofs for damage and do repairs promptly if needed.
Hiring a professional surveyor is the simplest way to detect damp. They will thoroughly examine the property for any signs of moisture, both internally and externally, ascertain what sort of damp it is and its probable origin. The report will also provide advice on how to remedy it. For additional information on damp surveys, please contact Brighton Damp Treatments.
Symptoms of Rising Damp
If you’re worried rising damp may be an issue, there are several signs to look out for. These include:
- Damp patches beginning at the base of a wall and gradually climbing up;
- Decaying skirting boards and rotten plaster mar the walls.
- You might observe floor coverings lifting, such as tiles, vinyl or carpets.
- Paint or wallpaper may peel as a result of an inadequate damp proof course.
- A white, powdery salt-like substance is visible on the wall.
- Traces or staining on walls may appear yellow or brown.
- Dealing with rising damp can be troublesome and pricey.
- If you have an issue, get in touch with an expert promptly.
Brighton Damp Treatments’ team of experienced professionals are ready to assist with any damp-related problems at your property.
Signs of Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp can often be attributed to structural issues, such as faulty guttering, damaged downpipes, defective roofs or cracks in walls. It can manifest both internally and externally.
Old bricks may become porous, enabling water to seep in. The most ubiquitous indicators of penetrating damp are: discoloration, blistering or cracking of paintwork; mold/mildew growth; peeling wallpaper; and watermarks on walls.
- Damaged wallpaper and plaster from the middle of the wall to upwards;
- Moist patches were present on the wall and ceiling at different heights in the local area.
- Rain is infiltrating the property owing to deterioration of the outside wall, pebbledash or renders, and gutters.
- The outer walls may display darker patches, or if the moisture is rising, dark streaks resembling those of a high tide can be seen climbing up them; just as with inner walls.
- You may spot damp patches on brickwork and vegetation growing on walls outside. If penetrating damp is the problem, look for localised stains near where the moisture has entered.
Signs of Condensation
Watch out for condensation as it can cause an unappealing, musty interior and even health issues such as asthma if left unchecked. When the temperature outside drops below that of the moist air inside, condensation – which is the most common form of moisture – appears on internal surfaces and creates a breeding ground for black mould.
Common signs of condensation in a property include mould growth, damp patches on walls and ceilings, peeling wallpaper, musty odours and water droplets forming on windows.
- An abundance of moisture on cold surfaces, such as windows, tiles and walls with a chill;
- The humidity has risen.
- Mould can grow on window frames and walls.
- A musty smell lingered in the air.
- Windows and walls that flow with light; brightening up the day.
- Walls, especially in darker corners and behind furniture, may become damp;
- The wallpaper may start to come away.
- Window frames that are blackened.
- The start of black mould growth is usually visible.
- Mould and mildew can proliferate on soft furnishings and fabric.
Checking for Damp in Your Home
Begin with the basement of a home or property that you intend to purchase, if it has one. Wetness under the floors can cause decay, and walls and ceilings may show signs of dampness such as discolouration or moist patches. Additionally, you might notice an odour which could be indicative of moisture.
Due to frequent use of water in the bathroom, it is particularly susceptible to humidity. If yours has high levels of condensation, mould could spread. Monitor your airing cupboard and the hot-water tank within too.
Let Us Help You Combat Damp
If you detect any dampness after conducting these checks, it is essential to seek professional help right away. A surveyor will come to your residence and assess the severity of the issue. Occasionally, an obscure factor such as inadequate insulation may be responsible for the wetness problem.
At Brighton Damp Treatments, we are experts at identifying and tackling damp problems. Whatever is causing your issue, we can provide you with a variety of solutions to help. We are happy to offer our assistance – let us know how we can be of service!
If you’re dealing with dampness or mould in your home, it’s best to get a professional in. Don’t try and fix the issue yourself – instead, let them inspect the damage and provide appropriate solutions quickly.
At Brighton Damp Treatments, we guarantee to resolve all your damp issues. Our expert team will identify the source of moisture and promptly rectify it. Rest assured that each specialist is highly trained to ensure our work meets your expectations.
Say goodbye to dampness and mould forever! Our moisture proofing experts will make sure your property is secure and your family’s health is safeguarded. Simply give us a call or email, and you can rest assured that we’ll take care of the rest – with results guaranteed to bring you complete satisfaction.
Ensure that you get dependable counsel on what treatment will be most beneficial and cost-effective for you, as wearing flippers is not a possibility. Reach out to Brighton Damp Treatments on 01273 920588 for the premier professional advice about tackling dampness. You may also contact us via email.