The Tell-Tale Signs Of Penetrating Or Rising Damp
If you’ve identified mould in your home, then you have a damp problem that needs to be tackled sooner rather than later!
The majority of typical home insurance policies do not pay out for problems related to damp. So, if you spot any signs of this problem in your home, it’s essential that you take action immediately. The longer you wait, the higher the cost of repair. If you’re lucky, then the remedy might be something as simple as repairing a broken gutter. But if you leave damp to take hold, then you might be looking at more significant structural repair which can cost thousands. Knowing the signs of damp is important for keeping costs minimal.
Types Of Damp
There are two main types of damp that are commonly experienced within your home – these are known as rising or penetrating damp. Rising damp works its way from the ground upwards and refers to water being absorbed into your property from beneath the foundations. This is particularly typical in older houses which haven’t been built with adequate damp-proofing systems in place. You might see signs of rising damp on the lower walls of your ground floor rooms.
On the other hand, penetrating damp is caused by water which seeps in from the outside due to defective features such as window sills with cracks in them, a loose roofing tile or a broken gutter that causes water to gather anywhere around the exterior of your property. If you’re aware of any issue like this that needs fixing, then it’s important to deal with it immediately, as ignoring the problem will only make it worse.
Spotting Signs Of Damp Within Your Home
If you see any of the following within your property, then this unfortunately means that damp is already causing a problem and needs to be dealt with. Spotting any of these signs needs to be treated as a serious call-to-action:
Visible patches of mould – they can be either green, black/brown or grey in colour. You might spot these in corners of your rooms, on the ceiling and commonly along the lining of your windows. If you use blinds, then remember to check behind these along the frames.
Mould growth on your furnishings – this is more likely in colder rooms with a strong draught or rooms that are unused during the winter months, such as a conservatory. Check behind wooden furniture, in the creases of your curtains and within your sofa cushions.
Unpleasant smell in the air – if you detect a musty odour, don’t try to cover it up with scented candles and plug-in fragrances. Investigate where the smell is coming from to look for additional signs of damp.
Treating Damp
Experts specialising in damp proofing in Newcastle explain that the ways to treat your damp problem largely depend on the extent to which it has taken hold. Adequate ventilation is essential as condensation can easily settle on cold walls if there’s a lack of airflow. You can open windows and use extractor fans to assist with this. It’s also important to fix any exterior repairs as soon as you’re aware that there’s a problem. However, in most cases it’s important to call in professionals for a complete assessment – this step could save you thousands in the long run!