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Info on Damp

Damp

What sorts of damp are there? There are three main categories of damp:

Damp proof course is often referred to as DPC.

There are a couple of stages to dealing with damp.

1. Identifying what sort of damp problem is it.
2. Eliminate problem causing damp
3. Repair damage caused.

If you have damp on a wall then one trick to find out what sort of damp it is is to stick a small piece of metallic foil to the wall. If there is moisture on the room side then it is likely to be condensation - the other side is likely to be rising damp.

About condensation:

Condensation is likely to be found on single glazed windows during colder weather.
Replacing them with double glazing can solve this problem.

Poor insulation can be solved by cavity wall insulation. This is when foam is squeezed between the layers of bricks in the walls of the house.

Poor ventilation is often caused by air vents being blocked up. Sometimes they may be wallpapered over - if you've just moved into a property then you might want to look outside and then compare inside to see if there are air vents on the outside but not inside - simply removing the wallpaper and then checking the vents are clear will solve the problem.

If they have been blocked up then the job of unblocking them may be more complicated - you might have to track them down by identifying the areas filled in.

Overcrowding can cause condensation. If there are a lot of people in the house then there is likely to be more water in the air. You can try using a dehumidifier to remove excess water.

If there are other causes of excess water vapour (Kettles left boiling for longer than necessary, showers left on, simmering sauce pans without window open or use the extractor fan!) Or you might be using a tumble dryer inside and that can cause huge amounts of moist air!

Condensation can also occur within the roof space of your home - this is possible if all air vents have been blocked.

If you use heaters then use a dry heat source, for example gas central heating or electric storage
heaters or a fitted gas fire. Do not use paraffin or portable gas heaters as these are particularly good at creating water vapour as part of the combustion process.

Insulation and draught proofing will help to keep your home warm and will also cut fuel bills. Do not completely draft proof kitchens and bathrooms as some ventilation is needed in these areas to prevent damp!

Ventilate cupboards and wardrobes, do not overfill them keep air circulating. Where possible put them on internal walls as these will be less cold than external walls.

Rising Damp

Problems with the damp proof course can be caused by soil ingress up to the level of the damp proof course, or a poorly altered section of your building.
You may have piles of plant matter or refuse against an outside wall and this can let damp breach the damp proof course.
By clearing away the substance (usually soil or garden waste) away from the walls and DPC you should in theory sort the problem.

Think about rising damp as damp being allowed to rise from the ground (which is often damp) - getting across the damp proof course

For advice and information - British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association is the largest association of its kind in Europe. The nationally recognised authority on timber and damp problems. They can help you find an approved contractor in your area to offer you professional advice.

Water ingress - (this means water getting in or water penetrating into the house)

If the water comes in via the roof it may be a roof tile missing, or a sign of damage to the roof, or may be because the roof vents are blocked.

Problems with brickwork - check mortar and repair.

You should also check under window sills and ensure that the line which runs along them underneath is clear of debris (Its a groove to make rain drip off rather than roll back to the wall)

Also if damp occurs internally check what is outside on the wall or above on the roof. It may be that there is a leaking gutter or downspout needing repair. Sometimes these problems are too obvious and can be sorted out quickly.
In most cases a simple repair will allow the damp problem to be resolved. The sooner a water ingress is sorted out the less damage will be done.

Cellars are often damp. Damp proofing a cellar can be expensive!

Problems caused by damp:::

Mould Issues -

Clean walls with bleach and if you've solved the damp problem then you should not see it return.
Prevent mould reocccuring by ensuring condensation does not occur.
Fabrics can be washed - you can get fungicidal cleaning products although some staining may remain.

Damp wood -

May be rotten and need replacing. Make sure you replace enough of the rotted wood.

Severe damp may require plaster work to be stripped off and redone AFTER the cause of the damp has been solved.

You are wasting your time not sorting out the problem but repairing the damage.

We hope that this page is helpful. If in doubt about any DIY, as usual consult a profession for advice.

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