Damp Causes...

Causes of damp-Leaks

Leaks are often be a major cause of damp within a home leading to issues such as penetrating damp and wet rot. Most of the time, the result of a leak will be localised to one area of a wall. If you notice localised damp patches, check the following:

Examine downpipes and guttering near to the affected area.

Look for damage, cracks, faulty joints or seals. Ensure that your drains and downpipes are not blocked.  Rainwater can very easily be backed up forcing itself out of a pipe joint within the affected area. If the damp is below a flat roof, or a roof channel, check that the felt is sound. If the damp is below a window, check the window frame and windowsill.  Badly fitted windows can also let damp penetrate into a room. If the damp is localised around a chimney breast, check the flashing and tiles.

Causes of damp–rising damp

If you are on the ground floor and the damp seems to be at the bottom of walls, it could be that the cause of damp is the result of your damp proof course being bridged resulting in rising damp.  This could be because of an increase of ground levels around the affected damp area or that your damp proof course has failed. If it is the case whereby the damp proof course has been bridged, consider if there are any external features installed within the affected area such as a flowerbed or new patio. Could there be an excess amount of soil against the wall from some recent gardening that has

bridged the damp proof course?  By simply lowering the ground level or removing any of these features and leaving the area to dry out, you could solve your rising damp issue.

If it is the case the damp proof course has not been bridged, then it could be the possibility that your damp proof course has failed meaning that you will need to consider repairing it. In this instance, we would always recommend you contact Dovedale Dampcure Services Ltd to fully evaluate the extent of the damp issue.

Causes of damp – condensation

It is not always the case whereby the cause of damp originates from the outside. One of the most common causes of damp within homes is due to condensation. Condensation occurs when large quantities of water vapour from general everyday living becomes trapped within a property.

When the warm moist damp air comes into contact with cooler air, or a surface, which is at a lower temperature, the result is condensation, this can prove ideal for the germination of the commonly associated black spot mould. The key to solving condensation however is ventilation.  By simply improving the air ventilation within a property, you will generally have an impact on the amount of condensation and mould issues that you are having within a property.  To find out more, call us to arrange a free damp survey.