It’s no secret that damp can cause a lot of problems and it can happen anywhere for a variety of reasons. Damp proofing isn’t as difficult as it sounds, with 20 years as a self-employed painter and decorator I have seen plenty of damp.
There are a variety of ways you can treat damp and tackle problems like condensation and dry rot, and I am going to share them with you today! Remember to always carry out regular checks for damp and dry rot because, if left untreated, it can cause a variety of health issues.
Ventilation Problems
One of the most common causes of damp is poor ventilation; this means moisture can’t escape your home. If left untreated, this can cause a build-up of condensation and lead to problems such as mould and dry rot.
Thankfully, this can be easy to correct. Sometimes it can be as simple as opening your windows or turning your fans on if you’re in the kitchen.
Rooftops and Guttering
Damp can happen all around your home and has many sources, but one of the most common causes of damp is leaking roofs and gutters. Broken roof tiles, blocked guttering and deteriorating conditions can all play a part in the formation of damp.
If you spot damp patches in the corner of rooms or on the ceiling, then should check your roof. You might have to repair some roof tiles; alternatively, it could be as simple as pulling some leaves out of your gutters to clear up the problem.
Plumbing Problems
Another common cause of damp is faulty plumbing; thankfully this is usually easy to spot. Leaky taps or gushing water can cause a build-up of dry rot or mould under your sink.
If you spot this then you should turn off your water and try to identify the problem, if it’s a damaged pipe then you might need to repair or replace it. This is much easier than it seems and can usually be done just by using a simple screw on clamp.
The Anti-freeze Fix
Dry rot is one of the most common symptoms of damp, it’s a wood decay caused by a fungus which if left untreated can significantly damage the wood’s strength. The early signs of dry rot are wood taking on a darker and more crumbly appearance but if left untreated this can turn into more noticeable fungal infestations. Anti-freeze can be applied to treat the infected wood but if the wood is severely infested with the fungus it will have to be cut down first.
Keep a Balanced Temperature
Condensation is one of the most common causes of damp and it happens when warm, moist air makes contact with colder surfaces. Insulation can help stop this from happening, however alone it can only do so much. If you want to help ensure the damp can’t spread and treat any damp you already have, then you need to keep a balanced temperature.
Depending on where you live this could be more difficult that it sounds, but if you have a thermostat in your home then monitoring the temperature is much easier. You should also remember to keep any radiators unblocked so heat can ventilate around your home. Many people also use radiators to dry clothes but this can cause serious issues with condensation and damp.
That’s my five top tips for combatting and treating damp in your home, simple things like keeping your windows open and keeping your house warm during the winter can really make a big difference.
Remember that all areas of your home are susceptible to damp while rooms like your kitchen and bathroom are more prone to damp, it can happen anywhere.
