Damp in Your Home? Here Are 4 Potential Causes and Solutions

 

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Damp is a common problem in homes, especially if you live in an older building or a humid area. But just because it’s common, it doesn’t mean that it’s not potentially a problem. Damp can lead to mold, which can, in turn, cause health problems, especially if someone in your household has asthma or another condition.

Another potential issue with damp is that it can damage your property. Your paint and wallpaper might peel off, you might see condensation on your furniture, and over time, you could even have structural issues with damp. 

Here are a few reasons why you might have damp and what you can do about it.

1. Condensation and Damp

The most common form of damp is condensation. This happens when hot air hits cold air and turns into water vapor. You probably see it most in your kitchen and bathroom, where you produce a lot of steam. In small amounts, it’s not a huge issue, but it can lead to black mold.

To deal with condensation, make sure your home is adequately heated. You should also have good ventilation, so while it feels counterintuitive, open your windows, especially if you’ve just produced a lot of steam. 

A dehumidifier can also reduce the amount of moisture in your home. This is also good if you dry clothes inside in the winter.

2. Rising Damp

Rising damp can be a major problem. It’s caused by water rising up the wall through the porous brickwork, and can be common in older brick homes.

You can spot rising damp by looking out for tide marks, peeling wallpaper, or problems with the paint. If it’s lower down, it’s probably rising damp rather than other forms of damp. 

A damp proof course is a barrier designed to stop water from travelling into the walls. It’s made from water-resistant materials. Over time, the DPC can fail or, in older houses, it might never have been installed. It can be disruptive to have a DPC installed, but it will prevent future issues.

3. Faulty Plumbing and Damp

One common issue that can cause something called penetrating damp, which is water that comes from the outside and penetrates the walls, is plumbing. Broken or leaking pipes can cause major damp in a property. Even a small leak can cause a big problem over time if it’s leaking into the walls.

Poor or blocked guttering can also cause damp, as you end up with a constant stream of water running down your exterior walls.

4. Structural Issues and Damp

Penetrating damp can also be caused by structural issues. Basically, if water can get in, you have a potential cause of damp.

For example, if you have a flat roof and you live in a rainy area, this can be a potential weak spot, as water can build up on the roof. If you end up with a leak, you can have a massive damp problem very quickly. In this case, look into flat roof repair right away.

Other issues like cracks in the walls, improperly installed windows and doors can all provide a way for water to get into your home and cause damp.