What Causes Damp in my house, and What work Can Be Done to cure it?

Do you live in a house that is suffering from mould?

Damp in homes is an issue that can strike fear into the hearts of homeowners.

The tell-tale signs of peeling wallpaper, musty odours, and unsightly mould can turn a dream home into a nightmare.

Understanding the root causes of dampness is crucial to tackling the problem head-on.

What Causes Dampness in Homes?

1. Condensation Woes: Often, dampness creeps in through poor ventilation, leading to excess condensation, although by no means is that the sole cause. Everyday activities like cooking, showering, and even breathing release moisture into the air can also start a patch of damp to appear in the home. When this moisture encounters cool surfaces, such as windows and walls, it condenses and forms droplets, creating a breeding ground for damp issues.
2. Penetrating Damp Intruders: Relentless rain, faulty guttering, or cracked walls can usher in penetrating damp. Water infiltrates through exterior walls, causing visible damp patches and staining. This type of damp is a ruthless invader, gradually making itself at home in unsuspecting abodes and can cause health issues if not dealt with promptly.
3. Rising Damp – A Silent Menace: Rising damp is a sneaky villain that climbs up walls, often unnoticed. It occurs when groundwater seeps into porous building materials, traveling upwards through capillaries. Unsightly tide marks on walls and crumbling plaster are sure signs of rising damp’s unwelcome presence.

How to Banish the Damp Demons:

1. Ventilation, Ventilation, Ventilation: Improve air circulation by using extractor fans, opening windows, and installing air vents. This simple step can help tackle condensation head-on, making your home an inhospitable environment for damp but is by no means a way to cure damp. You cannot magic away damp by something as simple as opening windows.
2. Roof and Gutter Maintenance: Regularly inspect and clear gutters to ensure water flows away from your home, rather than finding its way in. Damaged or missing roof tiles are an open invitation for penetrating damp, so keep a watchful eye on your roof’s condition and now and again contact a roofing company to inspect your roof..
3. Sealing the Cracks: Cracks in walls may seem insignificant, but they provide a gateway for damp to infiltrate. Seal any cracks with an appropriate filler, safeguarding your home against the perils of penetrating damp. If your house suffers from damp and mould, cracks in your walls should be viewed as part of a wider problem. Don’t contact us to seal up one crack in the wall, we are not a small-time handyman service, you should take cracked walls seriously and prepare to dip into your pocket to fix the problem before it gets worse.  Exterior cracks, are a sure sign that your home exterior walls could benefit from a weatherproof wall coating.
4. Defending Against Rising Damp: A damp-proof course acts as a formidable barrier against rising damp. If your home lacks this defence mechanism, consider professional intervention to install one and prevent damp from making an unwelcome ascent. In most cases, rising damp can be cured with the installation of an injected chemical DPC (Damp proof course). This is generally NOT a DIY job.

Here we see an operative injecting a chemical DPC

Remember, tackling damp is not just about remedying the visible signs but addressing the root causes.

Don’t let dampness cast a shadow over your home; take proactive steps to protect your sanctuary and keep it dry, cosy, and mould-free. Your home deserves nothing less.

Walls that have become damp due to moisture intrusion are obvious indicators that dampness exists in a house, as are discoloured wallpaper or blistered paint surfaces.

A musty smell indicates fungal growth such as mildew or mould.

Most houses are built with damp-proof courses to keep moisture out, yet this doesn’t always prevent it from infiltrating and damaging materials in their structure. Over time this will lead to material decay.

Condensation

There are various causes of damp and condensation on walls.

It could be penetrating damp where a leak from above has allowed water to seep into the building substrate from above.

It could also be rising damp that comes up from underground due to an incorrect or inadequate damp proof course, as we discussed earlier, but commonly it results from internal moisture build-up from steamy bathrooms and kitchens, drying washing inside, general living activities such as steaming baths, etc.

Once trapped inside this warm moist air needs somewhere to escape to; otherwise it will settle on surfaces such as windows, walls and skirting boards, eventually leading to black spot mould growth, hygroscopic salt contamination as well as crumbling plaster crumbling and degradation from inside.

When diagnosing damp, the first step should be assessing your walls for any visible indications of moisture problems.

Damp walls tend to be cold to touch and emit an unpleasant musty scent; signs of fungal growth include greenish grey patches on paintwork or wallpaper.

Leaking gutters, blocked drains or mis-positioned downpipes that direct rainwater onto certain walls may also contribute to damp issues; inadequate ventilation, poorly insulated walls and inferior materials used during previous extensions and refurbishments could all contribute to internal moisture issues as well.

A weatherproof exterior wall coating will combat all of those issues and can be done on most homes in less than a week.

The coating is guaranteed for 20 years to not fade, crack, peel or chip, and also more crucially, it cures that awful damp.

Rising Damp

Moisture build-up in walls can occur for various reasons, from showering too often or overusing clothing dryers, cooking, or lack of heating and ventilation systems to inadequate heating or ventilation systems, leading to condensation or black spot mould growth and an unpleasant musty odour.

Rising damp is a serious building condition that can disrupt its entire interior fabric.

It occurs when water seeps into walls from underground via capillary action, seeping through brickwork and seeping up through walls through capillary action, seeping into wallpaper causing it to disintegrate while visible tide marks form higher up the wall.

In addition, plaster crumbles while paint blisters; it also damages timbers in properties, leading to wet or dry rot as well as even black mould growth if left untreated for too long.

It is essential that all conscientious consumers realise not all surveyors and damp specialists are equipped to detect rising damp properly and that some may even suggest conducting tests prior to booking their survey.

Also be wary of anyone telling you a damp test is required before providing quotes or who insist on hacking off old plaster before proposing new waterproof replastering methods or trying to convince you into replacing existing plaster with waterproof or waterproof plaster replastering solutions before offering quotes or giving estimates from companies offering quotes.

In the main, most damp comes from OUTSIDE via rainwater getting to where it should not be.

So forget trying to cure damp internally, you will not succeed.

Wet Rot

An unsightly damp home can also be detrimental to its value and integrity.

Damp is caused by excess moisture being trapped inside, and if left to remain there for too long it will eventually lead to damage, mould growth or wet rot in the property.

Damp can result from bad weather, plumbing issues or leaky washing machines as well as damaged roof and window frames, porous bricks, cavity wall insulation issues or poor ventilation – any combination can contribute significantly towards creating damp conditions in a property.

Wet rot is a type of fungal infection that results in wood and masonry decay in properties, often leaving extensive and expensive damage behind if left untreated. Older homes tend to be particularly susceptible, putting structural integrity at risk over time. If left untreated it could even spread throughout an entire building leading to its complete collapse if untreated properly; wet rot infestation is particularly prevalent among old structures.

If you suspect wet rot in your property, it is worth conducting several checks in order to identify its cause.

A physical examination of timber could be the most reliable way of doing so, since affected pieces will feel soft to touch and may appear darker than its surrounding timber.

Musty smells and black spot mould could also indicate wet rot infestation.

Mould

Mould is a by-product of dampness and can create numerous issues within a home.

It can discolour walls, crumble plaster and damage wallpaper or woodwork as well as release allergenic spores that trigger allergies and respiratory symptoms.

If you spot mould in your home it is essential that it is addressed immediately with anti-fungal masonry paint being the preferred option, a wall coating applied to the exterior – while this might cost more than traditional wall paint it will ensure the problem doesn’t return!

Make sure your gutters are free from clogs and blockages to avoid damp walls from water seeping in and obstructing natural ventilation processes that would otherwise replace moist indoor air with dry outdoor air.

Inspect your garden for climbing plants that might trap moisture against house walls to ensure maximum ventilation efficiency.

Dampness can be a significant threat to buildings, particularly older timber-framed houses. At worst it may even cause their collapse while wet rot and wood boring beetle infestation can also arise as a result.

Brick, block and stone structures are less at risk but may still suffer under prolonged or severe damp conditions if left alone for too long.

It is wise to contact a specialist as soon as you suspect your building may be experiencing damp conditions so they can take readings and advise the best way to treat the problem.

Luckily you are reading this on a website that specialises in curing damp…

Can a house collapse from damp issues?

That depends on how bad the problem of the damp is and how much of your home is made from wood.

When damp gets into the timbers of a house it rots the wood, which loses it’s structural integrity.

This is very relevant when considering damp rotting roof timbers and joists, which will eventually collapse, so yes, damp can cause structural problems in a house but it has to be an issue that has lasted for years and not taken care of.

This is the same for homes made of wood (such as a typical house in the USA) so it is another reason why damp should be treated as soon as it is discovered.

The longer it is left untreated, the worse it gets, and subsequently, the price to fix the damp will rise exponentially.

Which UK towns and cities have the biggest problem with damp?

The website hrnews.co.uk conducted a survey using data from regional Google searches. They found the top ten places in the UK with the biggest mould problems, and they are:

The top ten mouldiest cities:

1. London (1,266,656 searches)

2. Birmingham (227,537 searches)

3. Bristol (152,955 searches)

4. Liverpool (110,354 searches)

5. Sheffield (98,355 searches)

6. Manchester (96,657 searches)

7. Glasgow (95,294 searches)

8. Edinburgh (91,549 searches)

9. Leeds (87,953 searches)

10. Bournemouth (76,314 searches)

Source: https://hrnews.co.uk/the-mouldiest-cities-in-the-uk

What health problems, diseases or illnesses, are caused by living in a damp house?

Living in a damp and mouldy home can have severe implications for one’s health, exacerbating or even directly causing various illnesses and ailments.

The adverse effects stem from the presence of mould, which releases spores and mycotoxins into the air.

The combination of damp conditions and mould growth creates an unhealthy indoor environment that can lead to a range of health issues. Here are some of the notable consequences:

1. Respiratory Problems:

   • Asthma: Dampness and mould are well-established triggers for asthma. Individuals with asthma may experience worsened symptoms, increased frequency of attacks, and heightened sensitivity to allergens when exposed to mould spores.
   • Bronchitis: Prolonged exposure to mould can irritate the respiratory tract, potentially leading to bronchitis. Persistent coughing, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing may result from inhaling mould spores.

2. Allergic Reactions:

   • Allergic Rhinitis: Mould spores are potent allergens that can induce or worsen allergic rhinitis, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny or blocked nose, and itchy eyes. Individuals predisposed to allergies may find their conditions aggravated in damp and mouldy environments.
   • Skin Irritations: Some people may develop skin rashes or irritation upon contact with mould or mould-infested materials.

3. Fungal Infections:

   • Mycosis: Prolonged exposure to mould spores may contribute to mycosis, which refers to fungal infections affecting various parts of the body. This can include skin infections, nail infections, or systemic infections in individuals with compromised immune systems.

4. Immune System Suppression:

   • Weakened Immune Response: Mould-produced mycotoxins have the potential to suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and compromising the body’s ability to defend against other illnesses.

5. Neurological Symptoms:

   • Cognitive Impairment: Some studies suggest a potential link between mould exposure and cognitive impairment. Though the precise mechanisms are not fully understood, mould toxins may have neurotoxic effects, impacting cognitive function.

6. Other Health Issues caused by damp houses:

   • Fatigue: Living in a damp and mouldy environment may contribute to persistent fatigue and a general feeling of malaise.
   • Headaches: Some individuals may experience headaches as a result of exposure to mould spores or mycotoxins.

It is crucial to address dampness and mould issues promptly to mitigate the risk of these health problems. This involves improving ventilation, repairing leaks, and removing existing mould.

Seeking professional advice for thorough remediation is recommended to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.

Individuals experiencing persistent health issues related to dampness and mould should consult healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Damp is not a problem to be sniffed at, if you pardon the pun.

If your house has damp and mould it must be taken seriously.

Damp will affect your health and happiness and everyone deserves to live in a damp free home.

If your house suffers from damp, we offer a free damp survey, which identifies the root cause of the damp, and offers handy solutions in combatting that menace.

To book a free damp survey, call us on 0800 970 4928, Monday to Saturday, England and Wales only.

You can also email us by clicking here.