Damp is something we’re hearing more and more about. It’s a hot topic amongst homeowners and can cause all sorts of problems, including mould growth and health problems.
But even though the issue of damp has been hogging recent headlines, it’s not a new problem. And there are lots of different causes, with poor home maintenance and our wet climate just two of the contributing factors. So, if you’re keen to keep damp at bay in your home, here’s eight things you should be actively doing.
Open windows
One of the simplest things you can do to keep your home free from damp, is to open your windows. It won’t cure all forms of damp but doing this improves ventilation and helps the air to circulate around your home. This stops moisture from becoming trapped in rooms, reducing humidity and condensation.
Don’t block vents
For similar reasons, it’s important that you don’t block the vents around your home. Of course, even if you don’t cover them up or keep them closed, they can become blocked up with dust and dirt over time. So, it’s a good idea to clean vents seasonally. This includes trickle vents on windows and air vents on chimney breasts.
Dry clothes outside
Wherever possible, you want to dry your clothes outside rather than indoors on airers. And it’s best to avoid drying clothes on your radiators altogether. This typically causes a lot of condensation which not only clings to windows but to your walls. If you’re struggling to get clothes dry, consider giving them an extra spin in the machine and if you do dry clothes indoors, use a dehumidifier to collect the excess moisture.
Use a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier isn’t just handy for controlling moisture while you’re doing the laundry. As many activities including cooking, bathing and even breathing generate moisture, it can be useful to run a dehumidifier from time to time. These devices can also help to dry walls out and reduce moisture levels after a leak or flood, helping to stop damp and mould problems.
Use extractor fans
The kitchen and bathroom are two rooms that tend to have the highest levels of moisture. Using extractor fans in these rooms will help to remove the steam created from cooking and showering. Kitchen extractors should be ducted, so they vent outside and bathroom fans benefit from having humidity sensors, so they automatically switch on when humidity levels rise.
Maintain warm temperatures
Moisture clings to places that are cold. So, alongside the use of extractor fans and vents, maintaining a warm temperature in your home can help to stop damp and mould patches forming on your walls. This is especially true in winter, when it’s recommended that you aim for a temperature between 18⁰C and 21⁰C to keep both you and your home healthy.
Clean gutters
Moisture doesn’t just come from inside the home. It’s often caused by the rain outside. Blocked gutters are one of the most common reasons that water seeps into the home. As rainwater can’t find a route to the ground, it tends to get channelled into the walls, causing damp to appear on the inside. That’s why it’s best to get them cleaned once or twice a year.
Don’t ignore home maintenance
It’s not just gutters that you need to maintain. Slipped tiles on roofs and blocked drains can also contribute to damp in the home. So, staying on top of your home maintenance is vitally important. Visually inspect the inside and outside of your home from time to time and should something look broken or unusual, get it looked at by a professional rather than simply ignoring it.
What to do when damp does appear
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, damp can make an appearance in the home. For instance, it’s easy for a leak in a concealed pipe to go undetected. So, what should you do when damp does appear? Well, the first thing to do is to get the problem diagnosed. Then, you can get it fixed. If you suspect a leak in your water pipes, a plumber is the first port of call but if you think there’s an issue with a wall or chimney, a local builder might be the best person to contact.
Sometimes the problem, can be obvious but if you’re unsure of the cause, it might be best to use the expertise of a damp specialist.
A damp patch near the top of a wall could be due to a blocked gutter, crumbling mortar or a problem with the roof or chimney. While a moisture at the bottom of the wall is more likely to be rising damp. This can be due to a failure or absence of a damp-proof course and rising damp treatment options can include chemical injection or waterproofing but a specialist will be able to tell you what the best solution is for your home.
As damp can cause plaster to crumble and woodwork to rot, you may also need some remedial work completing after the problem has been fixed and the walls have dried out. To make this easier, your damp specialist should be able to provide you with a report that includes the necessary steps to take.