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Recognising the cause of damp in your home

Published: 03rd February 2010

Damp is a problem for many people nowadays, and as it can cause structural as well as aesthetic damage, it needs to be dealt with properly. Unfortunately, most of us have no idea how to do this, and may end up spending a fortune on expensive and ineffective modern treatments. In some cases however, recognising the causes of damp in your home and making some simple changes is all that needed.

The causes of damp

In order to deal with damp, you need to know how it is caused and learn how to spot the symptoms. Here are just a couple of the main causes of damp:

• Penetrating damp - This is caused by rainwater penetrating roofs, parapets and chimneys, especially in areas that are difficult to maintain. You can spot this by checking for damp ceiling patches and stains on walls.

• Handy solution: Maintain your roof. Clear blocked rainwater gulleys and pipes and replace broken or missing tiles.

• Air moisture condensation - This is caused by humidity from central heating systems, double glazing and even things like cooking and bathing. Water droplets on shiny surfaces and mould growth are the obvious symptoms of air moisture condensation.

• Handy solution: You need to reduce humidity and increase ventilation. Use efficient heating systems, vent tumble dryers outside, and leave windows open when cooking or bathing.