Given how extreme the UK weather can be, our homes have to put up with so many different climates, from extreme wind, rain and sun throughout the year. GIven how changeable our weather can be, it is unsurprising that our homes can routinely suffer from damp or mould.
Whilst damp is more prevalent in the Winter months, older homes can experience moisture related issues all year round, if a home is poorly ventilated or has structural issues. Coupled with cracked or degrading roof tiles, guttering problems or mortar breakdown, it is no wonder damp is one of the most common issues in UK homes. There are a few tell tale signs your home may be showing you, indicating damp is present or even worse, a leak.
How Do You Know If You Have Damp?
Black spots of mould are also common indicators of damp. Mould growth is very unpleasant to have in your home, it also can affect your health, as breathing in black spores is bad for your airways. Mould is mostly caused by a buildup of condensation. As air within your home contains water vapour, when this comes into contact with cold air, the water vapour is released forming condensation. Whilst older properties or homes which have not been updated in a long time will be prone to condensation, so will new builds. The introduction of draft excluders, double glazed windows and electric heaters replacing open fires, means modern homes are much more equipped to deal with damp. Modern homes now are essentially sealed boxes. New fittings allow homes to effectively retain heat, however if not properly ventilated, mould and damp will form.
Damp And Leaks
One of the most obvious signs that damp is present in your home, is wet patches on your walls. If wet patches are evident on walls below ground level, this could suggest you have a leak within your mains water supply. If the position of damp patches looks like it is coming from the ceiling and then leaking onto your wall, this suggests the central heating system has a leak, as most central heating pipework is hidden under floors. A leak could also be caused by a faulty appliance, like a drain or washing machine. As sinks or bathroom appliances are routinely used, especially in properties with multiple people, fixtures are quickly worn down by repeated use.
Washers are usually the first part of a pipe to go, breaking the seal between the fixing and pipe, causing a leak to form.
How To Get Rid Of Damp?
In order to get rid of damp, you will need to assess the root cause of the issue. Unless you have been able to clearly rule out a leak, if damp patches are concentrated around a window for example, suggesting a gap in the frame, you will need to contact a professional. Luckily, new methods of damp investigation and leak detection are non-invasive and cost-effective.
Professionals from services like Aspect use state of the art technology to find and repair the sources of leaks and dampness.
