Is Your Home Displaying These 5 Warning Signs of Damp?

If you were to ask a UK citizen what they dislike most about their homeland, the majority would say the cold, damp weather; when was the last time you can remember blue skies and sunshine? The constant dampness is a real concern for UK homeowners and with that in mind, here are a few warning signs that your home is under attack from damp.

1. Damp patches on walls or ceilings – This would normally be the result of a leaking roof or blocked guttering that send rainwater cascading down the exterior walls. Check every room, looking out for stains and crumbling plaster, which is a sure sign of penetrating damp. If the roof is leaking, you might notice small damp patches along the upstairs ceilings or faint lines that were caused by water; these are signs that dampness is present and we are always ready to assist. We cover London and surrounding counties, providing a reliable service for UK homeowners.
2. Musky odour – When the air is very moist, you may notice that your house smells musky; moisture in the air causes mould to settle then spores become airborne and that is a health hazard. Check all rooms especially the bathroom and spare bedroom, if you have one; this is not something to ignore, as your family’s health is at risk. If you do find signs of rising or penetrating damp, call us on 020 8528 3864 and arrange for one of our qualified surveyors to inspect the property and recommend penetrating damp repair.
3. Peeling paint/wallpaper – When dampness is present, it can cause wallpaper and paint to peel away from the wall and this needs to be investigated before too much damage is caused. Our surveyor can identify the cause of damp and recommend remedial work to resolve the issue.
4. Condensation on the windows – Bubbling paint on window frames is the result of condensation, where different temperatures meet on a single pane of glass. Always wipe away condensation with a dry cloth, as it will damage timber window sills and frames. After a hot bath or showers, always open the windows to allow the moisture to escape and keep the bathroom door closed until the moisture is no longer present.
5. Rotting timber – Window and door frames, skirting and architrave should all be closely inspected for signs of woodworm, wet or dry rot. If you do have condensation of the windows, it should be removed, as the water runs down the glass and onto the window sill. Oil-based paint will protect the wood but if there are signs of timber decay, call London Damp Specialists and book a homebuyer damp survey. If the windows have reached a stage where the frames are in bad shape, consider double glazing, which eliminates condensation and save you energy.

Should you discover any of the above signs of damp, call London Damp Specialists on 020 8528 3864 and book a damp survey. We issue the homeowner with a detailed survey report within 24 hours of the survey completion, plus we provide a written quotation for recommended services.