The Real Cost of Ignoring Damp: Essential Information for UK Homeowners

Here in the United Kingdom, we have a damp climate and we rarely see the sun these days, which doesn’t help when it comes to combatting rising and penetrating damp, not to mention condensation. In this short article, we look at some of the potential costs that come when you have a damp problem in your home and you ignore it.

Internal roof structure

In the event a few roof tiles got misplaced or broken due to a heavy storm and you are unaware of this; a few rainstorms and the joists and rafters can be seriously damaged. Once water has entered the loft, timber is affected, and the upstairs ceiling can easily be damaged; all the while you could be totally unaware of the leak and the roof timbers are under attack. This is why you need to have your roof inspected regularly, as it gives you a heads up if the roof is compromised.

Rising damp

If there is moisture in the ground your home sits on, there is a risk of rising damp; there would be a damp proof course (DPC membrane) in the brickwork that prevents damp from rising and damaging the building. If the damp proof course is damaged or compromised, the damp will rise up the walls, causing damage as it does.

Penetrating damp

If your exterior walls are not weatherproof, rain can enter the brickwork and mortar and this damp penetrates through to the interior. Of course, it helps to have cavity walls and there are treatments that involve spraying a special foam into the cavity, which protects the interior. A waterproof membrane can be applied to prevent the spread of damp through a building, which is just one of the damp repair services we offer our customers.

Condensation

Moisture in the air turns to water when different temperatures meet, which is typically on window panes and window sills, but walls can also have condensation. At London Damp Specialists, we offer damp and condensation surveys designed for those who are planning to buy a property, namely a homebuyer survey. There are numerous condensation solutions that can be used, depending on the nature of the problem.

Don’t be complacent

You can’t take chances when it comes to damp, mould and mildew, here are a few tell-tale signs that your home is under attack from damp.

• Damp patches on walls and ceilings.
• Condensation on windows and walls.
• Peeling wallpaper and paint.
• Crumbling brickwork and mortar.
• Mould growth on window frames and skirting boards.
• Musky smell in the house.

If you notice a musky smell in the house, we at London Damp Specialists, we are dedicated to assessing and repairing damage caused by damp and condensation and if you would like us to carry out a survey on your property, call us on 020 8528 3864 or fill in the form on our website.

We guarantee our work for a full 30 years, which is gold standard and our surveyors offer a professional service, issuing you with a detailed written report within 24 hours of finishing the survey. Don’t be complacent with damp, be proactive and take preventative measures to protect your home.