The True Cost of Ignoring Damp: What Homeowners Need to Know

Damp is a common problem in many UK homes but it is often ignored or goes unnoticed. Many homeowners and landlords don’t think a spot of damp is anything to worry about. After all, older properties are bound to have issues like this, right?

However, left untreated, damp can lead to much bigger and more expensive issues down the line. Here’s what all homeowners need to know about the true cost of ignoring damp.

Health Risks

Dampness provides the ideal environment for mould growth and mildew. Exposure to mould spores can cause a range of health issues, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma. Moulds release spores that can be inhaled and cause lung infections, worsened asthma, wheezing, coughing, eye irritation, and skin rashes. Severe cases can even lead to respiratory failure.

Ignoring a damp problem puts your family’s health at serious risk. If you have children, or sick or vulnerable old people living in your property, it is vital that any damp issues are dealt with as soon as possible.

Structural Damage

When damp penetrates deep into walls and floors, it can cause swelling, warping, rotting of wooden structural elements, and erosion of masonry and brickwork. Damp also corrodes metal components like pipes and electrical wiring, creating an electrocution and fire hazard. Left too long, the structural integrity of the property itself can be compromised. Repairing structural damage due to damp is a huge undertaking that can run into the tens of thousands of pounds. In addition, replacing important structural elements like floor joists is highly disruptive.

Depreciating Value

A property with untreated damp problems will struggle to retain its value and be difficult to sell. Homebuyers are especially wary of damp as the costs to rectify it can be high. Offloading a damp property often means accepting a reduced price well below market value. For homeowners and landlords, it translates to losing a substantial chunk of money from the property’s value and your investment.

How to Fix Damp

Given the severe costs of neglecting damp, taking early action is critical. Here are some ways homeowners can tackle damp:

• Improve ventilation and air flow with extractor fans, air bricks, and keeping windows open when possible.
• Identify and repair leaking pipes or faults in the plumbing immediately.
• Apply waterproof sealants to external walls and use damp-proof membranes when renovating.
• Control moisture sources by not drying clothes indoors, opening windows or installing extractor dans to prevent steaming up bathrooms.
• Install a suitable dehumidifier to actively remove moisture from the air.
• Treat mould growth on walls with fungicidal wash products.
• For rising damp, have a professional install a damp-proof course.
• Consult damp specialists if it persists – they can advise on long term solutions.

The costs to health, property, and finances make damp a high priority issue. While treatment can seem expensive, these upfront costs are dwarfed by the amount needed to fix the catastrophic damage that damp can cause if left unchecked.

Acting early and seeking professional help gives homeowners the best chance of addressing damp effectively. Call us today if you need advice.