The Ultimate Guide to the Various Types of Damp

The United Kingdom has a wet climate, due to its location in northern Europe and dampness is a big problem for homeowners. At London Damp Specialists, we are on the front line when it comes to finding and dealing with all forms of damp and in this blog, we offer a comprehensive guide to the different types of damp that can attack buildings and cause serious damage.

• Rising damp – This is when moisture attacks timber and cement at ground level, which can then rise through the structure and cause extensive damage. When building a house, a damp proof course should be installed between brick courses at ground level to stop damp from rising into the timber and brickwork and if this is compromised, remedial work needs to be carried out.
• Penetrating damp – Penetrating damp is typically caused by roof and guttering leaks and unlike rising damp, penetrating damp can affect a building at any height. Visible signs include damp patches and stains, along with mould on interior walls and should you see any of these signs, call us on 020 8528 3864 anytime and arrange for a damp survey that identifies damp issues wherever they might be located within the property. If you notice damp patches on walls or ceilings, this is a sign that water is entering the property and a damp survey will identify the causes.
• Condensation damage – Condensation is caused by temperature differences, and it typically is found on the inside of single-pane windows. When warmth meets cold, condensation gathers and this can cause significant damage, starting with window frames and spreading to other materials if not checked.
• Wet and dry rot – Both can seriously damage timber and early detection can save you thousands of pounds in repair costs. Our surveyors use state-of-the-art equipment to test the moisture content in timber, which is an accurate way to identify dry and wet rot, as well as woodworm. Double-glazed windows prevent the forming of condensation, as the temperature difference is minimal.

Potential causes of damp

Dampness can be caused by many things, including a leaking roof, blocked guttering and even blocked drains can result in moisture attacking the building. Another major cause of damp damage is defective brickwork and cement, which allows water to permeate through the structure and a damp survey is the only way to find out if your home has damp issues. Poor irrigation is another cause of damp, especially so if water pools near the property line; if you have a ruptured drainpipe this needs to be repaired as soon as possible.

Homebuyer damp survey

If you are in the process of buying a property in the London area, it is wise to order a homebuyer damp survey, as this is the only way to know for sure whether the property has damp issues. Call London Damp Specialist on 020 8528 3864 or fill in the online form on our website and let the industry professionals carry out a thorough survey and you receive a detailed written report within 24 hours of the survey completion.