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How to prevent damp

Nov 12, 2024
How to prevent damp

If you’re struggling with damp, you’re not alone. This is a common issue in many homes, whether you live in an older terraced house or a new build flat. The key to preventing damp is good ventilation, as this allows natural air to flow through your rooms while releasing excess moisture.

If you want to learn how to prevent damp, our handy guide is here to help. Find out about its causes, how to spot it and how to reduce buildup below. 

 

What is damp?

Damp is a catch-all term for the buildup of unwanted moisture in the home.

 

What causes damp?

Lack of ventilation is the main cause of damp, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. It can also be caused by leaking pipes or rain seeping in through walls or window frames.

 

How to identify where damp is coming from 

If you’ve noticed damp but are unsure where it’s coming from, we can help. The most common types are:

 

  • Rising damp on floor level

  • Penetrating damp within the walls

  • Condensation on the walls and windows

 

Rising damp 

Rising damp comes from the ground, so check the lower parts of the walls and the floors. Some signs of rising damp include:

  • Rotten skirting boards

  • Crumbling plaster at the bottom of the walls

  • A white, salty discharge on the walls or wallpaper

  • Brown or yellow stains on the lower walls

  • Lifting floors or rotten floorboards

 

Penetrating damp 

Penetrating damp creates dark stains on the walls and ceilings. You may notice:

  • Yellow or brown stains on the walls

  • Damp patches that are cold if touched

  • Spores of black mould on the walls and ceilings

  • Crumbling plaster and peeling paint or wallpaper

  • Drips and puddles on the floor

 

Condensation 

Condensation is often caused by poor ventilation. Some signs include:

  • Damp walls

  • Wet windows, particularly in the morning

  • Spores of black mould around window frames and on the walls and ceilings

  • A damp, musty smell

 

How to prevent damp in your home

Follow our top tips to prevent damp in your home.

 

Kitchen 

The kitchen is where most moisture accumulates. It’s a good idea to keep your windows open while cooking and use extractor fans. Leave lids on pots while the hob is on to prevent steam from escaping.

Moisture-resistant flooring or paints can also help prevent damp.

 

Bathroom

Your bathroom is the wettest room in your home, meaning damp is likely to build up quickly. Keep the trickle vents in the windows open to let air flow through day and night. You can also use a squeegee on wet surfaces to prevent mould from growing.

For extra protection, open a window and turn on the extractor fan (if you have one) before a shower or a bath. When you’ve finished, leave the fan on and keep the window open until the moisture clears.

 

Other rooms

Heating your home adequately can prevent condensation. Improve the insulation in the loft and walls to keep your house warm. If the weather allows, open the windows in your rooms to help moisture escape and stop damp from forming.

 

You can also prevent damp by:

  • Drying washing outside

  • Moving furniture away from the walls during winter

  • Leaving internal doors and wardrobes slightly open

  • Using a dehumidifier to reduce condensation

 

 

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Contact our Sales Advisers today to learn about our fantastic homebuying offers. We can’t wait to help you become a homeowner. 

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