How to deal with damp?

Just recently, we published an article that talked about condensation, where we provided some guidance on what to look for and hope to identify the seriousness of it once you've found it, usually associated with windows misting up.

In particular, we pointed out that stained walls (usually brown), growth of mould (usually black) and mustiness in the air are the most obvious signs for dampness, while more severe situations can result in crumbling plaster and even structural damage if left unresolved.

We also suggested specific problems that could be the source of the problem, from poorly maintained or clogged rain management systems like gutters and downpipes, poor ventilation and even problems with leaks from the plumbing and sewerage systems.

Now, let's explore some simple solutions on how to deal with damp. To assist with resolving the problems Wich?, the consumer experts, have provided a welcome article on steps you can take to reduce damp problems before they become a significant issue. 

The first step is perhaps the most obvious, which is to look at reducing the build-up of moisture. Some of the daily activities are the source of much of the moisture build-up, and Which? make the excellent suggestions of drying clothes outside whenever possible (although the opportunities will be limited as we enter the winter months).

Since moisture is created by the hotter vapour coalescing on a cool surface, Which? also recommends wiping down kitchen and bathroom surfaces after cooking and showering, because otherwise the moisture is likely to create trickles of liquid that drop down to a surface that isn't waterproof.

In addition to wiping down surfaces, opening a window as well as using any fitted extractor fan will reduce the amount of moisture in the air and help prevent the build-up in inaccessible places.

Which? recommends buying a dehumidifier, especially if you are drying your clothes indoors and particularly if you have to leave the property and don't want to risk leaving windows open. 

The choice of machine will depend on the seriousness of the damp problem, which can be effectively monitored by using an inexpensive moisture meter, which will detect the level of humidity and moisture in the air. You can test the humidity levels in each of your rooms to establish which would most benefit from the installation of a dehumidifier.

The dehumidifier, as the name suggests, will work to remove moisture from the air into an internal container that can be flushed away down the drain. Because this is predominantly water, there will be no environmental impact on the drainage system.

We touched on this point in our earlier article on condensation, but, as Which? points out, there are several things that you can do to prevent condensation building up by better ventilation.

The key one is to open windows as this will allow the air to circulate through the property and remove a large percentage of the humidity and condensation that's present. However, when we enter into the colder months, and particularly with the high cost of heating, this might not be a cost-effective or viable option.

The suggestion is not only to wipe down surfaces where condensation has formed as soon as it has done so, but also to wipe down any windows where there is condensation. This can obviously be done with a cloth or squeegee, although Which? have also assessed the best window vacs available on the market, which work by sucking up the moisture on a window's or mirror's surface into a small reservoir, which can be emptied down the drain.

Finally, Which? makes the suggestion that if these remedies don't resolve the problem, the whole approach to ventilation in the home might need to be addressed with various solutions, such as the implementation of trickle vents at the top of windows, being applied. 

You might need to consult an expert to identify not only the causes of problems but to provide their recommendations and guidance.

If you are unsure about what the steps are that you can take, or you are concerned about the causes of the damp around the home, it would be a worthwhile idea to ask an expert to come in and give their expert analysis on all of the problems in the house.

The process is simple: contact us at Surveyor Local and we'll talk you through what you can expect from a detailed survey on your property. This will highlight the issues and their severity so you can understand how much of a problem you are facing.

Getting a survey is not just for those wanting to move into a new home!

Are you thinking of buying a new home? Or do you want to know what current issues there might be with the home you are living in now?

At Surveyor Local, we only work with chartered surveyors who are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, ensuring the survey you get is always professionally delivered.

They will work hard to identify all kinds of problems, including the impact of plants like Japanese knotweed, and their possible causes, as well as providing guidance of possible remedial action.

Where a survey does reveal any issues with a property, the buyer is then armed with knowledge that can allow them either to renegotiate the price, have the seller carry out the repairs or pull out of the purchase altogether.

That's where it is really worth contacting Surveyor Local! 

Call  to get your no-obligation survey quote started, or to discuss your concerns with the acquisition of your planned property.

Or you can get a quick quote, using Surveyor Local's easy-to-use quote generator. Simply input your name, postcode, email address, phone number and an approximate value of the property (usually the agreed price), and we'll give you an instant quote for the work (with an email copy). 

We'll do the rest once you confirm your acceptance of the quote.