I'm a property expert that still remembers the days when having broadband was a selling point! My articles cover issues that homesellers face in the UK and answer the questions we're all asking. I've bought and sold properties and helped others do the same, so my writing comes from years of experience.
Read Full Bio >Guide to Homeowners on How to Get Rid of Damp: Symptoms, Causes and Solutions
Should you spot any black mould on the internal walls of your home, it must be addressed. This is a sign that your home is suffering from damp. If left unattended to, damp can seriously affect the structural integrity of your home, and even your health.
With comprehensive knowledge of every area of homeownership, Springbok Properties can help you address and resolve any damp issues in your home. Here’s a guide on how to get rid of damp in the home.
How to Get Rid of Damp: The Different Types
Before addressing how to get rid of damp, homeowners should know what exactly it is. Often caused by excess moisture from leaking pipes, rising damp in basement or lower floors, or rain seeping through the roofing of your home, damp is a collection of mould spores that carry bacteria, harming both your immune system and the structure of your home.
There are three distinct types of damp. These are rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation damp. Each has a detrimental effect, and are described as follows:
Rising damp occurs when water is drawn upwards through direct contact with the brickwork and mortar.
Normally an external problem, penetrating damp is typically caused by a leaking gutter situated next to a wall, causing water to seep into the brickwork. When deciding how to get rid of damp penetrating your property, homeowners must examine the roof and brickwork.
Surveyors often encounter condensation damp when deciding to examine and diagnose how to get rid of damp in the home. Condensation damp is caused by an excess of moisture in the air with homeowners spending increased amounts of time in the shower, boiling kettles or drying clothes.
Homeowners need to be 100% sure of the specific type, before deciding how to get rid of damp plaguing their home.
If you are planning to sell your house, call Springbok Properties today on: 0800 068 4015 and speak to one of our award-winning customer service team.
How to Get Rid of Damp: Why It’s Serious
The naturally occurring chemicals known as mycotoxins present in mould caused by damp is responsible for a wealth of serious ailments. From respiratory problems to skin irritation, fatigue and stomach complaints, the presence of damp in the home can have serious implications.
Bacteria thrives in damp conditions. When internal walls become wet, mould spores form, the deadliest being Stachybotryschartarum. These mould spores exist in an alarmingly number of homes throughout the UK, and if discovered, should have homeowners immediately seeking advice on how to get rid of damp in their home.
Springbok Properties award-winning customer service team has the expertise guide you through how to get rid of damp in your home. Call us today on: 0800 068 4015 to find out more.
How to Get Rid of Damp: How to Identify Damp in Your Home
Before deciding on the most appropriate method of how to get rid of damp, homeowners must understand how to identify damp in your home. Only then can you be sure of the problem, and decide how to get rid of damp by either calling a professional, or handling the issue yourself.
The Walls
If your walls show evidence of fungal growth in the shape of black speckled marks, and are very cold and wet to the touch, this is evidence of damp. Other indications include flaking paint or curling wallpaper. If discovered, homeowners must research how to get rid of damp, or call a local damp surveyor.
The Ceilings
If your ceilings are discoloured or stained in areas, or if you have brown patches in the corners of the room, this again is an indication of damp. Once you spot these symptoms, it’s time to decide justhow to get rid of damp in your home.
The Windows
Should you discover condensation on the windows each morning and small puddles of water along the windowsills, this is another indication of high levels of moisture, and time to begin thinking how to get rid of damp. Moisture is both a cause and a symptom of damp. Black mould will develop on wooden and PVC window frames, as well as any PVC sealant used around the edge of the frames.
The Bathroom and Kitchen
Should the grouting and sealant in your kitchen or bathroom have black mould, you will need to consider the best means ofhow to get rid of damp. Check around the window frames, ceilings and inside any cupboards to identify any further growth. Should your bathroom have a musty smell, this is yet another indication that you may have to speak to a professional or think of the best way of how to get rid of damp in your home.
Basements Storage Spaces Without Heating
As with other areas of the home, when diagnosing damp and before you consider how to get rid of damp in your home, mould and staining on the paint and woodwork are strong indications that you have a mould problem. A strong musty smell is also an indication that you’ll need to consider how to get rid of damp in your home.
How to Get Rid of Damp: Essential Actions for Homeowners
There are a range of different actions homeowners can take on how to get rid of damp, however homeowners should be advised that these actions aren’t a substitute for calling a professional damp proofing company.
Use Vapour Retarders
Vapour retarders are materials used to restrain any uncontrolled airflow and water vapour into an indoor space. They are especially useful when deciding how to get rid of damp in ceilings, floors and walls which has been caused by humidity.
Ventilate the House
Should your bathroom have mould spores, this is an indication of poor ventilation. Always open any windows to allow the damp air to dissipate once you’ve taken a bath or shower. Another essential action on how to get rid of damp in other areas of the home is to open any windows to allow the damp air to escape.
Buy a Dehumidifier
This may be a short-term solution to how to get rid of damp, but it’s an effective one. A humidifier will remove any damp air inside any room, but it should only be used once the root cause of how to get rid of damp has been identified and resolved.
Seal Tiles and Grouting
The presence of moisture in the air means that mould spores are very common in bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms. For example, drying a towel on the radiator causes moisture to evaporate into the air – and sometimes results in water settling on the walls.
To discover how to get rid of damp in rooms thick with moisture sufficient ventilation and dehumidifying is needed. Only then can homeowners understand how to get rid of damp by spraying the affected area with an anti-microbial treatment along the seal and grouting lines.
Springbok Properties is dedicated to assisting homeowners enjoy their home, or advise them on how to prepare their homes for sale. This short guide on how to get rid of damp will improve your home life, and increase your chances of a quick sale.
To find out how Springbok Properties can sell your house fast, or speak to one of our award-winning customer support team and ask advice on any area of home ownership, including how to get rid of damp, call us today on 0800 068 4015.
