Damp & Condensation
Damp
One of the most frequent problems encountered in the home is
damp. There are three major causes of damp, which each require a
different remedy. Whatever the cause, damp can be bad for health
and therefore it is important that you get advice if you think you
are affected.
Rising Damp
Rising damp normally occurs in properties which either have not
been built with a damp proof course (DPC) or where the DPC has
failed. The most obvious signs of rising are a brown "tidemark" on
the wall and the plaster below feels cold or damp to the touch.
Rising damp can affect any wall in contact with the ground and
therefore can affect internal as well as external walls. It does
not normally rise above about 1 metre (3ft) in height. If you
suspect that your home is affected by rising damp it is advisable
that you have the property surveyed by a contractor who is either
registered with the Qualitymark scheme or a member of the British
Timber Treatment and Damp Proofing Association.
Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp can affect almost any location in the home and
is usually the result of a building or plumbing fault allowing
water to enter into the property. A brown stain normally occurs on
the affected surface, which grows in size as more water penetrates
If the fault is not rectified plaster will start to perish and in
the case of ceilings could even collapse. If you think you have a
problem with penetrating damp you should have the fault repaired as
soon as possible. If you require a contractor it is advisable to
contact someone registered with a recognised trade body or contact
Qualitymark.
Condensation
Condensation differs from rising and penetrating damp in that it
is caused by excessive moisture that cannot escape from a building
rather than damp coming in. The first sign that condensation is a
problem is when black pinpricks of mould appear on walls, ceilings
and even furnishings. There is usually a musty smell present and
clothes and shoes in cupboards can become covered in a white or
green furry mould. Factors, which contribute to condensation,
include not opening windows, drying washing inside or using
unvented tumble dryers and inadequate heating, but the biggest
cause of condensation is the use of portable calor gas heaters. If
the cause of the condensation is not rectified the pin pricks of
mould will grow and can eventually cover whole walls and ceilings
and ruin clothes and decorations.
Dealing with condensation
There is always some moisture in the air, even if you cannot see
it. If the air gets colder it cannot hold all the moisture and tiny
drops of water appear. This is condensation. Condensation occurs
mainly during cold weather and it appears in places where there is
little movement of air. In the corners of windows, in or behind
wardrobes and cupboards and it often forms on north-facing
walls.
To avoid condensation you should try to produce less moisture
within the home by putting clothes to dry in a well ventilated
area, covering cooking pans and not using paraffin or bottled gas
heaters. You can also ventilate your home better without making
draughts to reduce condensation. You should keep a small window
ajar or a trickle vent open to allow moisture to escape. Cupboards
and wardrobes should be allowed to ventilate. Providing good
insulation and keeping low background heating on all day should
adequately heat the home.
Any mould spores should be removed by wiping down the area with
a fungicidal wash bought at any good hardware store. Fungicidal
paint can be used to redecorate affected areas.
Contact Private Sector Housing
Tel: 01304 872454
E-mail: privatesectorhousing@dover.gov.uk
