Tackling Damp

Rising Damp

Rising damp is caused by water rising up the wall from the ground below.  It only occurs in the ground floor of a property and can usually be identified by a 'tidemark' up to one metre from the ground.  It happens where a damp proof course is faulty or missing.  It also occurs when the damp proof course is bridged by debris against the outside wall.

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating dampness occurs when a defect allows water to soak through the outside wall into the property.  You will notice that the damp is worse in wet weather.  The problem could be caused by a broken gutter or leaking drainpipe, or by broken or missing roof slates.

Try and identify what is causing the leak, and carry out repairs to stop the problem from occurring.  The dampness should then dry out over time, but if the problem covers a large area you might need to use a dehumidifier to help dry it out.

Condensation

Air contains water vapour, and the warmer the air the more moisture it can hold.  Condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface such as a mirror, window or even a wall, then the water vapour turns into little droplets of water.  Condensation occurs in all properties

Signs of excessive condensation are:

• Mould growing on walls, ceilings or other surfaces, especially in corners of rooms, north facing walls and behind furniture.
• Wallpaper which is slightly damp to the touch.
• Water droplets forming on cold and solid surfaces such as glass and paintwork.

How to reduce condensation

1. Produce less moisture

Always put lids on saucepans while cooking and do not leave kettles boiling.

Try and dry washing outdoors if possible.  If you need to dry clothes indoors then put them in the bathroom with the window open or fan turned on, and the door closed.  If you have a tumble dryer make sure it is vented outside, unless it is a self-condensing type.

Paraffin and portable flueless bottled gas heaters produce a large amount of water vapour.  Try and use a different type of heating if possible.

2. Ventilate

Keep a small window or trickle vent open when somebody is in a room.

When you are cooking, washing up, bathing or drying clothes you should open the windows to provide extra  ventilation.

Keep the kitchen and bathroom doors closed when they are in use, this will prevent any moisture affecting other rooms.

Condensation can occur where the air does not move.  Allow air to circulate around the furniture by leaving a space between furniture and the wall.  Open cupboard and wardrobe doors regularly to ventilate them or fit ventilation grilles to the doors.

3. Insulate and draughtproof

Improving insulation will reduce condensation and also reduce heating bills.  Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation can easily be installed.  Some people may qualify for a grant to carry out these works, for further information visit the Warm Front and Vale and Dale websites.

Draughtproofing external doors and windows can help keep the property warm.  However, it is important that there is still adequate ventilation so do not block  up ventiltion grilles, or draughtproof windows in bathrooms and kitchens.

4. Heat your home a little more

During cold weather set your heating to provide low level background heat.  Use a thermostat to help control the heating and reduce costs.