Dampness in residential properties is a common defect and is closely aligned with most building deterioration cases such as steel re-enforcement corrosion, fungal decay and beetle infestation.
The three main types of damp found in residential properties are as follows:
Penetrating Damp
Condensation
Rising Damp
When it comes to damp in properties, builders are all too quick to assume that is Rising Damp, although in reality, rising damp is not very common and could be really expensive to remediate so instructing a suitably qualified surveyor to diagnose the cause of the damp in your property is most important step.
In our experience, we have found that majority of damp problems in residential properties are caused by condensation, rain penetration, rising damp, pipe leaks, roof leaks, spills, contaminating salts and ground and surface water.
Tips to reduce Condensation within your home
Avoid the use of gas and paraffin heaters
Relocate any furniture placed against outside walls
Ensure an adequate extractor fan is installed in the kitchen
Ensure there is adequate ventilation when showering/bathing
Ensure there is adequate ventilation when boiling food
Avoid use of heat systems which lower and raise internal temperatures
Note: To avoid mould, the relative humidity within the building should be kept below 70%.
If your property has damp and you are unable to diagnose the cause, please get in touch with our qualified and experienced Building Surveying team to discuss our Defect Analysis Service and how we can help you.
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