5 Damp Issues That Can Impact London Homes

We all know about the weather here in the UK, damp and cloudy seems to be the norm of late and that poses a real threat of damp attacking homes, especially in low-lying areas such as London and the Home Counties. In this short article, we take a look at some of the common damp issues that can arise in London homes.

1. Rising damp – This is moisture that comes up from the ground; a building should have a DPC (Damp Proof Course) installed between lower brick courses. Moisture is drawn into building materials with capillary action and if there is no barrier, damp will continue to rise, damaging masonry, timber and plaster as it goes. The best way to determine whether rising damp is present in your London home is to book an independent damp survey through London Damp Specialists.
2. Condensation – More likely to occur in the winter, when cold meets warm, this causes water droplets to form on the warmer surface, much like the outside of a glass when ice-cold beer is poured. With the central heating on and sub-zero temperatures outside, droplets of water often form on the inner windows. There are things you can do to reduce and even prevent condensation, which include generating an airflow through the home, heating the whole house and using a dehumidifier. Avoid drying damp clothes in the house, as this adds a lot of moisture to the air. We are the go-to condensation specialists for a definitive inspection.
3. Penetrating damp – Moisture that enters a building from the roof or external walls is known as penetrating damp; often caused by a leaking roof, once rainwater gets into the internal roof structure, it starts to damage joists and rafters and will eventually cause damp patches on ceilings. The external walls can be damaged by driving rain; blocked guttering sends water seeping down the external walls and this can easily penetrate brickwork, masonry and timber.
4. Wet and dry rot – Both these types of fungi thrive in humid conditions, yet wet rot requires different treatment than dry rot. If you notice a musky smell in the house and dry timber that cracks easily, the chances are you have timber rot and by booking an independent damp survey from London Damp Specialists, you can find out the cause and extent of the problem and receive a detailed report upon completion.
5. Woodworm – There are two species of beetle that burrow into timber and lay eggs and the larvae consume wood pulp and the cycle continues until something is done about it. Special chemicals are sprayed and the solutions seep deep into the wood, killing eggs, larvae and adults. If you suspect your home is infected with woodworm, book our independent damp survey and our certified damp experts will source any issue and recommend a damp-proofing contractor to carry out the work.

If you are planning to buy a home in London, make sure you do a damp survey prior to making an offer. Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7205 4886 or enter your details in the form on this website.

In the event damp is present, you can negotiate with the seller and reach a satisfactory solution.