5 Damp Prevention Strategies That London Homeowners Use

Damp is one of the biggest threats to buildings in London, a city that sits on a bed of clay called the Thames Valley Basin. Add to that a distinct lack of sunshine and above-average rainfall and you have an environment where damp can thrive. In this short blog, we take a look at some of the damp prevention strategies that London property owners use to keep their homes dry.

1. Independent damp survey – The best way to discover if a London property has damp or mould issues is to book an independent damp survey with London Damp Specialists. The survey is designed for potential buyers who want to investigate a property prior to making an offer and there are 3 levels to best suit the needs of the customer. Many London homeowners arrange a damp survey every year, just before winter sets in, which is the best time of the year for damp inspections.
2. Ventilating the interior – Damp thrives in still and humid conditions and a positive airflow dries out the air, which can prevent the onset of damp and mould. You can do this by opening windows or fitting a few extractor fans and generating a flow of air throughout the house. As part of our independent damp survey, we carry out a ventilation flow test to accurately measure the air movement inside the house.
3. Heating the whole house – While the cost of energy is high, it does pay dividends; turning on the central heating periodically dries out the air and we recommend doing this for at least 3 hours on a weekly basis. If you do not have central heating, you can use a portable electric heater in rooms where there is a high level of moisture. Of course, this is not necessary in the summer; opening windows airs out the interior and if you think damp is present, contact London Damp Specialists and arrange for an independent damp survey.
4. Install double glazing – This insulates the interior and prevents condensation from forming on the windows and walls. If your windows and doors have wooden frames, they will eventually rot and replacing them with aluminium double-glazed units reduces the energy needed to heat the building.
5. Chemical damp proof course – Injecting a chemical foam into the cavity walls brings several benefits; it prevents rising damp by creating a moisture barrier, plus it improves thermal insulation, which can prevent damp.

If you are buying a home in London, we recommend booking an independent damp survey by London Damp Specialists; we have been assisting London homeowners for many years by providing thorough damp inspections. Call us on 020 7205 4886 or complete the online survey booking form and we will get back to you and arrange for a certified damp surveyor to inspect the property.

If you are planning to sell your London home, it is a good idea to have an independent damp survey and you can show the report to potential buyers.