Damp, Mould & Timber Rot – How it Can Damage Your London Home

London real estate is the most expensive in the UK and as our capital city sits on the banks of the River Thames, damp is a very real threat. In this article, we take an in-depth look at how damp, mould and timber rot can cause thousands of pounds in damage to London properties.

Rising Damp

This is a significant threat to London homes, due to the wet ground and older properties can have an issue with the damp proof course, or DPC, as it is known. The DPC is a barrier that stops moisture rising up from the ground and should this barrier become damaged, damp will rise up the walls and penetrate the interior, causing damp plaster and mould on timber. In order to carry out effective damp proofing, the problem needs to be identified and we specialise in independent damp surveys to identify the cause of rising damp and recommend a solution.

Condensation

A winter issue, condensation forms when cold surfaces meet warm surfaces and if not addressed, condensation can cause serious damage to a building. Certain human behaviours can cause water droplets to form on windows and walls, such as drying wet clothing indoors, running hot baths and showers, as well as cooking without using an extractor fan. When you run a hot bath, open a window and keep the door closed until the air has dried out and avoid drying clothes in the house. Any droplets of water inside the house should be promptly mopped up with a dry cloth.

Penetrating Damp

Damp that penetrates a building from the roof or external walls is known as penetrating damp; a leaking roof is the most common cause of penetrating damp, which is why you should arrange a thorough roof inspection on a regular basis. As part of our independent damp survey, we inspect the roof thoroughly, looking for signs of leaks, mould and timber rot.

Wet & Dry Rot

This type of fungi causes considerable damage to timber and it comes in a range of colours including black, green, brown and creamy white. Wet and dry rot thrive in damp humid conditions and spores are released, which causes a musky smell in the house. Treatment varies, depending on the type of fungus. If you notice a musky smell in your London home, call London Damp Specialists on 020 7205 4886 or complete the form at the bottom of this website and we will be in touch shortly.

Woodworm

There are two species of beetle in the UK that burrow into timber and lay eggs; when the eggs hatch, the larvae eat wood pulp and this causes considerable damage to timber. Tell-tale signs include rows of tiny holes with small mounds of dust close by, as well as tiny white eggs and dead adult beetles.

Damage caused by damp can easily be concealed with a bit of plaster and a few coats of paint; if you are planning to make an offer on a London property, the only way to be sure it is free from damp is to book an independent damp survey.

Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7205 4886 and arrange for one of our certified surveyors to inspect the property.