Tell-Tale Signs of Damp That Homeowners Should Be Aware of

The UK has a cool, damp climate that is very unpredictable and damp is a very real threat to buildings; every homeowner should be vigilant when it comes to moisture, as a great deal of damage can be caused by a split damp proof course or a leaking roof.
Here are a few of the tell-tale signs of damp, mould and timber rot in your home.

• Damp patches on ceilings – A leaking roof will eventually lead to damp patches on upstairs ceilings; tide marks are easily noticed if you scan all wall-ceiling lines and if you notice this, contact a leading London damp survey company, such as London Damp Specialists. Salt marks are another sign that moisture is attacking the interior walls and ceilings, as well as tide marks and discolouration.
• Moss growing on external walls – If damp takes hold of masonry, moss usually grows and this needs to be investigated. Take a screwdriver and poke the material to see if it crumbles, which is a sign of damp. We can carry out a thorough survey and make treatment recommendations. Some brickwork/render might need to be replaced and waterproof cement would be used.
• Mould growth – Mould can only grow in damp, humid conditions; colours vary from black, green, brown and a pearly white fluffy material. Black mould is a serious health hazard and prolonged exposure can cause severe respiratory issues. Timber cracks and becomes brittle when woodworm is present and the timber is damaged beyond repair.
• Musky smell in the house – Mould releases spores that are invisible to the naked eye and this causes a stale, musky odour to permeate the house. If you notice this, it is time to call in a damp expert; we offer a professional damp survey service and the client receives a detailed report soon after survey completion.
• Peeling wallpaper – Damp causes wallpaper adhesive to degrade and the edges lift from the wall. You might notice air bubbles trapped in wallpaper, which is a sign that the substrate is damp. When we survey a London home for damp, we can lab test up to 10 plaster samples to determine the moisture levels.
• Condensation on the walls and windows – A moisture build-up can lead to water droplets forming on walls and windows, which can be a result of running a hot bath or cooking. Drying wet clothing indoors will make the humidity rise, so avoid doing this; if you need to bring in clothes when it rains, leave them in the garage.
• Tiny holes in timber – Woodworm thrives in damp environments and one of the signs that they are present in your home is rows of tiny holes in wood, with small piles of dust nearby. You may also notice dead adult beetles, which is typically when there is an infestation.

For a definitive evaluation of damp and mould in your London home, call London Damp Specialists on 020 7205 4886 or fill in the survey booking form that you find on this website.