Tell-Tale Signs of Damp That London Homeowners Need to Know

Damp is a very real threat to UK homes, especially in London, where the ground retains moisture due to the clay bed in the Thames Valley Basin and the constant rain doesn’t help, along with a lack of sunshine. Rising damp is a common problem we find in London homes due to wet ground.
Here are some of the tell-tale signs of damp that London property owners need to know.

• Crumbling masonry and mortar – When damp gets into building materials, it causes the material to degrade. You can use a scraper or screwdriver to test brickwork, render and mortar; if it crumbles, moisture is likely to be present. This is the time to book an independent damp survey from London Damp Specialists.
• Moss growth on exterior walls – Moss growth is a sure sign of moisture and if you notice this, further investigation is warranted. Take a screwdriver and poke at the material under the moss and if the material crumbles, you have a damp issue. We offer independent damp surveys to London homeowners, which is the only way to be sure that the building is damp-free.
• Damp patches on ceilings – This could be caused by a leaking roof, penetrating damp or even a leaking water pipe. You should check all upstairs ceilings and walls and if you notice discolouration or tide marks, you should take a flashlight into the loft and do a close-up inspection, looking for signs of moisture penetration. When we carry out an independent damp survey, we check the roof and the loft and use a borescope camera to check all hard-to-reach places.
• Peeling wallpaper – Damp plaster causes wallpaper to lose adhesion and if you see the corners of wallpaper peeling off the substrate, this is a sure sign that the plaster has moisture and you need a damp surveyor to get to the bottom of this. It might be that moisture is penetrating the exterior walls, which could be caused by compromised masonry or even blocked guttering on the roof.
• Bubbling paint – Damp causes paint to bubble and ripple and if you see uneven paint surfaces, the chances are there is moisture present. At London Damp Specialists, we offer a lab analysis test of plaster samples to accurately measure moisture content in walls.
• Condensation on windows and walls – Damp and humidity can lead to droplets of water forming on windows and walls. If not addressed, this can lead to significant damage; first, you have to find out what is causing the condensation, which might be poor insulation or lack of ventilation. Once this has been resolved, then you can repair the damage. Drying damp clothing is another cause of condensation, as is cooking without using the canopy fan.

You could inspect your home, or you could contact London Damp Specialists on 020 7205 4886 or simply complete the online survey booking form and we will be in touch in good time.