Penetrating Damp Explained: Causes, Warning Signs, and How to Fix It
Damp doesn’t just make your walls look bad, it can actually cause serious damage to your property if it goes untreated for too long. Spotting it early and getting it properly repaired before it is able to do much damage can save you thousands of pounds and a lot of disruption. Penetrating damp is a common type of damp in UK properties, and this guide will help you understand how to spot it and how to stop it.
What is Penetrating Damp?
Penetrating damp is usually caused when water enters the interior of a building through an opening in the external wall or roof. Rain seeping through cracked walls or damaged roof tiles could cause it, for example, but it could also be caused by leaking pipes inside a building. It is common in older buildings because weatherproofing becomes worn with time, but construction flaws and damage can cause it to happen in modern buildings too.
What Are the Warning Signs?
Openings on the outside of buildings aren’t going to fix themselves, so penetrating damp will get progressively worse the longer it is left unchecked. Being able to spot the signs early makes fixing it a whole lot easier. Often, the first noticeable signs are patches on the wall that look damp or discoloured. They usually feel cold and damp to the touch and you might notice a lingering musty smell.
Other signs to look out for are paint peeling off the walls, crumbling plaster, bubbling paint, and mould or mildew growing. Penetrating damp on the roof might cause sagging, while if it occurs at a low level, it might rot your skirting boards.
How Can It Be Treated?
If you have spotted signs of penetrating damp on your property, then you should inspect the exterior to locate where the water is getting in. You are looking for damage to the brickwork, mortar joints, guttering, downpipes, roof tiles, and window frames. If the source is not clear, or it is not something you can fix, then it is time to seek professional help from a damp proofing service.
Damp experts can use moisture meters and thermal imaging to track down hidden leaks, and they will be able to provide you with long-term damp proof solutions in addition to repairing any damage caused. Solutions for penetrating damp often include the application of external wall damp treatment or the installation of proper drainage systems.
How to Prevent Penetrating Damp
Inspecting the outside of your property regularly, especially after periods of heavy rain or icy weather, allows you to find cracks to seal or roof tiles to repair before damp sets in. Cleaning gutters and downpipes at least twice a year ensures water is properly drained away and does not overflow or pool. There are also waterproof wall coatings for preventing penetrating damp, which create an additional layer of defence against the elements.
Penetrating damp is a common problem, but it should not be underestimated. It can escalate quickly when ignored, so it is important to identify the cause and get it fixed as soon as possible. Call Damp Proofing Ltd on 020 7593 8030 to solve your penetrating damp problem and protect your property.