Preparing Your Home for Winter Damp Issues

Winter will be coming around again; heavy rains, icy temperatures, and the danger of dampness smothering our homes in a cold, wet blanket. Damp walls, floors, and ceilings can cause a variety of problems, such as expensive structural damage, and even serious health issues from the harmful moulds and mildew that thrive under wet conditions. Preparing your home properly begins with ordering our free condensation survey to find out what you are up against! Forewarned is forearmed, so don’t let the ravages of the winter damp catch you by surprise this year!

Let’s take a look at some effective damp proofing techniques to keep your home cosy and dry all through those chilly winter months:

Proper Ventilation – Having proper airflow throughout your home is one of the main keys to preventing winter dampness. Check to see that every room is well-ventilated and there are no ventilation dead spaces where the air is unable to move and condensation can form. Keeping the windows open for short periods of time throughout the day to allow fresh air to circulate is a good idea if the outside conditions aren’t too harsh to prevent it. Proper ventilation is of particular importance in the rooms that tend to get wet regularly, like the kitchen and bathroom. A great way to prevent the gathering of moisture is to install condensation solutions like fan-driven vents or deploy dehumidifiers to help you control the humidity levels.

Damp-Proof Plaster And Paint – Consider re-plastering your home’s internal walls with a damp-proof plaster, then painting them with a damp-proof paint to create a double protective barrier against moisture. These products are specially designed to prevent moisture from penetrating the walls and building up into a damp problem. They also contain anti-mould and anti-condensation agents for further protection.

Perform A Thorough Leak Check – It’s important to inspect your home, checking your roof, gutters, and plumbing for blockages and leaks, especially before winter sets in. Performing regular maintenance is absolutely essential; make sure to clean and clear gutters and downspouts so the water can drain away from your home properly. Promptly repair any leaky pipes or fixtures to prevent water from seeping out and getting into your walls.

Have A Damp Proof Course (DPC) Installed –  If your home doesn’t have any long-term damp proof solutions like a DPC, you should strongly consider having one installed before winter begins. The DPC creates a barrier that prevents the rising damp from coming up through your walls. The damp proof course is one of the best lines of defence against moisture you can have in your home, and it’s especially crucial to have in older homes.

If you implement these techniques, you can greatly reduce the risk of winter dampness striking your home. if you have further questions or would like to have some damp proofing measures installed in your home, just call Damp Proofing Ltd on 020 7593 8030 during office hours or fill in the online form, we can help you enjoy a dry and cosy winter!