A beginner’s guide on how to deal with damp in the home

Finding damp and moisture in the home can be an extreme concern. Buying a property is a huge investment, often meaning that budgets are tight and that any spare cash is required for cost-of-living expenses and to enjoy the rewards of hard work. The thought that it may have to be spent on excessive repairs is a worry. While some may have taken out home insurance, how do those without it deal with the situation?

It might require fixing basement damp and other repair works, and preventative measures put in place, which set the alarm bells ringing. Fortunately, we can set minds at rest as we understand the stress that anyone in such a situation finds themselves in. At London Damp Proofing, we can quickly arrange a rapid diagnosis and guarantee a 30-year warranty on all our work, which provides our customers with added peace of mind. Let’s have a look at what can be done in the meantime.

First, it’s important to know how to identify damp, although there is nothing wrong with booking an appointment with us so that we can make a definite assessment. Signs of rising damp include decaying skirting boards, tide marks on walls, and crumbling plaster. Residents in London in older buildings are particularly prone to rising damp as much of the city is built on clay, with the Thames having many underwater tributaries that many are unaware of. Penetrating damp is caused by water penetrating gaps and leaks and can lead to decaying timber and large marks on walls, especially after a heavy rainfall and as a result, the house smells musty.

Condensation is another cause of the unpleasant smell, which also sees water droplets collecting on sills before going on to cause damage. Peeling paint or plaster is another telltale sign, along with deposits of mould. However, even a novice worried about their predicament can put certain measures in place that help with the situation until our team of experts arrive with their specialised high-tech range of tools and equipment, which might lead to them carrying out interior basement sealing.

Keeping your home well ventilated will certainly help matters so that excessive moisture, mildew, and mould don’t increase. Whenever possible, while remaining secure, it is advised to open windows and doors so that air can circulate and reduce the levels of humidity to create an environment which is also healthier to live in. Installing an extractor fan is a smart move, as is only boiling your kettle when necessary and keeping a lid on the saucepan when cooking, which also improves efficiency. While the basement damp specialists can carry out the big jobs, you, as a homeowner, can help massively. It is also important to remember to maintain the exterior of the home and ensure that everything remains in good working order, which can also reduce bills.

When you call 020 7593 8030, experts in damp will answer, but in the meantime, anyone can reduce the chances of damp spreading through simple measures.