Rising Damp: Identifying Signs, Causes, and Prevention Methods
London is a magnificent city in which to live, providing many opportunities to follow a successful career as well as enjoy the many attractions and different forms of entertainment that are readily available. It is little wonder that people head there from different locations to purchase a home and secure their future. However, with it comes one or two things which are worthy of consideration.
The capital stands on the Thames, a tidal estuary that flows into the North Sea. Much of the surface of the city, especially those areas near the river and its many underground tributaries, consists of London clay, which, due to its consistency, holds water. That can cause problems, particularly in older properties that begin to show signs of ageing and require rising damp treatment to ensure that they remain in habitable condition without the chance of hygiene issues materialising.
Rising damp, which, as the name suggests, rises from the earth and into a building, can create serious issues if not corrected. There are many ways that even those without prior knowledge can identify, as we shall now discover.
What is described as a tide mark becomes apparent when rising damp starts to get inside a building, which sees the discolouration of walls with a wavy pattern, signifying how high the damp has risen. This can lead to the peeling of wallpaper or paint starting to come off and changing colour. Skirting boards are often a good indicator of rising damp as they start to deteriorate and even rot, the signs of which are most apparent. As with any sign of damp, the rising variety means that the house smells musty.
Fortunately, any homeowner who identifies rising damp can get in touch with us for an immediate survey in which our professional team will use specialist high-tech equipment to identify any issues and then recommend the best course of action. Because we are a family-owned company, we understand the importance of providing an affordable service with our work coming with a 30-year guarantee. We also appreciate that everyday family life can do with as little disruption as possible, so we ensure that our customers are not inconvenienced.
Much of the cause of rising damp is that London is located by the river, which can affect the foundations of structures when water starts to get into them. We are acknowledged among the leading damp specialists London has to offer, because we understand our city and use our experience to find the best solutions, as our knowledge of geology sets us apart from the rest.
We resolve the mould smell in the house caused by rising damp by putting the correct measures in place, which will resolve the issue and prevent it from recurring. This might involve the use of enhanced ventilation and improving the drainage of the property. Installing and maintaining a reliable damp-proof course often provides the answer.
If you suspect your property may have rising damp issues, get in touch immediately by calling 020 7593 8030.