The Importance of Proper Ventilation in Preventing Damp and Mould
The unwelcome presence of damp and mould is a common occurrence in London homes, thanks to our wet climate. Excess moisture can work its way up inside our homes from the ground with the rising damp, or enter with the rains through tiny cracks in our outer walls, thanks to penetrating damp, and on any cold day, one can see the tiny water droplets of condensation forming on the windows. When these conditions become prevalent, it’s time to do some damp proofing before your home’s structure becomes irreversibly water damaged!
The most serious result of all this dampness is mould, a diabolical fungus that can infest the materials your home is made of and cause serious health problems for its occupants! Before you even see it there will be an unpleasant mould smell in the house as it begins to grow and spread in damp cracks, crevices, and corners. If the wet conditions continue unchecked, mould will grow and spread, eventually forming ugly dark patches upon the walls, ceilings, and even on your furniture!
Because mould thrives in damp, humid environments, it’s important to discourage its presence by making sure that your home is well-ventilated. Having air circulating throughout your home will help to keep things dry, preventing the damp-loving mould from settling in. The parts of your home to pay close attention to are the rooms where moisture is commonly found, like the bathroom, kitchen, and basement. These rooms must have proper ventilation to prevent the air from growing stagnant, the ideal condition for moisture to accumulate and encourage the growth of mould.
If your home is already suffering from damp, mouldy conditions, we can send our mould specialists over to assess the situation. Meanwhile, you can get started with your battle against the damp and mould with these pro tips:
Install Extra Exhaust Fans – This is one of the best methods of ensuring your home has proper ventilation. Your bathroom and kitchen probably already have one, but what about your basement and laundry room? Adding extra exhaust fans to your home ensures air can circulate better, which will remove excess moisture from the air and help prevent the growth of mould.
Use A Dehumidifier – If your home tends to be humid and retains moisture, use a dehumidifier to remove the excess moisture from the air. This will discourage mould growth and improve your home’s air quality, too.
Open Up The Windows – If the weather permits, open up your home’s windows so fresh air can circulate through it. During the warmer months, humidity levels will be on the rise, so this added ventilation will be a big help in reducing moisture and discouraging mould growth, plus it won’t add to your utility bill!
If you are already using these ventilation improving tips and your home still suffers from damp conditions and mould growth, we would like to invite you to arrange for our free mould survey for London homes so we can assess the problem. Just call Damp Proofing Ltd on 020 7593 8030 during office hours or fill in the online form and we will help you make your home safe and dry!