Damp absorber crystals might be a term which is not familiar to many. While they might seem like a less than impressive gem stone, they are in fact a useful tool for stopping the spread of damp. At least that’s what their manufacturers say – but do damp crystals really work?
How to use damp crystals
Damp crystals (also known as interior dehumidifiers) work by attracting moisture and absorbing it into the damp crystals. This helps stops problems like mildew, damp and general condensation issues. However, there are limits to just how effective damp crystals can be.
The first rule of using damp crystals is to be aware of the fact they have a short lifespan. This will vary from home to home but in general looking at a home with the average amount of moisture, a rough estimate says damp crystals will last around 2 to 3 months before they need replacing.
The second rule is all about location. For example, if your kitchen suffers from excess moisture, simply placing damp crystals on the kitchen counter isn’t going to help all that much. Damp crystals are designed to be used in specific areas that can be affected by damp and moisture, such as poorly ventilated kitchen and bathroom cupboards or even the wardrobes in your bedroom. These are all areas that can suffer poor air circulation problems, and reduce the moisture within.
That’s why using damp crystals in these areas gets the best results. The added benefit of using damp crystals is that they can reduce the unpleasant odours that damp and moisture can cause.
So do damp crystals work?
In short they do work but only in certain areas and they certainly wouldn’t match the quality of a conventional dehumidifier. However, they do have their uses and are useful for reducing moisture and damp in confined areas like cupboards.
While they can’t replace a dehumidifier, of course, in certain circumstance they could be used in place of one for short periods of time. Damp crystals are popular for people who enjoy caravanning holidays, because they don’t require the same amount of space as a dehumidifier and can do the job of keeping the moisture down.
Long-term solution for dampness.
Although damp crystals may be effective at absorbing moisture, they only work for a short term and they don’t deal with the cause of the dampness. Moisture ingress needs to be dealt with, whether its condensation, rising damp or penetrating damp. Help from specialist will be valuable in identifying the cause and the remedy.
Read more articles about damp proofing, and feel free to contact Peter Cox to book a survey appointment or call us on 0808 273 2138.
