Whether you’re building a new home or looking at an old one, the last thing you want is a damp, mouldy building. There are many factors that can contribute to a home becoming damp; and when you find out what they are, it’s something that you are going to want to nip in the bud quite quickly.
Sources of Moisture
If you have walls that don’t keep out moisture, then you’re going to see a certain amount of mould growth. The main problem with this is that once you have mould it is a problem that is only going to get worse unless you do something about it. There are three main things that cause indoor moisture – building walls already being damp, rain water being able to leak through, and condensation.
Places that you should consider when it comes to protecting your home from excessive moisture include:
– Making sure rainwater cannot leak through walls and roofs
– Ensuring pipes are secure and in a place and thus unlikely to leak or burst
– Checking basements to ensure that they are watertight
Issues Caused By Moisture
There are many different problems that can be caused by moisture being within your home and throughout your walls. One of the most obvious is mould, which of course is something that should be rectified as soon as possible. There are mixed opinions about what mould can do your health, but the overwhelming consensus is that mould is detrimental and that getting rid of it as soon as it appears is the best way forward.
Fixing The Problem
The good news is that if you have a problem with moisture, it is often something that can be fixed quite quickly. Of course, one of the first things you need to make sure is that you have rainwater-tight structures. If your walls and fitments are not already watertight then you need to make sure this is something that you do quickly. You should then look at the reduction of indoor air moisture content – a good place to start is by making sure rooms are warm and wiping down walls where possible.
We’ve lots more about damp proofing here.
