What is Damp?

Damp refers to excess moisture in your home that can lead to structural and cosmetic damage and health concerns if not addressed. It often worsens during wet weather but can occur year-round due to poor ventilation, defects to the building, or water ingress from high ground levels or rain penetration. There are several signs to watch for depending on the type of damp, such as condensation, rising damp, and penetrating damp.

Damp is a common problem caused by excess moisture in your home, which can lead to structural damage and health concerns if left untreated. It can occur year-round, not just during wet weather, due to poor ventilation, damaged building materials, or water ingress. This page covers common types of damp, their sources, DIY prevention tips, and professional solutions.

Damp can affect any property, new or old. The most common causes of damp include:

• Poor ventilation
• Degraded building materials
• Inadequate property maintenance
• Broken or bridged Damp Proof Course (DPC)

Left untreated, damp can damage plaster, cause paint to peel, encourage mould growth, and even lead to timber decay.

Damp can cause serious issues in any property, but it generally falls into three main types: condensation, rising damp, and penetrating damp. Each type has unique causes and signs, requiring different treatments. Among these, condensation is the most common form of damp and affects most properties, while rising damp is linked to issues with the damp proof course (DPC), and penetrating damp is usually caused by defects in the building structure.

Penetrating damp results from water entering your property from outside due to cracked brickwork, leaking gutters, burst pipes, or high ground levels that allow water to seep through the walls. Common signs include:

• Damp patches on walls
• Wet plaster
• Visible drips and puddles

Ignoring penetrating damp can lead to serious structural issues like dry rot. Treatment involves fixing external defects, lowering ground levels if necessary, and ensuring proper drainage to stop water ingress.

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air hits cold surfaces like windows or walls, often due to poor ventilation. This can cause:

• Water droplets on windows
• Mould growth
• Musty-smelling walls

To reduce condensation, ensure good airflow with extractor fans and open windows. If the problem persists, professional solutions like Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems may be necessary.

Rising damp happens when groundwater is absorbed through porous materials like brickwork. It typically affects the ground floor and shows signs such as:

• Salt marks or tide lines on walls
• Damaged wallpaper and skirting boards
• Mould growth near the floor

Rising damp is usually caused by a damaged or bridged DPC, which can be treated with a damp-proofing cream injection.

While damp itself might not directly cause illness, it can exacerbate respiratory problems like asthma and allergies due to mould growth. Prolonged exposure to damp conditions can be particularly harmful to those with pre-existing health conditions. If you spot signs of damp, it’s important to treat them promptly to maintain a healthy home environment.

Here are some key areas to check for damp:

• Walls: Look for damp patches, flaking paint, and peeling wallpaper.
• Windows: Watch for condensation around windows, misty and foggy glass, and black mould around sills.
• Kitchens and Bathrooms: These areas are prone to condensation due to cooking and washing causing excess moisture. Droplets on cupboards, walls and ceilings may be noted. Black mould and musty smells are common warning signs.

A condensation problem may be solved by making small changes to moisture production, ventilation or heating. If the problem persists for longer, then you may need professional advice and a full house survey to assess the cause of the issue.

If you want to speak to someone about a particular damp problem in your property then call us to talk to one of our trained and experienced staff who offer help and advice or book a survey below.

Are you looking for ways to prevent damp problems in your property? Peter Cox has put together some simple DIY tips to help you combat issues like mould and condensation.

Condensation occurs when warm, moist air meets cold surfaces. To prevent it, maintain a constant temperature and relative humidity in your home. Here are some quick tips:

• Turn on extractor fans when cooking or showering.
• Ensure washing machines and dryers are properly vented.
• Open windows whenever possible- ventilation is key.
• Avoid drying wet clothes on radiators or indoor rails.
• Use a tumble dryer for laundry.
• Cover pans with lids while cooking.
• Leave a gap between furniture and external walls.

Using a dehumidifier can also help reduce moisture levels - but wont address the source of the moisture.

Anti-condensation paints can keep external walls warmer, removing cold spots and bridging. This will prevent condensation from forming in this area.

Black mould, a common symptom of condensation, can be removed easily by following these steps:

• Let the mould dry out by improving ventilation and removing the source of moisture in the area.
• Apply a mould remover and wipe away stains following the product’s instructions.
• Once the surface is dry, repaint as necessary. For mould on grout or sealant, follow the instructions on your mould cleaner. If sealant stains persist, replace it with mould-resistant sealant.

Regular property maintenance is the best way to avoid damp issues. Here are some tasks to check regularly:

• Clean and repair gutters and downpipes.
• Check roof tiles are in good condition and proper roof maintenance to avoid water ingress.
• Check airbricks and ventilation fans for blockages.
• Inspect for leaks in pipes, baths, showers, and washing machines.
• Check drains are not blocked and water is flowing properly away.
• Make sure the damp proof course installed in your property isn’t bridged by removing things like planters or raised beds against walls.

We often get asked about our damp-proofing services. Here are some frequently asked questions:

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  What is Damp Proofing?

  Damp proofing refers to treatments designed to prevent moisture from entering a properties interior through its walls, floors or roof. Typically these problems will cause either rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation issues.

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  What is a Damp Proof Course (DPC)?

  A DPC is a barrier that prevents moisture from rising through brickwork through capillary action, typically known as rising damp. Damp proof course treatments are usually installed between two courses of brickwork around 150mm above the external ground level. Remedial damp proof courses are created by injecting a special solution horizontally along the mortar joint creating a barrier to stop water ingress.

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  Does Insurance Cover Damp?

  Most home insurance policies don’t cover damp unless it’s caused by specific incidents, like flooding. However, our treatments come with 20-year guarantees for added peace of mind that you are protected long term.

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  Do You Have Specialists Near Me?

  Our network of local branches covers the UK, meaning a branch on your doorstep and surveyors with local knowledge and expertise.

If you’ve noticed signs of damp or want to prevent future problems, it’s time to seek expert help. At Peter Cox, our highly experienced team offers comprehensive damp surveys and treatment services, including:

• Condensation control
• Rising damp treatment
• Penetrating damp repairs

Our damp-proofing solutions come with long-lasting guarantees, ensuring your home stays safe and dry.