Add Value and Improve any Property By Stopping Damp

One thing that is extremely off-putting to anyone looking round a home for the first time is the dreadful sites and smells caused by damp. In order to tackle it you will first need to establish the cause and type of damp you are experiencing in the building. This can generally be divided into 3 camps: condensation, penetrating damp and rising damp. Needless to say, if you can tackle the issue of damp early it will minimise the damage it causes.

Condensation

Most damp in property is caused by condensation – that is to say air in the property has a very high concentration of moisture. This can then settle on cool surfaces such as stone, windows and other glass. Stopping this from occurring entirely is extremely hard, but can be addressed by properly insulating the property, ensuring your kitchen and bathroom is fitted with effective extractor fan units and ensuring that your washer/dryer also has ample extraction in place.

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp is another form of damp is caused by gaps in the mortar of your brickwork. This damage is often worsened by harsh conditions in UK winters so always try to repair any issues as early as possible. The best way of tackling the problem is by repointing the brickwork.

Rising Damp

This type of damp is caused by water seeping up through the earth and into your property. It can be tackled by fitting effective damp proofing to your home at ground level. Some older homes may not have this fitted but it is most certainly a worthwhile investment.