No one wants a damp problem in their home. Penetrating damp can be a major issue and cause a whole manner of problems including;
- Health issues, particularly in children, the elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions
- Interior décor damage, particularly paint, wallpaper and skirting boards
- Structural damage
This article will tell you everything you need to know about penetrating damp.
How to Recognise Penetrating Damp
Some of the tell-tale signs that you may be experiencing penetrating damp include;
- Noticeable dampness that is localised to a particular area, this can leave blotchy patches on internal walls
- Damaged, deteriorating, blistering plaster and paint
- Appearance of salt stains – a result of the salt coming out of the masonry of the building due to water
- Rotting skirting boards and timber
- Signs or smells of mould or mould growth in the interior
- Excessive moss growth on external walls
- Brick damage can also occur
Causes of Penetrating Damp
There are a number of causes for penetrating damp, including;
Porous Bricks
An extremely common problem that causes penetrating damp is porous bricks. This allows the water to seep deep into the masonry of a building. This only gets worse the more it rains and you may notice damp patches on the inside of your home that increase in size during heavy periods of rain.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to replace the brickwork in these cases as a water repellent treatment can be used.
Damaged Brickwork
Another cause of penetrating damp is damaged bricks or faulty pointing. The damaged brickwork is weaker and therefore can’t withstand the elements like it was once able to. When these problems are visible on the exterior of the property, it can be examined, repaired and waterproofed to protect against further damage.
Other Building Defects
Other building defects and damage such as leaking gutters, downpipes and damaged roofs can all cause penetrating damp. These should be repaired as soon as possible to stop the problem from escalating.
Cost of Fixing Penetrating Damp
It’s difficult to put a figure down for how much it will cost to repair a penetrating damp problem. The cost will depend on what the cause of the damp is and how severe the problem is. If you think you may have a damp problem, then contact a damp specialist ASAP. Damp can escalate into a much more serious issue that can cause structural damage to your property. Get an evaluation and a quote today, to save you hassle later.
