What Causes Dampness? Here are Some Prevention Tips To Stop It

*This is a collaborative post on what causes dampness

Damping is the presence of water, moisture, or condensation in a property such as a house or a building. It has three main types – rising, penetrating, and condensation. Generally, it happens when water (due to any reason) finds a way to penetrate through the construction material and travel through void spaces between particles. It’s called capillary action.

At times, signs of dampness are visible. But, it’s possible at times to have no signs. If so, it could cause serious structural damage. It could also fetch costly repairs in the future. While looking for damp in the house, be sure to look out for signs like the salt-like collection on the wall, black mold, musty smell, rotting floorboards, and dry rot on the wall.

Common Causes of Dampness

Leaky Roof

This is the easiest way for rainwater to find access to walls. Leaky roofs can cause significant damage to walls and roofs. It’s possible that your house lacks a slope. This could cause the rainwater to accumulate. In the absence of sunlight, it could slowly seep into the walls. It’s also possible for some roof tiles to become damaged or go missing.

Poor Quality Construction Materials

Sometimes low-quality construction materials or highly porous bricks can attract water. It’s easy for moisture to travel through bricks that are highly porous.

No/Inadequate DPC causes dampness

At the time of construction, a Damp-Proof Course is laid down generally at 1 meter above ground level. DPC is made of non-porous, water-resistant materials like slate, bitumen, or plastic membranes. Many older buildings lack DPC. it’s also possible for it to become damaged. If that happens, groundwater will find a way leading to rising damp. It’s also possible for construction workers to lay down inadequate DPC.

Excess Moisture Build-up

People living in tropical areas with higher humidity can feel the excess moisture in the sticky air. Generally, you notice this in the house after taking a long steam shower or a cooking session. The drops of water formed on window glass are a class example of condensation. When it collects inside the walls, it could start rotting the wall surface causing a musty smell. The excess moisture build-up becomes visible as damp spots or visible mold on the wall.

Poorly Heated Homes

Warm air tends to hold greater moisture than cool air. If your house lacks proper insulation or heating, it’s possible for condensation to form. Under-heated homes generally face this problem more. Other than that, sudden changes in temperature can also lead to condensation. Make sure that your home has adequate levels of heat via a heating unit or a fireplace.

Poor Ventilation causes dampness

Poor ventilation generally means a lack of exhaust fans at high-moisture places. Ventilation is the best way to welcome mold growth and excess moisture. When there are adequate channels of airflow, warm moist air finds it easy to escape from the house. In the absence of proper ventilation, warm air will stick to cold surfaces. That’s why condensation is common on outside walls and windows.

Inadequate Gutters

Blocked, overflowing or broken downpipes, and gutters that are too small can often hold excess water deposits into external walls. As this steam of water continues to run down the wall, it increases the odds of moisture penetrating through the wall.

Faulty Construction can cause dampness

Sometimes a faulty construction can allow rainwater to enter the substrate causing penetrating damp. Common issues include missing roof tiles, poor maintenance of pointing, badly installed windows, damaged walls, holes in the roof, or poor door installation. Poor workmanship is the leading cause of small holes or cavities in the wall. At times, poorly finished mortar joints can also attract unwanted moisture.

Prevention Tips to Deal With Damp

Book a Damp Survey

Sometimes the exact cause of dampness can be unknown. To an untrained eye, it can be difficult to spot. If you sense the problem to be grave, it’s always wise to hire a damp survey expert. He will do a thorough inspection of the property and come up with a report. Based on the findings, you can take an adequate course of action to repair the damage.

Install a Damp-proof Course

]DPC is the gold standard to protect the property from rising groundwater. It’s done by a professional. If you already have a DPC and think it’s been damaged, call the experts and have them look into it.

Waterproof the Walls

You can apply hot bitumen to waterproof the walls. You can also go for damp-proof paint for added protection. See if you can find a special adhesive gum that you mix with the cement during repair work. Fill the air drains and cavities whenever you see to block water entry.

Carry Out Routine Maintenance Work to Prevent Dampness

• Regularly check the pipes in your house for signs of damage or leaks. Check window sills for any holes that might need repair.
• Repair and remodel the home every few years.
• Have the HVAC system in your house inspected if you suspect the heating and cooling unit to be the culprit.
• Seal any pores, holes, and cracks to prevent further damage
• Repair leaky roofs and missing tiles.

Improve Ventilation

Ensure cross-ventilation at all times to let the fresh air in and moist air out. Have exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens and leave them on for an adequate amount of time. Make sure all exhaust pipes lead outside the property and not somewhere within the house where water will find another outlet to accumulate.

By taking the right measures at the right time, you can deal with the problem of dampness before it gets out of hand. And as always, it’s never a bad idea to have a word with the professionals.