Being big fans of older properties, it comes as no surprise that we have a lot of hurdles to jump when it comes to maintaining our home.
We live surrounded by water, in a sandstone building so damp is an issue that we have dealt with previously. Here are just a few tips on dealing with damp in the home that we have come to learn over the years.
Water leaks
This is something that we have extensively had to deal with recently. If your guttering is leaking then this will cause the water to flow down your exterior wall which in turn will then cause damp to come through your internal walls. Check your roof for any loose or missing tiles, lead flashing or mortar joints that will allow water to either soak into your exterior structures or run into your rooms.
Keep condensation levels to a minimum
Condensation is another major contributor to damp. As simple thing like running your dryer with little ventilation will allow condensation to build up on your walls. Make sure you have windows open regularly to help circulate the air around the rooms.
Always close the door when having a shower or cooking, this prevents the steam and condensation from getting around your home. Ensure extractor fans are working efficiently in the kitchen and bathrooms to get rid of the steam that you are producing. You could even introduce a dehumidifier for a quick fix.
Stabilise the temperature
Leaving a room without heating is most certainly going to give you damp issues. Help to keep the room dry by maintaining an even temperature. Have the heating on in all rooms, even ones that you don’t use.
Creating Air Flow
Avoid placing things against the walls, including your furniture. Make sure that you always leave an air gap between furniture and walls to allow the air to circulate between them. Try not to cram things into cupboards, these need air to circulate around them to prevent damp build up as well.
The best way to deal with damp is to tackle it as soon as you notice it appearing. Do not let the small patch of damp on your ceiling turn into a massive building project. Get advice from a reputable company such as Atlantis Damp as soon as you can.
*This is a collaborative post.
