Damp problems at home

Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common damp problems in homes. If you suffer from condensation, then you surely have a ventilation problem. Condensation is especially a problem nowadays as there is a special emphasis on insulating homes. When homes have extensively insulated walls it is difficult for damp to leave the house and fresh air cannot enter your home, which leads to condensation issues.

Rising damp

Rising damp is primarily a problem in older homes. Currently, damp proof courses are standard in new-build houses, this was not the case in the past. Older homes sometimes do not have a damp proof course, which gives damp the chance to pull up through the bottom of the walls or through the basement. With rising damp you will mainly experience damp problems on the lower part of your walls at ground level.

Penetrating damp

Sometimes, you can observe the same symptoms with penetrating damp as with rising damp. This can cause confusion as to what type of damp issues you have, although it is more common to find penetrating damp than rising damp in a home. Do you have old or damaged exterior walls? If so, rainwater can easily seep in through the outside wall, the damp then draws to the interior walls, resulting in damp problems.

Leakage

In the event of bursting water pipes, it’s important to take immediate action because the consequences are immediate. Contrastingly, damp problems due to minor leaks appear later, because the water escapes gradually. Pipes in homes are often concealed in or behind walls. If you have a leak in a pipe, it is virtually impossible to find out where the leak is on your own. It is advisable to call in an expert who can perform a leak detection to locate the problem.

The consequences of a damp problem in your home

With a damp problem in your home you can be confronted with various consequences. In most cases you will not be aware of anything and you will not notice the first symptoms until sometime after the damp problem began. The consequences of damp problems can be troubling, not only can they affect the home itself, but it can also have negative consequences on your health. Controlling the symptoms of damp (such as stained walls and crumbling paint) is not the right solution if you’re looking to be rid of damp for good. If you want to ultimately stop suffering the consequences of damp, you must tackle the source of your problems. What are some of the consequences of damp?

Mould in the house

If you suffer from mould, then you definitely have a damp problem. You can identify mould as black spots on the wall. Usually, mould is preceded by damp spots on the wall. Traces of mould float through the air and can enter your home through open doors and windows. While mould spores are not dangerous, when combined with a damp home, mould spores will stick to the damp walls and ceilings. It is here that they grow into these ugly black mould spots. If you do nothing about it, mould can even destroy the materials they grow on in your home and cause irreparable damage. In addition, mould is responsible for respiratory illnesses and all kinds of allergic complications. When you have mould, you have to tackle your damp problem.

Difficulty heating the home

Another consequence of damp problems is that you can have difficulty heating your home. With very damp walls and floors you will need to use a lot more energy than is normally necessary to warm your property. Imagine putting a wet brick and a dry brick in the oven- the dry brick will get warmer much faster than the wet one, and it will take less energy to warm the dry brick. When you have damp issues, you also will have a more expensive energy bill. Damp walls are not the only issue, condensation creates high humidity in the house as well, this also makes the house difficult to heat up. Once you solve your damp problem, you can save on your energy costs and your home can easily be heated again.

Musty smell or odour in the house

A damp problem can also cause a constant musty smell in the house. This is very unpleasant, especially if the smell is in your entire home. It becomes uncomfortable to receive visitors, because, naturally, you do not want them to be in this musty smell.

Wallpaper and plaster peel

One of the most recognisable consequences of damp problems in your home is when wallpaper and plaster comes off your walls, which is mainly the result of wet walls. This will do no good to the appearance of your interior and while redecorating may seem like a good option, new wallpaper and paint work will only be beneficial if the actual source of your damp problem has been solved, otherwise the new decorations will also become damaged.

The DryBrick System, The Damp Solution

SmartDry has a sustainable solution that does not require major renovations indoors and does not involve the use of chemical agents. Our DryBrick system is completely environmentally friendly and based on adequate ventilation of the walls with natural air. We work from the outside, placing DryBricks around the entire house on the external walls. The unique design of DryBricks ensures that your walls become dry and that they remain so. Also, the DryBrick System requires little to no maintenance, is permanent and is a guaranteed solution to solve your damp problems.