Types of Damp

There are 3 main causes of damp - Rain Penetration (penetrating damp), Rising Damp and Condensation. It can be the case that more than one of these are affecting a property at any one time.

 

Condensation

Condensation in our experience is probably the most common form of dampness in a property and can lead to physical damage to the interior and mould growth leading to unhealthy living conditions. It is caused by water vapour within a building and results in problems when combined with poor ventilation. Common sources may include cooking, bathing, dishwashing, drying clothes on radiators etc., hence it is often referred to as a lifestyle condition.

 

 

Rising Damp

Rising Damp is the term applied to the physical, slow upward movement of moisture from ground level (or below) through a wall. It is caused by capillary action (the same as witnessed when a piece of paper is placed vertically into water and the water soaks up the paper).

 

Flaking paint, peeling wallpaper, a "musty" odour, and timber decay are among the most common symptoms of rising damp. Failure to treat rising damp properly can result in a house that is unpleasant to live in and difficult to sell.

 

 

Rain Penetration

As the name suggests this is where rain water (often driven by wind) can enter the fabric of a property causing interior damp. Penetrating damp is very common in the UK where wet and windy weather conditions are common.