Damp is a common problem in our houses and this stubborn issue has some major underlying causes. However, since there are effective ways to get rid of Damp and condensation, and prevent mould build-up, you can shrug off all the worries!!
With the changing weather and especially when winter sets in, it is time to deal with some unwanted visitors. No, we are not talking about those salespersons. Guess what? We’re talking about damp!!
Unfortunately, damp has no discriminations. It can occur literally ANYWHERE!! Moreover, when you fail to provide your home with proper day-to-day maintenance, it can come out as a real headache. From damaging clothes, furniture to triggering health problems such as asthma – dealing with damp is a big deal. The best way to fight it is to detect the signs and prevent it ASAP!
So, considering all the relevant inconveniences, here are some tips and tricks that will help you out to get rid of damp. Hopefully, these will help you enjoy a problem-free winter!
What causes damp?
To put simply, damp is basically promoted by condensation. With the falling temperature, condensation rises simultaneously. You see moisture developing on the windows each morning. And that is the sign it is eventually causing mould and damp.
The other culprits may be leaking pipes, overflows, wastes. There could be rising damp, water penetrating from outside from a missing roof tile, blocked gutter, leaking window etc. as well.
Different types of damp
Damp is easy to identify. Start by sourcing the cause if you want to remedy it properly. For example, if you find a damp patch on the wall at the top of a chimney breast, it will suggest a leak from the chimney stack. Then it comes to deducing what type of damp it is. There are basically three types:
- Condensation
Often caused by poor heating and ventilation, this is the most common type of damp. It takes place when activities like cooking increase the humidity in a building. This air starts to condense on the cold surfaces, such as walls and windows. The most obvious signals of condensation are running water on windows. And it can lead to stained curtains, damaged window frames, mould development on wallpaper or paint.
- Rising damp
In this case, water enters a structure from the ground. The common symptoms are damaged skirting boards, floors, peeling paint and wallpaper, stained plaster, etc.
- Penetrating damp
Here, water enters the building from outside and develops through the walls. It often creates stains or mould growth around the leak. The common causes are defects in guttering or pipes, poor pointing, faulty flashings, cracked rendering, etc.
How to fight condensation
Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, take preventive measures so you never have to deal with damp and related problems. Consider the following quick and simple remedies for preventing damp.
- Wipe down windows every morning
Wipe down the condensation as soon as you see it. This will prevent mould from building up. You can use a kitchen towel, squeegee, window vac, etc. Occasionally wipe down the walls and window frames using a fungicidal wash. For removing mould promoted by condensation, use a cloth dipped in soapy water. Then, use a dry cloth to remove the moisture left. Avoid brushing the mould since this can release mould spores.
- Do something for the steam from cooking
Keep the pans and pots covered while cooking. This will prevent steam from escaping and will also save energy. Also, keep the kitchen-door closed while cooking to stop the steam escaping to other parts of your house.
Improving the heating and ventilation system will solve the condensation issues in the long run. You can install extractor fans in your kitchen to evacuate moisture. You can use cooker hoods as well.
- Prevent the bathroom moisture
Keep the door of the bathroom closed and leave the bathroom window open while showering. It will not let the generated steam cause and spread condensation in the rest of the house. Also, you can install an extractor fan to clear the excess moisture in the bathroom.
- Proper ventilation is important
Open a window for at least 15 minutes each morning for better ventilation. Consider fitting air bricks if you have poor condensation conditions in a particular room. These bricks have lots of tiny holes in them that allow the air to pass through a suspended timber floor. These are available both in clay and plastic.
- Keep the rooms warm
Try to maintain a steady warm temperature in the rooms to prevent damp during the colder months. Damp basically generates when warm air comes in contact with the cold walls. That is why keeping the room surfaces warm in the wintry season will stop condensation build-up. Try setting timers so save energy alongside.
- Consider proper Insulation
Good insulation is really crucial especially when you have cold spots on walls where condensation develops. Cavity wall, loft and other advanced insulation can help you deal with damp. At this point, consult an expert before starting your project since a wrong approach can further aggravate the problem. Also, replace the draughty old door and windows and bring double or triple glazing options instead.
- Invest in a dehumidifier
Contents remaining in a home left empty for a long time can easily get damaged by absorbing the damp. In this case, a dehumidifier comes handy. It will help in reducing the humidity in the air.
- Don’t hang clothes inside the rooms to dry
Try to hang the clothes outside for drying. This will help fight condensation spreading from the wet clothes in the house. In case, you have to leave clothes to dry inside, place a dehumidifier nearby so it can suck up the excess moisture.
Try to keep all these factors in mind and also imply them as far as possible. All it takes is a smart approach that is absolutely affordable! If you are not sure how to imply the best preventive measures, consult the mould cleaning experts. They will get you the best suitable solution according to your problem and your budget.
The post How To Get Rid Of Damp, Mould and Condensation appeared first on Ministry of Cleaning.
