Damp is something that can be extremely devastating to a property. Sometimes you may not even notice it’s there. Damp can have adverse effects on your health and make you very ill. If you notice damp or think there may be damp don’t hesitate to contact damp specialists Glasgow today!
Types of Damp
Rising Damp
Rising damp is caused by groundwater that rises through the capillaries in the masonry. Although new-builds use preventative measures such as DPC (damp proof course,) it is still pretty common in older buildings or buildings with faulty or non-existent DPC (damp-proof course.)
If you can visually see rising damp, it is most common that you will be able to see a band of damp that starts on the floor and moves up the wall. This will often cause paint to flake or wallpaper to peel off. There are also some other elements that you should watch out for as the damp will not always be visible at first. Other signs that you might have damp include;
- Damp smells or a musty odour
- Reduced temperature at lower portion of the wall
- Rotting of embedded timber floors
- Crumbling or blistered plaster due to salt crystallisation
Penetrating Damp
Penetrative damp is caused by water getting through the masonry of a property. This is most common in older properties with a solid wall construction. This problem is also becoming more and more common in properties with cavity wall insulation that has been poorly installed or used in walls that are not suitable for cavity wall insulation. Incorrectly placed wall ties and mortar obstructions in the cavity can also cause penetrative damp.
Signs that a property has penetrative damp include;
- Blotchy patches of localised dampness on internal walls
- Deterioration of plaster and paint, blistering, appearance of stains and salts
- Rotting skirting boards or timber
- Mouldy smell or signs of mould
- Excessive moss growth on exterior walls
- Spalling – moisture entering the brick, causing surface damage
Effects of Damp on Your Health
Having damp in your home can make you very ill. This is because it is essentially mould, and you are breathing in the particles. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience if there is damp on your property.
- Chronic cough and sneezing
- Irritation of the eyes
- Irritation of the mucous membrane of the nose and throat
- Rashes
- Chronic fatigue
- Persistent headaches
What to do if You Suspect Damp in Your Home
If you suspect damp, it is crucial to contact damp specialists Glasgow as soon as possible. Damp can have really bad effects on your health. Children, older people, and people with respiratory problems, such as asthma, are most at risk from more serious health complications.
Damp is a serious problem and the earlier it’s caught and dealt with the better. Once there is damp in your property it can spread rapidly causing a lot of damage.
