We recently had to undergo major restoration in one of our buildings due to extensive damp problems, and thought we would pass on some of the knowledge about it. So what kind of damp are we talking about? There are actually three different forms of damp – penetrating damp, rising damp and condensation, and these can be dealt with in different ways. If you have read up on damp conditions in different parts of the country then you will know what type of damp you are dealing with. If however you haven’t been as diligent as you should be then there is likely to be more than one type of damp to deal with so a damp specialist will be necessary.
The Damp Specialist Approach
There are three main categories of damp – falling damp, rising damp and condensation, which is why it is important to know where your damp is coming from. When you are dealing with damp problems in your house it is important to know where the main source of moisture comes from in your home and the main way that the moisture is getting into your home. You will then have to make sure that your amp is being dealt with in the correct way and that it can be dealt with effectively. This involves knowing the causes of the dampness, the best places to tackle it and what level of moisture needs to be dealt with, which requires a damp specialist to accurately diagnose.
Finding The Source
Firstly it is important to understand how damp is formed and then the most effective way to solve the problem. Falling damp is caused when water collects under a roof and this is not always a good thing. If your roof is not properly fitted it may not be possible to completely remove the water but this is often an expensive project that you could have avoided if you had done it yourself. Therefore you should always check the weather stripping around your roof to make sure that your roof is perfectly safe and secure.
The next thing that you need to consider when you are dealing with damp is the best place to tackle it. For example if you have an internal wall it can be difficult to get water out and when you do, it can be hard to clean up the mess. In these cases it is best to ask the experts for help to clean the water away. Some people might think that just because they have a waterproofing treatment for their house that their walls are protected from falling water but this isn’t always the case. It is best to ask a specialist for advice as to what level of water you need to treat your walls.
The Damage Left Behind
Another thing to think about when dealing with damp is the damage that it can do to your home and walls if you don’t take action. As you can imagine the damage that can be caused by water is extensive and is often very difficult to repair. In order to avoid this you need to deal with damp effectively and this means that you need to know what you are dealing with and what the source of the water is. A specialist will be able to help you in identifying the main cause of your damp and the best way to tackle that problem.
Damp specialists also offer services such as waterproofing windows and doors so that they are safe and easy to use in the future. They will also advise you on the best way to clean your walls and floors to keep your home dry and to prevent mould and mildew forming.