Types of damp and their treatment

Damp is a common issue that homeowners encounter in their houses. It can manifest in different forms and can have various causes. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the different types of damp that can occur in a house and the treatments required to solve them.

The first type of damp that we'll discuss is rising damp. This occurs when moisture from the ground rises up through the walls of a house. This can happen when the damp-proof course (DPC) in the walls is damaged or missing. Rising damp is typically recognized by the appearance of dampness on the lower parts of walls, often accompanied by a musty smell. To solve this type of damp, a damp-proof course needs to be installed, and any damaged plaster or wallpaper needs to be removed and replaced.

The second type of damp is penetrating damp. This occurs when water enters a house through the walls, roof, or windows. Penetrating damp is typically recognized by damp patches on walls, ceilings, and floors, often accompanied by flaking paint or wallpaper. To solve this type of damp, the source of the water needs to be identified and repaired, and any damaged plaster or wallpaper needs to be removed and replaced.

The third type of damp is condensation. This occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a window or wall, and the moisture condenses into water droplets. Condensation is typically recognized by the appearance of dampness on windows, walls, and ceilings, often accompanied by mold or mildew. To solve this type of damp, the source of the moisture needs to be identified and reduced, and any affected areas need to be ventilated and insulated.

The fourth type of damp is known as lateral damp, this happens when water enters the house from the outside by seeping through the walls, This can happen due to poor drainage, high water table, or poor external wall finish. Lateral damp is typically recognized by the appearance of dampness on external walls, often accompanied by mold or mildew. To solve this type of damp, the source of the water needs to be identified and repaired, and any damaged plaster or wallpaper needs to be removed and replaced.

If you're dealing with damp in your home, it's important to identify the type of damp you're dealing with and take the appropriate actions to solve it. If you're unsure about the type of damp you're dealing with, it's always best to consult with a damp proofing professional to get the right diagnosis and treatment.