Rising damp is a common form of dampness that affects many UK properties, particularly older homes. It occurs when moisture from the ground travels upwards through walls by capillary action. If left untreated, rising damp can cause long-term damage to both the building fabric and the health of those living inside.
What Does Rising Damp Do?
When moisture is allowed to rise through walls and floors, it creates conditions that can quickly escalate from cosmetic issues to structural concerns.
Common effects of rising damp include:
Damp environments are also ideal for mould growth.
But why does this matter for our health?
Mould spores release allergens into the air, which can have a direct impact on health. Prolonged exposure may lead to symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, red or irritated eyes, and skin irritation. For some people, particularly children, older adults, and those with existing respiratory conditions, these reactions can become more persistent and uncomfortable over time.
Is Rising Damp Common?
Due to the damp climate of the UK, and the fact that the ground is frequently wet, rising damp is very common but it is usually ignored. The common problem is the longer the damp is left untreated, the greater the damage to your health and property is going to be. Additionally leaving damp to the last minute will be more costly than treating it in the beginning stages.
How To Deal With It
As rising damp is a common issue for houses built in wetter climates such as England, houses in the country are constructed with physical damp proofing that consists of a barrier between the interior and exterior of houses. As time goes on these damp proofing methods will become less and less effective.
Homes built on the uneven ground are particularly at risk as these damp proofing methods are often ineffective, and let water inside the property due to the uneven structure.
When the damp proof courses in your property aren’t doing their job properly, it is essential to contact an expert like Croft Preservation who will be able to advise you on the best way to improve or replace your home’s damp proofing.
For every damp problem, we have a solution and can eliminate damp effectively and quickly. Contact a member of the Croft Preservation team on 01202 737739 today.
