mollyfamwatNot only can the presence of damp lead to unsightly mold, but it can result in danger in many forms. For instance, damp can threaten the structural integrity of your home, whilst breathing in mold spores can be detrimental to one’s health. In spite of the multitude of problems that damp can cause, it’s one of the most common issues in US properties. As a result, Americans across the country are frantically searching for ways that they can protect their homes against damp. Read on to discover more about how you can protect your home from the dreaded threat of damp.
Tank Your Basement
One of the most effective protective measures against damp is basement tanking. Anyone who has property that sits below ground level needs to ensure that their basement is tanked, otherwise groundwater could cause havoc on your property. In below ground properties, water can easily penetrate porous walls of the basement, which can lead to flooding, and even a collapse of the basement walls. There are a multitude of damp specialists on the market that will be willing to assess your home and provide a quote for tanking your basement. Although the costs may seem hefty, they’re what’s necessary to protect your home in future.
Be Vigilant
Protecting your home from the threat of damp is all about being vigilant. You should take the time to examine your home for signs of damp problems on a regular basis. This should be done both externally and internally, and the ceilings and roof should be regularly inspected, too. Some common indications of damp include:
- Visible wet patches or leaks
- Condensation on water pipes
- Condensation or water on the base of windows
- Damp on skirting boards that rises up internal walls
- Patches of damp at the base of doors or on floors beside doors
- Rotting external doors
- Mould growth on ceilings/walls
- Damp on exterior walls
- A damp patch on ceilings when it rains
- Patches of damp on ceilings/walls
Ventilate Your Home
Condensation is one of the primary causes of damp, meaning that good ventilation might be enough to keep damp at bay. Be sure to put the extractor fan on and open windows when cooking and showering/bathing. These activities result in a lot of moisture in the air, which shouldn’t be a problem as long as you ventilate properly. Similarly, you should open your windows regularly, even in the winter. A few minutes a day should do the trick in the colder months. Furthermore, keeping all your internal doors open allows air to circulate freely around your home; however, doors should be closed when cooking and bathing.
Clear All Ventilation Blocks
You may even find that you have the measures to ventilate; however, they don’t seem to be working properly. In this instance, it might be a case of clearing all ventilation blocks. For example, the space around vents and extractors in your home should be kept clear at all times. Meanwhile, the exterior vents should be checked for mud and other debris that could be inhibiting the performance of such. Your ventilation problem could be fixed by something as simple as a little reorganization and a deep clean.
Use a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are an affordable and simplistic solution to moist air. Of course, you’ll have to pay for the running of these, but it will save you money in the long run if it rescues from potential damp problems. You’ll be surprised by how much your quality of air changes upon investing in a dehumidifier.
How do you go about protecting your home from damp?
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