Damp is something many people are familiar with. If you’ve come face to face with damp, you’ll know how challenging it is to get rid of it for good. Damp is caused by one of many factors such as condensation or the age of your building.
Mould growth is one of the symptoms of damp or excess moisture in the home. It’s also a common cause of various health issues like coughing, sore throat, nasal congestion, skin irritation and eye irritation. Below are some common causes of damp to look out for in and around your home.
Blocked or Leaky Gutters
Homeowners typically overlook gutters since they are expensive to fix. But the damage blocked or leaky gutters can cause will cost you even more if ignored. Damp can cause structural damage to your home and if left untreated could pose a serious risk to the lives of everyone in your home. Always be on the lookout for leaky or blocked gutters to avoid bigger problems in future.
Old Buildings
Older properties often struggle with damp. This might be due to the fact that they don’t have sufficient damp proofing installed, or it’s damaged beyond repair. If there isn’t anything left to prevent moisture absorption through the walls, you’ll be left with water damage. Improved ventilation and damp proofing can help rid your old building of damp.
Uneven Surface
If your home is built on an area where the ground is uneven, you are more likely to experience rising damp. Rising damp happens when moisture from outside move up through the walls of your property. Common signs of rising damp include damage to walls and floors as well as salt stains.
More Causes of Damp
- Poor heating in rooms
- Absence of insulation in walls
- Moisture sources like damp clothing and plants
- Cooking without lids or using an extractor fan
- Not wiping tiles in the bathroom after taking a shower or bath
- Roof leaks
- Condensation caused by heaters
While damp is a serious problem, it’s one that can be rectified by professionals like ourselves. For more information about damp proofing or if you require a free quote, get in touch with Quantum Solutions today. The specialists for Damp Proofing Cape Town one client at a time.