Stop Damp From Forming By Changing These 5 Habits

Damp is a problem that affects many London households, but the rainy climate isn’t always the culprit. Independent damp surveyors often find that people’s habits exacerbate damp issues or even cause them by creating condensation. Here are five simple things you can start doing right now to reduce the impact of damp on your property.

1. Overwatering Houseplants

Having some greenery inside is great for air quality and mental health. However, it’s important to remember that when you water your plants, a lot of it will evaporate back into the air. Over time, this can lead to condensation, one of the most common causes of damp found in damp and timber independent surveys. Try to water your plants only when they need it, and make sure the pots can drain properly.

2. Blocking Air Bricks and Vents

The consistent circulation of fresh air around your property stops moisture from getting trapped inside and causing condensation. This is what air bricks and vents are designed for. However, they often end up covered by furniture or curtains, which stops them from doing their job. Simply making sure there are a few inches between a vent and your furniture can help, even if space inside your property is limited.

3. Putting Damp Laundry Away

After commissioning an independent damp and timber survey to find the cause of their condensation problem, many people are shocked to learn that seemingly harmless lifestyle habits are to blame. A common one is how laundry is handled. The fibres of our clothes can hold a lot of moisture, which will later evaporate into the air. Storing damp clothes in poorly ventilated places like wardrobes is a recipe for disaster.

4. Using Hot Water for Household Tasks

Hot water releases steam, which is how your mirror ends up covered in condensation after a shower. But that steam is actually landing on many different surfaces, you just can’t see it until the moisture has done enough damage. Now, nobody is going to tell you to stop taking hot showers, but switching to cold water for other household tasks can help, like washing dishes or cleaning your hands.

5. Letting Bathroom Surfaces Dry Naturally

Unsurprisingly, bathrooms are one of the most common places where damp issues are found during independent damp surveys. Yet problems can be avoided by taking a few simple steps, like opening the window or letting the extractor fan run for a few minutes after showering. Most people do this already, but one effective step that’s often overlooked is wiping down surfaces. This limits evaporation, and stops mould forming in grout and sealant.

Conclusion

While damp can be caused by rainwater getting inside or groundwater rising up, modern homes tend to be well-protected against these. Condensation, however, remains a threat, as it’s caused by things that we do inside our homes. Making the simple changes above can help protect your home by reducing humidity. Combined with opening your windows regularly and using extractor fans when needed, condensation is unlikely to become a problem.

However, if you’re still struggling with damp after trying these, you may need a professional diagnosis and solution. Call London Damp Specialists on 020 7523 5882 today to arrange a survey.