How To Prevent Seasonal Damp In Your Home

Here come the rains again as London braces for another wet winter when we can look forward to the cold damp constantly encroaching on our homes. The winter months can be miserable as everything feels damp thanks to the warm air indoors condensing when it comes in contact with the cold windows and walls. If things get too damp, it can wreak havoc with your home’s structure as well as your health, which is why it’s a good idea to order an independent damp and timber survey of your home to make sure it stays dry all year long!

If the damp has already established itself in your home, you may notice an unpleasant, pungent mould stench. This is because the excess condensation creates a damp environment that encourages the growth of toxic moulds and mildew that put you and your family’s health at risk! Instead of just waiting for spring, here are some things you can do now to fight off the winter damp!

Windows – Stagnant indoor air traps moisture, so open your windows to allow fresh air to flow through when the weather permits, which also lets moist, humid air escape. Condensation builds up quickly on windows, tiny moisture droplets form as the chill outdoor air hits the glass facing the warm interior. This damp can be prevented by drying off windows and sills with a clean towel every morning.

Ventilation – It’s always best to prepare for winter by making sure your home is properly ventilated before the cold weather arrives. Having your home inspected by an independent damp surveyor in the fall is a great way to stave off the seasonal damp before it can set in. Your home should have proper ventilation installed, such as the exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens that help decrease humidity while you are taking a shower or cooking. If you run your kitchen exhaust fan while the kettle’s on the boil, you can reduce the humidity by 50%! Making sure your home is well-ventilated will help keep you dry all winter.

Insulation – Condensation is attracted to cold surfaces, so having a well-insulated home will keep the temperature higher to reduce dampness. Insulation keeps the warm air inside and the cold out so your home won’t get damp. Poorly installed insulation actually traps moisture in, which is why you should have an independent damp surveyor check for insulation problems that can encourage the growth of wet rot and mould, which are dangerous for your home and your health! Proper insulation is truly a great defence against the seasonal damp.

At London Damp Specialists our experienced surveyors use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose damp issues, so our inspections are always performed to the highest standard. If you have a rising damp problem, just call London Damp Specialists on 020 7523 5882 and we will dispatch an independent damp surveyor near you to help ascertain your damp problem.

Don’t delay book an independent damp survey today!