A Guide to Getting Rid of Damp in Your House

Damp mainly occurs during the winter months and can appear anywhere in the interior of a house. There’s no gainsaying that damp spoils the home décor and poses a significant health risk. Common causes of damp include condensation, poor ventilation, and bad construction.

In many cases, the presence of damp in the home usually leads to mold formation. You’re probably here because you have damp in your house, and it’s causing a considerable amount of damage. Not to worry. This comprehensive guide to getting rid of damp will help solve the problem.

Contact an Expert

Finding out where the damp is coming from can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to look. That’s why experts recommend getting a professional to help you out. These experts have an eye for locating sources of leakage that are creating damp problems on your wall. In addition, they also help gauge the severity of the problem and proffer practical solutions.

In many cases, early detection leads to a faster resolution of the issue and mitigates future damage. When looking for a company to help with damp removal, prioritize those with a good reputation in the industry. Don’t know where to start searching? Feel free to ask for advice from friends and family that have dealt with a professional in the past. If you’re based in the UK, companies like Damp Proofing Solutions do a good job of getting rid of mold and mildew. You can look here to find out more.

Use Ventilation

There’s no denying that good ventilation minimizes vapor pressure and allows the damp to escape. You may want to open your windows or vents to let in warm outdoor air. What’s more, you can install an extractor fan in your kitchen and bathroom to provide an air outlet. The idea is to keep the condensation low by maintaining a constant temperature inside the house.

Also, consider using a furnace or heating system in home areas with little sunlight like basements and cellars. You can also use a radiator to ensure the air in the home stays dry. It’s also important to have good airflow in the house to allow water to evaporate quickly.

Use Chemicals

There are damp-proof liquid solutions on the market that have been formulated to keep dampness from rising in the house. However, it’s important to note that when working with chemical treatments, we recommend using a professional. A safer method will be to use water-based paints to prevent the buildup of vapor pressure. Also, consider using sealants to seal cracks around window edges and wall penetrations.

Waterproof the Walls

Once you have identified a leak or damp area in your walls, consider using waterproofing products on the area. You could also have a professional engineer apply the damp-proof treatment using crystalline technology-based damp blocks. If you opt to do it yourself, remember to add a second layer of the treatment to ensure maximum damp protection.

Use a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers help get rid of excess moisture in the house. Remember, excess humidity is the number cause of mold and mildew in homes. If there’s a musty smell coming from your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom, it’s high time you install portable dehumidifiers in these areas.

The humidifier can be placed in any room but it’s best to position it in areas that are prone to getting damp. For example, wardrobes tend to get sticky due to storing wet clothes. Also, when shopping for dehumidifiers, opt for one that fits the size and the amount of moisture in the space. A moderately damp room may require a 70-pint dehumidifier to absorb the excess water.