Damp is one of the most common and troublesome issues in homes. It can creep into your home quietly, starting with small signs like a musty smell or condensation on windows. Then, over time, it can lead to serious issues like mould and rotting. The key to avoiding these problems is prevention.
In this guide, we share seven helpful ways to prevent damp, whether you’ve noticed it creeping up your walls or just want to protect your home. We’ll also explore the telltale signs, the most common causes, and ways to repair damp damage before it puts a dampener on your space!
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What causes damp, and what does it look like?
What causes damp, and what does it look like?
Damp happens when excess moisture builds up in your home. There are a few common causes, and understanding the root of the problem is key to preventing it from reoccurring. The following issues can cause damp:
- Condensation: This is the most common cause of damp. It occurs when warm, moist air from activities like cooking, showering, or drying clothes comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows, walls, and mirrors. The moisture in the air condenses into water droplets, which can contribute to damp and mould growth.
- Poor ventilation: Poor ventilation is a cause of condensation, which leads to damp. Without proper ventilation like an extractor fan or open windows, moisture has nowhere to escape.
- Leaks: Water can enter your home through damaged roofs, leaking pipes, or cracks in the walls. These leaks often go unnoticed, especially in invisible areas like behind kitchen units or in lofts. Left untreated, they can lead to severe damp damage. For help fixing leaks, read our guides: How to fix a leaking radiator, Is a leaking overflow pipe dangerous? and How to fix a leaking tap. Or, book a qualified plumber to take a look.
- Rising damp: Rising damp occurs when moisture from the ground seeps into your walls through a damaged or absent damp-proof course (DPC). This typically affects the lower walls of a building, often causing discolouration around the base of walls.
- Blocked gutters: Blocked gutters can be a hidden cause of damp. When gutters are clogged with leaves, debris, or dirt, water can overflow and run down the exterior walls of your home. This water can seep into cracks in the walls, causing damp problems both inside and outside.
Signs of damp to look out for
Catching damp early increases your chances of being able to prevent it from worsening. Damp often starts small but can quickly lead to more significant and expensive issues. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs:
- Musty smells
- Mould and mildew
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Discoloured patches on walls or ceilings
- Cold or damp walls
- Rotting wood
If you’ve noticed one or more of these indicators, it’s time to make some changes. The sooner you address the issue, the less likely it is to lead to more severe damage.
How to prevent damp
Whether you’ve started to see the telltale signs of damp, or you’re just thinking ahead, here are some practical steps you can take to help keep your home dry:
1. Improve ventilation
Without good ventilation, everyday activities like cooking, showering, and even breathing can lead to condensation and damp.
Kitchens and bathrooms produce the most moisture, so use extractor fans while cooking or showering to remove warm, moist air before it settles on cold surfaces.
Open windows regularly, even during colder months. This allows fresh air to circulate and helps remove trapped moisture. To encourage airflow throughout your home, leave interior doors open, especially in rooms where moisture accumulates.
2. Control indoor humidity
Excess humidity is a major contributor to damp. Everyday activities, like drying clothes indoors or boiling water, can significantly increase the moisture levels in your home.
Dehumidifiers are also a great investment. They help extract moisture from the air and maintain a comfortable humidity level. Dry clothes outside or in a tumble dryer whenever possible, and if you must use a dryer, place it in a well-ventilated room. Use lids on pots and pans when cooking, especially when boiling or frying.
A hygrometer is a small humidity-measuring device that you can purchase to monitor the moisture levels in your home. Keeping humidity levels below 60% is ideal for preventing damp.
3. Deal with condensation
Condensation is a common cause of damp that can be particularly pesky during the colder months.
If you notice condensation on windows or walls, wipe it away with a dry cloth, squeegee, or window vacuum. Letting it sit can lead to mould and water damage.
Single-pane windows are more susceptible to condensation, so consider upgrading to double-glazed units. These are better insulated, reducing the temperature difference between indoor air and window surfaces and thus preventing condensation.
For more ways to deal with condensation, read our comprehensive guide: How to stop condensation .
4. Keep your home’s temperature consistent
A steady temperature throughout your home helps reduce the risk of condensation and damp. When some rooms are significantly colder than others, warm, moist air can move into these spaces and condense on cold surfaces.
Instead of turning your heating on and off throughout the day, try to maintain a consistent temperature, especially during colder months. A smart thermostat can help you manage this effectively.
5. Clean your gutters regularly
Blocked gutters could be the seemingly unlikely culprit behind your damp. They can cause water to overflow and run down your walls, leading to damp both inside and outside your home. Over time, this can damage your walls and foundations.
To prevent your gutters from causing problems, clear them of leaves, twigs, and dirt regularly. If your gutters are prone to collecting debris, particularly in the spring and autumn, consider investing in gutter guards to make maintenance easier.
6. Check (and repair) your damp-proof course
A damp-proof course (DPC) is a barrier built into your walls to prevent rising damp. Over time, the DPC can become damaged or ineffective, allowing moisture from the ground to seep into your walls.
Inspect for signs of a failed DPC, like tide marks, peeling paint, or damp patches near the bottom of your walls. If you suspect issues with your DPC, contact a professional to assess the situation. They may recommend injecting a new chemical DPC or installing a physical barrier to stop moisture from rising.
7. Choose a moisture-resistant paint
In areas prone to damp, like bathrooms and kitchens, a moisture-resistant/anti-damp paint can provide an extra layer of protection and prevent damp walls. These specialised paints are designed to withstand high humidity and prevent mould growth.
Anti-damp paints create a waterproof barrier, preventing moisture from entering walls and ceilings. Many of these paints also contain fungicides that prevent mould growth, making them ideal for damp-prone areas. While moisture-resistant paint isn’t a substitute for proper ventilation or repairs, it’s a helpful addition to your damp prevention toolkit.
How to repair damp damage
Knowing how to prevent damp damage in the future is essential, but what do you do if the damage is already done? Don’t worry, we can help there too. Here’s how to solve damp damage after you’ve assessed the root of the issue:
Dry out the area
Before you can fix damp damage, you’ll need to ensure the affected area is completely dry. Use dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air, turn on fans or open windows to increase airflow and turn the heating up in the affected room.
Treat mould
Mould can pose health risks, so it's essential to deal with it properly. If you’ve noticed mould on walls, ceilings, or windowsills, clean it off or book a professional handyperson to remove it instead of just painting over it.
For step-by-step instructions on dealing with mould, read our guide: How to get rid of mould in your bathroom.
Make your repairs
Once the area is dry, you can repair the damage caused by damp. This might involve repainting walls and ceilings with damp-resistant paint, replacing damaged wallpaper or re-plastering areas affected by damp, and replacing rotting wood in skirting boards, window frames, or floorboards.
If you need a helping hand, why not book a local painter and decorator through JustFix? Our fixers can have your damp damaged walls looking as good as new in no time!
When to call in a JustFix professional
While many damp issues can be tackled with simple maintenance tasks and DIY fixes, some problems are best left to the pros. Here’s when you should find and book a local handyperson:
- Persistent damp problems: If you’ve tried the usual solutions and the damp keeps coming back, there could be a deeper issue, such as rising damp or a hidden leak, that requires professional attention.
- Extensive damage: Large areas of mould, rotting wood, or severely discoloured walls are often signs of widespread damp that may need specialist treatment to fully resolve.
- Health concerns: If anyone in your home is experiencing health issues such as asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, professional intervention is the safest way to handle damp and mould.
- Suspected structural issues: If damp has caused significant damage to walls, ceilings, or flooring, a professional assessment is essential to avoid further deterioration or safety risks.
If you’re ready to get your damp problems sorted once and for all, our fixers are here to help! Just download our app or use our website to tell us your problem. Then, we’ll connect you with a local expert who can assess the issue, provide a clear solution, and come to fix it at a time that suits you!
When you book with JustFix, we provide fixed rates, a 12-month workmanship guarantee, and tip-top services from vetted professionals. Say goodbye to damp once and for all!
FAQs about damp
Can blocked gutters cause damp?
Yes, blocked gutters are a common cause of damp. Debris, twigs, and leaves can block gutters and cause them to overflow, allowing water to seep into walls and foundations. To prevent this, regularly clean gutters and downpipes.
What happens if you don’t treat damp?
If left untreated, damp can lead to stained and peeling walls, mould and mildew growth, and even structural damage. It’s important to deal with damp as soon as you notice it to prevent these outcomes.
Can damp be dangerous?
Yes, damp can be a hazard to your health. It creates the ideal environment for mould and mildew, which release spores that can irritate your respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to damp and mould can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health concerns, particularly for people with weakened immune systems.
