Having rising damp is a very serious problem, and if you are thinking of buying a home, it is a good idea to check out the different signs that it might be present. Rising damp is caused by the presence of mould spores, which can lead to health problems.
Signs of rising damp
Depending on the type of building you have, you may notice one or more of the following signs of rising damp. In addition, you may also experience structural decay. This is particularly true of older buildings, such as houses made from brickwork.
Signs of rising damp include stains on the walls and wallpaper peeling off. Alternatively, you may experience a musty odour on your property. It’s important to get the problem solved early, as untreated rising damp can lead to major structural damage.
If you suspect you have a damp problem, contact a licensed builder to carry out a damp survey. A damp specialist can help identify the cause of rising damp and advise you on how to get rid of it.
Rising damp signs usually include a visible “tide-mark” on the wall, which is caused by salts migrating from the ground. This is usually visible from the bottom of the wall up to one metre above the floor.
Treatment options for rising damp
Whether you’re a property owner or an architect looking to solve rising damp, it’s important to understand what treatment options are available. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are some steps you can take to protect your investment and prevent costly damage.
The best way to combat rising damp is by ensuring an adequate sub-floor ventilation system. Installing extra air bricks in the base of walls is the easiest way to achieve this. This will allow the air to dry out your walls and reduce the risk of decay.
Another simple way to combat rising damp is to repair your guttering. This will prevent ponding and the formation of rising damp. Another option is to install weep vents, which can also have the same effect.
One of the more expensive methods to combat rising damp is by installing an elaborate damp-proofing system. These include systems such as Wallguard and Dr Damp. They involve inserting porous ceramic tubes into the wall to pull moisture from the damp brickwork.
Misdiagnosis of rising damp from other forms of dampness
Identifying rising damp is important for homeowners. This is because it can cause significant damage to your home. If you have the right information, you will be able to prevent the damage from happening.
Rising damp is caused by groundwater that rises through walls. It is a serious problem and can be expensive to fix. It can cause rot to structural timbers and damage absorbent decorative features.
If you suspect that you have rising damp, you should contact a specialist immediately. The damp problem can have many different causes, so it is important to identify the source. The wrong diagnosis can cause unnecessary damage and waste money.
Rising damp is often mistaken for condensation and penetrating damp. This is because they share some similar symptoms. The difference between rising damp and condensation is that the former only affects the ground floor. You may also hire a housing disrepair solicitor for your damp and mould issues.
The problem of rising damp is caused by groundwater travelling up through brickwork and porous building materials. The problem can occur in any structure. If the damp is left untreated, it can cause wet rot and dry rot. It can also cause problems with the flooring, window frames and skirting boards.
Health problems caused by mould spores
Among the health problems caused by mould spores caused by rising damp are asthma attacks, bronchitis, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. People with respiratory conditions are more likely to suffer from these illnesses than those who don’t. If the condition is not relieved, it can become chronic.
The EPA recommends calling for professional help if there is a large mould problem. It’s also a good idea to clean up the mould on hard surfaces.
The EPA recommends using detergent and warm water to clean surfaces. If the problem continues, you may need to remove porous materials, such as wallpaper or carpets, and replace them.
Some moulds produce toxins, called mycotoxins, that can harm humans. People who have weakened immune systems are more susceptible to these illnesses. Several organizations have begun to reduce the threat of mould.
Mould is also a cause of illness for babies, especially during the first two years of life. Several studies have shown a link between residential fungal growth and acute respiratory illness in infants.
