DAMP IN LOW-RISE PROPERTY

One of the main functions of the building surveyor is to recognise damp, its cause, and provide recommendations on the remedies for one of the most common of all building defects found in low-rise property in the UK.

If your property is suffering from damp related problems it is important to establish the cause and recognise the risks to health and the potential risks to the life of other components and the future of the the building.

Rising Damp:

Rising damp is caused by water soaking up through porous materials into the floors and walls of the property. Most property is protected by an impervious barrier built into the wall and under floors so the water is unable to rise above a certain level.

The majority of housing stock in the UK is very old and is suffering from a lack of maintenance. The damp proof course (DPC) and damp proof membrane (DPM) are amongst the main components to fail allowing water to rise through capillary action.

Penetrating Damp:

Penetrating damp is the result of water permeating the structure of the property from the outside. Symptoms will only occur during wet weather. Penetrating damp is most frequent in older homes, which have solid walls.

New build property designed with a cavity wall offers more protection and is unlikely to suffer from this type of defect. However there are a number of ways the cavity can be bridged. Cracked and delaminated render, damaged roof coverings and loose mortar between brickwork are just some of the examples of penetrating damp.

Condensation:

The root cause of condensation is difficult to diagnose, as it is the result of a combination of conditions that include air temperature, humidity, poor ventilation and thermal insulation.

Condensation starts as moisture that is produced by cooking, washing and human activity, or even the use of gas. The moist air condenses on cool surfaces such as walls, mirrors, wall tiles and windows. When the moist air is warm it rises and often ends up on ceilings and in upstairs rooms and then forms mould. Condensation which leads to mould growth can be detrimental to health.

Hawksworth and Smedley Ltd can offer a complete service in the diagnosis and remedies to damp related problems.