Check external walls, gutters and downpipes and ensure water isn't flowing onto or sitting next to walls. Speak to a few damp specialists to identify and treat the source of the damp, which may be through damp proof coursing, repairing external masonry or fixing drainage and gutters which are faulty.
There are several causes for damp patches appearing on interior walls including damaged guttering, cracked roof tiles and more commonly condensation. Condensation forms when warm moist air within a room touches a cold internal wall or surface.
In order to get rid of the dampness, place one or two fans in front of each damp spot. Turn the fans to their highest setting and open the doors and windows to let the air pass. Not only will this help clear out moist air, but it will actively dry the damp spots on the walls.
Use fans to move air around the damp walls. Also use dehumidifiers, which can help remove moisture from the air and walls. Professionals use tools like moisture meters, infrared imaging devices, dehumidifiers and heavy-duty fans. That ensures the walls are truly dry before further repair, painting or refinishing.
The damp and timber survey cost will set you back roughly £200 to £300. Based on the figures mentioned, you could be forgiven for supposing damp surveyors get paid so much for one or two hours' labour.
Dehumidifiers can indeed aid in drying wet walls. After a flood, leak, or a spell of extreme humidity, damp walls can develop. A dehumidifier removes extra moisture from the air, lowers the humidity, and stimulates evaporation.
Open your windows to improve air flow – Ventilation matters
Open the bathroom windows after having a bath and the windows of the kitchen and home to let the fresh breeze come in, allowing the damp air or excess moisture to pass out the window and not to settle down in fixtures or walls.
Pinless meters use electromagnetic frequencies to look at specific areas. Meters are designed to read damp levels in both timber and masonry. Surveyors will identify different types of damp. Rising damp usually occurs when there are flaws in a damp-proof barrier, and moisture rises from ground level up the wall.
You must address the core source of the damp if you are to permanently get rid of damp on your walls. If you are aware of the source of the damp, here are some of the most common solutions: Rising damp – a damp proof course (DPC) is the easiest and most cost-effective way to prevent rising damp.
Dryzone Moisture Meter is an economical entry-level surveying tool that measures relative moisture content across wood, brickwork, masonry, render and other building materials.
The worse a damp situation gets, the more it's likely to cost to repair any damage. Most standard buildings and contents home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by damp and condensation.
Foil test: If you've noticed a damp problem but aren't sure if it's caused by condensation or penetrating or rising damp, you can use a foil test. Tape a square of aluminium foil to the wall and leave it there for a day. On inspection, if the side facing away from the wall is wet, you have an issue with condensation.
Perform a capillary test. This test will help you know whether moisture seeps into the house, (via walls, foundation or floor) or if it comes from indoor air.
Grab a room fan to dry small damp spots. If the area that is wet is a small one, then it is possible to use a standing oscillating fan to try it out. Place one or more fans in front of the damp spot and turn them to their highest setting. This helps dry the wall and also gets moisture out of the air.
But is DampRid as good as a dehumidifier? "While DampRid is nowhere near as rapid or effective as a good dehumidifier, it almost works the same as a poor-performing dehumidifier," says Chris.
Dehumidifiers work by getting rid of excess moisture that's in the air. And that can help to stop mildew and mould from growing, as well as reducing any musty smells. It does this by drawing in air from the room it's in, which is then passed over a cooled coil.
The damp surveyor is likely to inspect the exterior of your property first to establish whether there is a damp course and if the building has a cavity or solid walls. They might also investigate the gutters, water pipes, and drains to see if there is any evidence of damage.
If you're thinking of buying a property it's essential to carry out a damp survey so that you are aware of any issues. This will not only allow you to make informed decisions and plans but also enable you to negotiate the house price/ask the vendor to fix any problems before you sign the contract.
To resolve rising damp, either a chemical or osmotic damp proofing course (DPC), or a new damp membrane must be installed. A DPC is often used and is injected via holes in the masonry, the DPC repels water whilst a damp membrane acts as a physical barrier to stop damp.
Use fans and a dehumidifier (if you have one). Fans will move the air around the damp area to help dry it. A dehumidifier will help remove moisture from the air and walls.
If your home has poor ventilation, condensation from everyday living might be allowing moisture to build up in your home, leading to damp patches. Your kitchen and bathroom are the most likely causes of moisture build up in the home, but bedrooms are also moisture hotspots.