5 Leading Causes of Damp in London Homes and How to Avoid Them

London’s properties are some of the most valuable in the world, but the city’s density and rainy weather make them especially prone to damp. This can turn a dream home into disaster zone if it is not kept at bay, and the first step to preventing it is understanding what causes it. In this article, we cover the five most common causes of damp in the city, and provide practical tips to help you avoid them.

1. Poor External Maintenance

Years of protecting occupants from the elements can understandably lead to wear and tear on property exteriors. However, even minor damage like a crack in the wall or a damaged roof tile creates a way for water to get into a building. This is known as penetrating or lateral damp, and it can be prevented by regularly checking the outside of your home for damage and fixing issues promptly. There are also external damp-proofing treatments you can apply.

2. Old Construction Techniques

In London, even ordinary houses can be centuries old. However, construction requirements back then weren’t as stringent as they are now. One result of this that affects many of London’s older properties is rising damp, which occurs because the properties were built either without a damp-proof course (DPC) or with one that has failed over time. In either case, a new DPC must be installed. This is usually done with a chemical injection or by installing a DPC membrane.

3. Poor Ventilation

Many Londoners live in terraced houses and flats, which can suffer from poor ventilation. This allows humid air to build up from activities like cooking, showering, and breathing without being removed from the property and replaced with fresh air. When this moisture-rich air comes into contact with a cool surface, it creates condensation. Prevention strategies for this include using extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, using dehumidifiers in poorly-ventilated rooms, and opening windows when possible.

4. Plumbing Leaks

It’s easy to understand how plumbing leaks can lead to damp in a property, but it can be hard to detect them. Leaks can happen behind walls and under floors, so it is important to pay attention to your home’s water pressure and your water bill. A drop in the former or leap in the latter indicates that water is being lost somewhere. You should also inspect visible piping, for example behind the toilet and under the sink.

5. Basement Moisture Problems

When there is rain or melting snow, most of the liquid is absorbed into the soil on the ground. Because basements are built into this ground, they are essentially surrounded by this water, making them very prone to damp issues and even flooding. Adequate waterproofing through methods such as basement tanking or installing a sump pump system are the best ways to avoid this.

If you are looking for professional basement waterproofing in London or want to make sure your property is protected against these other types of damp, contact London Damp Proofing Ltd at [email protected], or call us on 0208 226 6330.