The Growing Impact of Climate Change on Damp in London Homes

All around the world, global warming is causing higher temperatures, more humidity, and increased rainfall, and these changes are affecting lives in countless ways. In London, where there was never any shortage of rain to begin with, more humidity has led to a rise in damp-related issues, affecting old and new properties alike. Understanding the impact of climate change on damp is essential for protecting your home and your family’s health from this increasingly common threat.

Rising Rainfall

While London’s soil and drainage systems are well-suited to soft but steady drizzle, they can be easily overwhelmed by sudden rainstorms, and these are happening more frequently than ever. This should be a major concern for the city’s residents, because once it is on the ground, all that rainwater needs to go somewhere. If it cannot be drained away and the ground is oversaturated, it often ends up finding its way into people’s homes.

Rainwater can enter homes in many ways. Damage or flaws to the exterior of a house can let it in from outside, leading to penetrating damp, while insufficient damp-proofing of walls and foundations allows groundwater to be absorbed and causes rising damp. Basement waterproofing is also an essential form of protection against increased rainfall, since underground spaces are more prone to flooding.

Warmer Winters

The recent rise in winter temperatures has also exacerbated damp issues, especially in London where many people live in flats and terraced houses with poor ventilation. Without adequate circulation to carry humid air away, condensation forms when the moisture-rich air comes into contact with cold surfaces inside homes. This can lead to many problems, including ugly damp patches on walls, structural weakening, and mould growth accompanied by a musty mould smell in the house.

Homeowners must be proactive to minimise the effects of condensation. Some simple measures to take include opening the windows for at least a few minutes each day, as well as leaving internal doors open to allow air to circulate around the home. Extractor fans are also important, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, and residents in poorly ventilated properties should consider investing in a Positive Input Ventilation unit.

Early Warning Signs

Spotting damp early and nipping it in the bud prevents it from progressing and causing serious and costly damage. Damp specialists in London aren’t hard to find, so don’t hesitate to contact them if you see damp forming in your home. Some signs to look out for are peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper, discoloured or visibly wet patches on the walls or ceilings, visible mould growth, and musty odours.

You should also check wooden fixtures like skirting boards and beams for rot, and be wary if you are waking up to steamy or wet windows each day. This can be a sign of high humidity, which can cause condensation.

While damp issues can cause a lot of damage to properties, the risks they pose to health should not be ignored. Warm, damp, and humid conditions create ideal breeding grounds for mould and bacteria, which can lead to diseases. Climate change is making London homes more prone to these conditions, so call London Damp Proofing Ltd on 0208 226 6330 to make sure your home and health are protected.