As a household problem, damp is all too easy to underestimate. We can only detect the surface level symptoms, like a musty smell or stains on the wall, but these tell us little about the damage that damp could be doing to our homes behind the scenes. This article provides a primer on the true costs of damp and explains why you should never underestimate it if you find it Continue Reading
There are many issues that any property owner needs to be aware of and carry out regular inspections so that they can live in safe conditions. The various types of damp can damage any buildings, with those who are in London facing increased challenges compared to elsewhere. Climate change continues to have an impact with heavier rainfall than ever, putting pressure on structures, which can develop leaks and increased moisture Continue Reading
It can be one of the proudest moments in someone’s life when they finally get the keys to a property and become a homeowner for the first time. They can look forward to the years ahead knowing that they will no longer pay rent to a landlord and can adapt their home to suit their preferences. However, it’s often anything but plain sailing, especially having bought an older property. Ageing Continue Reading
When making big financial commitments like buying a home, it is important to identify potential problems that could add to your costs later. One issue that every responsible homebuyer should be on the lookout for is damp. The initial signs of damp can be subtle, but it can quickly spread and cause structural damage. This article explores some red flags you can look out for while viewing properties, and other Continue Reading
There are a lot of advantages provided to those who invest in a property in London that has a cellar or basement, not least owing to the demand for living space. The area below ground level can be converted into a flat and bring in lucrative revenue when rented out. However, with it can come issues if not addressed properly, with the earth around the capital consisting of clay and Continue Reading
It’s a nightmare situation that any homeowner wants to avoid. They may be returning from a day out and find that the basement has been flooded. As if they haven’t spent enough money already purchasing the property and then their general household costs, they will now have to sort out what can be a major problem. The first thing they should do is remove anything valuable and hope that it Continue Reading
Damp has been a danger for as long as humans have been building houses, and even today it is still common in cities like London, where houses must hold up against high rainfall and an increasingly humid climate. A professional damp survey can identify damp issues early and make sure your London home is properly protected against them. Here’s everything you need to know about damp surveys and why they Continue Reading
A high water table is something that anyone looking to buy a nearby property should be mindful of. Those who have lived in such a location for many years are likely to have taken precautions against it, but things continue to evolve, not least through the effects of global warming. The Thames in London creates such a situation as well, much of the southeast of England is built on clay, Continue Reading
London’s consistently wet conditions are hard on all structures, with the all-pervading moisture causing all kinds of harm, but none are more susceptible to the damp than those constructed of wood. Let’s take a look at two of the most common damp-related problems that plague timber structures, dry rot and wet rot! Dry Rot – This is one of the most destructive problems that a wood structure can face. Dry Continue Reading
It might be something that a London property owner is continually mindful of and wants to avoid, but the telltale signs of damp in their home can create a lot of concern. It might be the musty smells when they open a door to an affected room that alerts them, or perhaps the tide mark on a wall accompanied by peeling paintwork and wallpaper. Anyone who cares about the condition Continue Reading