Warning Signs of Damp: When to Call a Damp Specialist

They might not act as quickly as fires, but damp issues can be almost as devastating for properties. Catching them early is essential in order to avoid expensive remedial work, but the first signs of damp are often subtle and can easily be overlooked. So, how do you know when it is time to call in an expert? This article lists the warning signs you can use to tell you’ve got a serious damp problem.

Persistent Musty Smells

If your house smells musty, don’t just take out an air freshener and try to mask it. It could be a sign that your home has a serious damp issue lurking beneath the surface. However, before you pick up the phone, be sure to thoroughly clean the house. Pay special attention to areas prone to moisture build-up, like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. If the musty odour persists, then you likely have a deeper issue and should call a damp specialist.

Pervasive Mould

Spots of surface mould in moisture-rich environments like the bathroom are not usually concerning, but large patches of mould on walls, ceilings, or furniture are a sign of something serious. So too is mould that rapidly regrows after cleaning. If you spot any of these, it is time to bring in some mould specialists. These are not only able to rid your home of mould, they can also help treat the underlying damp issue that is enabling it to flourish.

Peeling Paint or Wallpaper

Bubbling, flaking, or peeling paint or wallpaper is easy to dismiss as a minor cosmetic issue, and you may be tempted to think that it is due to age or poor quality. However, it is often a sign that there is moisture trapped behind your walls. To be certain, you can try repainting or rehanging the wallpaper to see if it quickly peels off again. This happens because moisture stops paint and adhesives from bonding properly to the wall.

Discoloured or Stained Interior Surfaces

Walls are not the only surfaces affected by damp issues. They can impact floors and ceilings too. Something you might notice on affected surfaces are discoloured patches and stains, which often look yellow, brown, or black. They are also commonly damp or cold to touch. These are clear signs of moisture-related problems, meaning that you shouldn’t hesitate to contact a specialist in damp repair services who can identify the root cause and resolve the issue.

Tidemarks and Salt Deposits

Something else to look out for on your ground-floor walls are tidemarks. These are a classic sign of rising damp, which is moisture that originates underground and rises up through a building’s foundations. This type of damp can also cause efflorescence, which is salt deposits left behind on walls when moisture evaporates. Rising damp can damage structural elements, including plaster, timber, and brickwork if not treated quickly, so call an expert as soon as you see these signs.

Untreated damp can render your home not just unpleasant, but unlivable. Yet when it is caught early, it is often simple to treat, and the solutions can last for decades. If you have spotted any of these signs in your home, call London Damp Proofing Ltd on 0208 226 6330 today.