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Damp One of the most frequent problems encountered in the home is damp. There are three major causes of damp, which each require a different remedy. Whatever the cause, damp can be bad for health and therefore it is important that you get advice if you think you are affected. Rising damp Rising damp normally occurs in properties which either have not been built with a damp proof course (DPC) or where the DPC has failed. The most obvious signs of rising damp are a brown "tidemark" on the wall and the plaster below feeling cold or damp to the touch. Rising damp can affect any wall in contact with the ground and therefore can affect internal as well as external walls. It does not normally rise above about a metre in height. If you suspect that your home is affected by rising damp, you should have the property surveyed by a contractor who is either registered with the Qualitymark scheme or a member of the British Timber Treatment and Damp Proofing Association, whose members are usually listed in Yellow Pages.
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Penetrating damp
Penetrating damp can affect almost any location in the home and is usually the result of a building or plumbing fault allowing water to enter into the property. A brown stain normally occurs on the affected surface, which grows in size as more water penetrates. If the fault is not rectified, plaster will start to perish and in the case of ceilings, could even collapse. If you think you have a problem with penetrating damp, you should have the fault repaired as soon as possible. If you need a contractor, it is advisable to contact someone registered with a recognised trade body or contact Qualitymark.
Medway Council's list of Fair Traders contains contractors who specialise in the treatment of damp.
Condensation
Condensation differs from rising and penetrating damp in that it is caused by excessive moisture that cannot escape from a building, rather than damp coming in. The first sign that condensation is a problem is when black pinpricks of mould appear on walls, ceilings and even furnishings. There is usually a musty smell and clothes and shoes in cupboards can become covered in a white or green furry mould. Factors which contribute to condensation include not opening windows, drying washing inside or using unvented tumble dryers and inadequate heating but the biggest cause of condensation is the use of portable calor gas heaters. If the cause of the condensation is not rectified, the pin pricks of mould will grow and can eventually cover whole walls and ceilings and ruin clothes and decorations.
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