Unfortunately, there are lots of homes in the UK that suffer from damp and mould issues. This is not something that you want in the home, and as well as making sure you get rid of it, you also want to prevent it from happening in the future.
All parts of the home are vulnerable to damp and mould, and this is because there are many causes of it.
The location is one of the first things that will give you a clue about what is going on when you find damp or mould in your home. From the location, you get a good idea of where the problem is coming from. For example, if you have damp areas that are seemingly coming from the bottom of the house and travelling upwards, this is very likely to be rising damp. In this case, it is probably caused by a failed damp proof course, or in the case of an older property not having a damp proof course at all.
However, when you find damp that is in patches on the wall or in one area, this may look similar, but it is likely to be caused by something else as it is not coming up from the bottom. A likely cause for damp that is appearing in a specific area of the wall is likely to be a leak somewhere, such as in a water pipe. In this case, you should get a professional like this plumber Gloucester based company https://www.hprservicesltd.com/emergency-plumber-gloucester/ to check and repair leaks in the pipes if necessary. It could also be caused by a leak in the roof if you find it upstairs.
Another thing that you might notice is mould. Mould forms when there is excessive moisture in an area, and there are many causes of this. It could be that you have washing that is drying in a certain area, which then of course means the room will be damp. It could be that you don’t have enough ventilation in the room, or it might be in a room that is just steamier, such as the kitchen or the bathroom.
Once you have found and treated the cause of the problem, there are various ways to eradicate the problem, from injecting foam into the walls to using a dehumidifier to take the moisture out of the room.
When the damp is coming from the roof
Damp can start almost anywhere, from rising damp through a cracked damp proof course to walls exposed to heavy rainfall. One of the most damaging places is the roof, where it can affect the eaves and joists and, over time, even treated trusses.
A roof leak is not something to leave. If the timber becomes saturated, mould and mildew can grow and weaken the trusses, leaving the structure vulnerable, and heavy snowfall could then put the roof at risk of collapse. Wet loft insulation is another sign, often showing as stains on the ceiling paintwork below and leading to further structural problems.
If damp or mould appears on upper floor ceilings or in the loft, check the roof as a likely cause. Sealing a leak quickly is usually simple and far cheaper than the repairs needed once water has been getting in for months.
Removing mould safely and stopping it returning
Mould is a fungus that grows from airborne spores, usually where it is warm, damp and poorly ventilated, such as bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms. The black mould seen on walls is often called mildew. A quick test is to dab on a little bleach: if the colour fades, it is mildew rather than dirt.
Severe outbreaks may need an expert, but small patches can be treated at home. Wear gloves, eye protection and a face mask, because the spores can be harmful. Mix one part bleach with three parts water, scrub the area with a stiff brush, rinse with clean water and dry it off.
To stop it coming back, deal with the source of moisture. Damp coming through external walls can be tackled with damp proof paint, and anti-mildew paints and sprays suit indoor use. For condensation, improve ventilation with extractor fans and trickle vents, especially when drying washing indoors, and check insulation. Fix leaking pipes, gutters and downpipes quickly, and use a dehumidifier to dry out badly affected areas.