Getting to grips with damp
December 2010The past few months have seen extreme weather conditions all over the world - unusually heavy snowfall in Europe, Earthquakes in Haiti and unusual flooding patterns in parts of South Africa.
For those living in the flash flood hit areas in South Africa, damp spots could appear, causing unsightly marks on carpets, walls and ceilings.
According to Melody Redman, Budget Insurance Broker's general manager, not only is this unsightly but it is also well documented that damp in homes impacts negatively on the health and welfare of those living in the home.
"There are several simple measures that can remedy damp. It is worthwhile to carefully inspect your property and then, if necessary, contact an outside firm to carry out the repair. The problem may be very simple and something you can fix quickly with an anti-damp product or a spot of DIY repair, however, you need to know what to look for and understand how serious the problem can potentially be. Preventative measures, such as keeping gutters leaf free or spotting early symptoms of damp, will also prove extremely beneficial in keeping your property warm and dry", says Redman
"Damp needn't be expensive to tackle, it is merely a case of common sense to identify a spot where water has no natural means of escape. A solution that deals with superficial effects of the problem is not going to treat the cause, and can end up being an expensive project to tackle. Get to the cause, deal with it and there will be no further effects. A cosmetic approach to rising damp, such as painting over the affected areas, will only increase the expense in the long run. A nasty bill can be avoided with applied vigilance and employing a reputable damp specialist", continues Redman
Budget Insurance Brokers advises that the first course of action when curing a damp problem is to establish where the water source is coming from, and how it is gaining entry into the walls.
There are four main causes of damp; poor maintenance, sub-standard building practices, condensation and old, failing materials. Furthermore, within these categories there are three classes of damp: penetrating damp; rising damp and condensation. Referring to the simple check list below can prevent damp from becoming an expensive and unnecessary issue.
Broken or perished damp-proof course (DPC)
If the dampness is on the ground floor, beginning at ground level or below, a faulty DPC may be the cause. This may not be easy to establish by eye or without invasive investigations, so should be considered once all other sources have been eliminated.
Bridged Damp Proof Course
It is not uncommon for the ground levels surrounding a property to slowly rise as garden debris and external finishes such as decking and driveways are added. Check the perimeter of your property and be sure that these surfaces do not carry water to a level higher than your DPC, effectively rendering it useless. Cavity wall insulation is also capable of bridging the DPC, so check that this has been properly installed and does not pass below the level of the DPC.
Broken or Blocked Guttering
Broken or blocked rainwater goods, such as guttering, drainpipes and roofing, can be large contributors to damp. If rainwater isn't conducted safely away to drainage points, it will leak uncontrollably onto walls unprotected by a waterproof layer.
Defective Ground Surface Drainage
As they meet the external perimeter, surfaces butting up to the walls of your property should be angled slightly upwards so that rainwater drains away from the building. If ground drainage is blocked, rain and waste water will not be able to drain away promptly, and the property is at risk of flooding.
Condensation
This is caused by humid air hitting a cool surface, so check that kitchens, bathrooms and boilers are well ventilated to carry this moisture rich air away. The area beneath suspended wooden floors is highly susceptible to condensation, so check that there are sufficient airbricks and most importantly, that they are not blocked by garden debris or cavity wall insulation.
Leaking plumbing
Leaks are most often at the joints between shower trays or bathtubs and the walls, so check that sealant and grouting is intact and continuous. Also check pipework for leaks, particularly at joins, which may simply be rectified by a new joint or washer.
"Most insurance companies, including Budget Insurance Brokers, provide cover for loss or damage caused by storms, bursting or over-flowing of geysers and equipment or pipes, however, make sure that your insurance policy is up-to-date and that you have adequate buildings, home contents and personal possessions cover," concludes Redman.
