What Type of Damp is affecting Your Home in Oxford?

A little leak isn’t something to be taken lightly. Whether the leakage is coming from a plumbing problem or hole in your roof, bacterial and mould can grow within 24-48 hours of the moisture intrusion. Damp can cause serious problems for Oxford homes. Besides leading to property damage, damp houses have been proven to cause health issues including respiratory illness.

Fortunately, damp proofing Oxford homes can be a remedy to drive away from the negative impact of damp. There are specialists available who will help you to eliminate it effectively. However, first, let’s see how to identify a damp problem in your house.

How to Identify a Damp Problem in Your Home?

Usually, you need to look out for three general signs. The first and foremost is the well-known and most obvious sign that is black or dark stains on your house wall. These stains are the indicators of mould build-up signifying a serious damp issue in your home.

However, dampness will not always appear as dark black stains. You could also encounter a musty damp smell which is the second sign. If you experience a pungent stale smell that reminds you of an old cellar, then it is likely you have mildew or mould spores somewhere in your house.

The last thing to look for is chipping or curling wallpaper. It usually indicates increasing dampness even if you see or smell any damp.

After the damp has been identified in your home, you must be wondering what to do no next. The kind of damp affecting your house decides what to do next for your damp problem.

Types of Damp

Here are three types of damp:

Rising Damp

When the groundwater moves up through the masonry underneath the plaster on the walls, it causes rising damp. Through capillary action, moisture is sucked via small tubes or holes. This type of damp is common on ground floors and basements. You can spot rising dampness near skirting boards on the walls. The brown or yellow bands are the nitrates and chlorides left behind from the groundwater. It can be prevented by injecting a damp-proof chemical into the walls of your Oxford home.

Condensation

When moist air bounces off cold surfaces to form water droplets, condensation damp is caused. It is more prevalent in Oxford homes with poor ventilation especially in times of winters. Kitchens and bathrooms are the worst-hit areas. Condensation is a symptom of a larger and more dangerous damp problem. The damp-proofing specialist in Oxford can help you with condensation issues.

Penetrating Damp

When damp spread laterally via walls and across the ceiling, it is known as penetrating damp. It is caused due to water leakage and is also common in Oxford. This damp could be due to missing roof tiles, leaky pipes, overflowing gutters, poorly fitted doors and windows, or faults in the structure. It is spotted as a blotchy patch on the ceiling or wall which never air outs and gives out a musty smell. Keep your homes maintained to prevent penetrating dampness.

Bottom Line

Nobody wants a damp in their homes. However, it’s a common problem for residents of Oxford. Damp proofing specialists in Oxford can help you to identify and eradicate damp and improves your home to be lively and hygienic.

Sarah K, a professional writer who share interests in different creative niches. Her ideas and tips towards such niches have contributed to the online community.