Advice about damp
There are 4 types of damp:
- Condensation
- Rising dampness
- Penetrating dampness
- Dampness from a leaking pipe, poor seals around a bath or shower etc.
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Condensation
Condensation is the most common type of dampness. It can happen at any time, but is often a problem between September and April.
Condensation, and the mould that appears due to a build-up of condensation, are usually down to the incorrect use of heating and ventilation, but can also be linked with poor insulation.
For information on how to prevent condensation and treat mould, visit CSE and Envirovent.
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Rising dampness
Rising dampness occurs, particularly in older buildings, when groundwater rises up through walls, floors and masonry.
The brick or stone blocks soak up water from the ground like a sponge. It usually shows as a tide mark on the wall up to a metre in height.
Rising dampness does not normally cause mould, however, it can cause rot in skirting boards.
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Penetrating dampness
Penetrating dampness is usually caused by one of the following:
- Porous walls — aging bricks lose the ability to keep out rain penetration.
- Spalled bricks and degraded mortar — damage to brickwork allows water to penetrate.
- Building defects — for example, defective guttering and downpipes, roof damage, dilapidated or poorly installed windows.
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Leaking pipes
Leaking pipes should be repaired straight away. If you are a tenant, let your landlord know immediately.
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Additional information