Penetrating damp, rising damp and condensation are all unwanted and yet can be common defects that affect properties, requiring repair and remediation. Left untreated or unrectified, dampness and condensation can lead to serious (and costly) damage.

Damp and condensation issues can in some instances lead to:

• Affecting the structural members of buildings and causing issues like timber decay
• Wet and dry rot and fungal growth
• Cosmetic damage (damage to plaster, paintwork etc)
• Mould problems
• Health implications to occupants

So, what can be contributing factors leading to dampness and condensation?

• The weather – that, what feels like, never-ending period of rain we quite often experience in the UK, Storm Sally across the horizon or that cold spell as autumn ends and follows into winter can all have an impact on damp and condensation. Condensation is quite common in periods of colder weather when temperatures drop and if there isn’t sufficient heating to balance out/modify the change in temperate and keep moisture levels at the required levels, this can lead to condensation. Long periods of rainfall are also a common contributor to rising and penetrating dampness.
• Poor workmanship and incorrect construction/detailing – quite a common factor, particularly in older properties is that their construction doesn’t include damp-proof courses/membranes to protect against water/moisture ingress. In addition, the incorrect use of certain construction materials and methods when building or maintaining a property can trap moisture into the building fabric. Thermal/cold bridging is also another common issue relating to different temperatures between elements; heat loss as well as tracking of moisture between elements, a common example being a cavity wall full filled with insulation which can lead to moisture being able to be transferred between key elements of the property. External ground levels being higher than internal floor levels is also a common occurrence which allows water and moisture to penetrate the damp proof course.
• Lack of maintenance – To reduce the risk of dampness and water/moisture ingress, proactive and regular maintenance of the building envelope and elements is vital. Those leaking rainwater goods you’ve not had time to fix? Those minor cracks in the render or missing pointing to the stonework that need infilling? Leaving general maintenance items can mean your building is not adequately protected from the outside elements and one of the best ways to reduce the risk of ongoing damp and condensation issues to maintain your property regularly and effectively.
• Occupational issues – Another common instance is property occupiers using clothes horses and radiators etc. to dry clothes and other belongings. This leads to additional moisture being dispersed into the atmosphere leading to condensation and black spot mould. In addition, properties that are left empty or unoccupied for long periods of time quite often have issues with condensation and dampness which can occur due to a lack of heating and ventilation to the property. It is important to ensure that the property has a good balance of heating and ventilation as required to aid in keeping moisture within the air and property at acceptable levels.

If you are buying or already own a property and are concerned about potential damp issues, give us a call on 01872 277230 to discuss or email info@cockrams-surveyors.co.uk