In the UK, it is common in one of four properties that have problems with damp and mould at least once. Read on for five of the most common causes of in UK housing association properties. Knowing the cause is essential to rectify the issue quickly.
Common Reasons for Damp and Mould
The damp and mould problem can result in several health issues. They also cause damage to both walls and furniture. Therefore, if you are struggling with these common issues, you must find their cause.
The common reasons for damp and mould include
- Poor Ventilation
- Pipe Leakage
- Poor Drainage System
- Increases Moisture
- External Factors
Poor Ventilation
Poor ventilation is a significant problem in any home, leading to condensation. Then condensation promotes the growth of damp and, eventually, mould growth. Damp and mould are unsightly, but they are harmful if left unchecked.
They break down internal surfaces such as plaster, but toxic particles can cause respiratory problems for residents of the home. Damp patches on internal walls are a common indication of poor ventilation.
They are typically more prominent than the surrounding areas and can cause discolouration. They also promote mildew or fungi. It is also essential to resolve the issue quickly with improved ventilation. Additionally, you can minimise damage to your home and enhance the air quality for occupants.
Leaking Pipes
Damp and mould appear in your home due to leaking pipes within your walls, which promotes moisture. The rising damp usually rising damp on internal walls from outside ground level, which can cause serious issues.
These leaks can not only cause damage to the structure of your walls but also increase your energy costs to prevent them from coming through in the first place. However, the best way to combat rising damp is to repair any leaking pipes causing unneeded disruption in the home.
Poor Drainage System
A poor drainage system can result in stagnant water and flooding. Then this unhygienic environment promotes damp and mould in the home. Damping is destructive to your health and the condition of your property, as it can result in permanent damage.
Your home should remain a haven where you can relax. However, when it is affected by dampness, it’s hard to feel comfortable. Dampness can also lead to severe and long-term health issues if exposed for a long time.
Those who are sleeping in a room which has been affected by dampness often struggle with health issues. They generally face respiratory issues or breathing difficulties during the night. Also, the harmful effects of sleeping in a damp room can impact their performance during the day.
Dampness also favours dust mites; these microscopic arthropods can feed on the dust particles found on mattresses, couches, clothes and carpets. Dampness adds to the moisture levels of these materials – creating an environment for their rapid reproduction. This increases the chances of allergic reactions like sneezing and chest or asthma issues becoming severe.
Insufficient Insulation
Damp and mould result from insufficient insulation, as inadequate insulation prevents heat from escaping from the walls and ceilings. Damp results from excess moisture in the air, while mould requires both excess moisture and warm temperatures to spread.
Damp also results when a porous surface like brick, mortar or plaster absorbs water. Damp or mould occur side-by-side as damp can promote mould growth if left unchecked. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours for microscopic spores to grow exponentially.
Therefore, it is vital to ensure that walls and ceilings are properly insulated so that no damp or mould can form.
Rising Damp
Rising dampness is a common issue in old and damp homes. It occurs when water or moisture seeps into the affected walls like floorboards and skirting boards – of a building’s fabric. The dampness can cause damp and mould, which looks unappealing but also damage the structure of the building itself.
Therefore rising damp is an issue that needs to be addressed quickly so that the affected area does not become further damaged than it already is. If it remains left unchecked, it can lead to severe issues down the line.
External Sources
Damp and mould are common issues that plague many homes. However, usually, their cause needs to be made apparent. External issues can also be a significant factor. For example, water pooling around the outside of walls can cause water to leak inside.
These external sources can lead to dampness more quickly than internal ones. Hence, it is vital to identify and address them quickly to protect your home from damp or mould damage. Regular inspections of your home’s exterior can go a long way to avoid damp and mould indoors.
All in All
Many different factors cause damp and mould. Some of the factors are internal, and some are external. The internal factors include poor ventilation, leaking pipes and a damaged drainage system.
All these things can contribute to dampness in your home and an overall lack of insulation. Other external sources like flooding and leaking gutters can cause dampness. The elements are essential in the amount of moisture collected inside the property.
Nobody wants to live with damp and mould problems, so if you are affected by them, contact an expert to diagnose the root issue and devise a plan to solve it.
From there, you can become eligible for financial compensation, depending on the severity of the case. Contact us today for more information about how we can help you tackle this annoying yet solvable problem.
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