There are many causes of damp which provides an ideal environment for mould to grow.
Damp is a common problem affecting many homes and comes in different forms. Rising damp is often caused by a damaged or defective damp proof course allowing water to enter the property. Penetrating damp is caused by issues such as defective brickwork, roofing or windows causing water ingress. Damp can also be caused by other issues such as floods and excessive condensation. Legal action can be taken regarding damp, due to it rendering a property unfit for human habitation. This is because damp poses a serious risk to health and can cause respiratory problems.
Common causes of a damp houses include:
- Building faults such as cracked render, missing mortar, damaged tiles, and incorrectly installed windows and doors. Leaky roofs and walls including and blocked gutters and downpipes.
- Leaky plumbing etc.
- Poor ventilation which requires fresh air to enter and moist internal air to escape.
- Condensation which occurs when water vapour comes into contact with a surface in the home that’s below the dew point, such as an uninsulated external wall or a cold window.
- Poor drainage around the building