What Causes Damp in Buildings

The most common damp problems in buildings are

Rising damp
Penetrative Damp
Condensation

Moisture, in liquid or vapour form, is all around us.

Excessive moisture will expand and contract as temperature fluctuates; if excessive moisture cannot escape to the outside of the building it will cause degradation of building material over time.

It allows house dust mite population to rise and mould to grow and so is detrimental the health.

It’s presence is linked to attack from wood boring insects such as woodworm , attracted to timber once moisture content reaches a certain level.

Damp timber can be subject to dry or wet rot.

Most construction material are porous. When these are subject to persistent high humidity (above 75 RH-relative humidity) or when moisture is introduced from external source, the material may be damp enough to deteriorate and cause defects to the building.

Where does moisture come from

Moisture content inside occupied houses in generally higher than the level of moisture in the outside air.

Moisture is generated in the home by the occupier’s metabolism, activities (washing, cooking, bath/shower), by heating and by the weather.

Moisture can also be generated as a result of plumbing leak or other building defects, water entering through gaps or from below ground.

The most common source of Moisture:

Air moisture condensation (cooking, breathing, washing, heating)
Penetrative dampness (rainwater, leaking rainwater goods, blocked gully, porous bricks)
Internal plumbing leaks (burst pipes, leaks from washing machine)
-Below ground moisture (underground plumbing leaks, basement below ground level)

Moisture generated in one area will disperse to other parts of the building or to the outside air by air circulation. When warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface the water vapour will change to liquid (condensation).

For more information on damp in buildings visit the Property Care Association website: www.property-care.org

Thanet Timber and Damp Ltd is a member of the Property Care Association (PCA).

Our surveyor is qualified C.S.R.T and will identify the cause of dampness; our survey report will contain recommendations for remedial treatment.

Our qualified team will be able to carry out:

Damp proofing treatment:

Installation of new chemical damp proof course.
Installation of damp proofing membrane / render / cementitious compound.

Dry / wet rot treatment:

To remedy cases of Dry Rot, we identify the underlying cause, carry out all necessary repair work.
Remove affected timber
Carry out specialised treatments
Re-instatement work

Woodboring beetle treatment:

Identification of the type of infestation
Treatment of all infected timber
Repair or replace any badly-damaged timber

We provide spray treatments to eradicate all wood-boring beetles. Mainly loft spaces - rafters, joists and purloins - and floor joists and floorboards.

We offer a 20 years company guarantee on Damp and Timber Treatment.

Call us on 01843 280812 or email us at enquiries@ttdamp.com to book a survey.

What Causes Damp in Buildings

Where does moisture come from

Areas We Cover