Many people experience damp in their homes, some without even knowing it. If you aren’t aware already, damp causes mould growth. Mould growth can cause numerous illnesses such as nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing, eye irritation, and even skin irritation.

But what causes damp? There are various factors that contribute to damp in and around the home. From the age of the building to whether condensation is present.

Below are some usual causes of damp:

Leaking gutters

Gutters are typically overlooked by homeowners because they are costly to fix. However, the damage leaking gutters may cause – structural faults due to damp – will cost you much more if ignored. It is crucial to address problems around your home the moment you spot them to prevent it from causing even bigger problems in future.

Uneven ground

Homes built on uneven ground are more likely to experience rising damp. Rising damp is where water from outside moves up through your walls. Signs of rising damp will include salt stains and damage to your walls and floors.

Old buildings

Older buildings often fall victim to damp since they don’t have sufficient damp proofing anymore. There’s nothing left to prevent moisture from being absorbed through the walls. Damp proofing and improved ventilation will help get rid of damp.

Other causes of damp

• Inadequate heating in rooms
• No insulation in walls
• Moisture sources such as plants, damp clothing and cooking without lids
• Not wiping tiles, shower or bath after using it
• Rain leakage through roofs, windows and cracked walls
• Water absorbed through floors and walls
• Condensation caused by heaters or even a person breathing

There are various solutions available for treating damp. If you have any questions or need a professional to resolve damp issues around your home, get in touch with Hydrostop SA. The specialists for damp proofing Pretoria one client at a time.