Damp is a condition where moisture is developed in your home, resulting in serious building and health issues. In the UK, nearly 4 to 27 percent of the total population is facing this issue in their homes. The UK government has strict regulations to save homes and valuable people’s lives from damp issues.
Background ventilation is one of the best strategies for dealing with mold and moisture. In this guide, we will go through major damp-related problems to help you evaluate the structural sturdiness of your house as well. Along with that, we will also discuss how background ventilation helps you get rid of dampness permanently in a reasonable manner. Let’s see how to deal with damp and mold in your home with the help of this guide.
What is damp, and what are its different types?
Damp refers to the presence of moisture on your walls, ceiling, floor, and furniture. Dampness can be identified when discolored spots on walls, unwanted smells, and peeling wallpaper on ceilings come under observation. This can also be behind the peeling of your paint and designs.
Damp impacts not just the look of a home but also its structure. The materials like rugs, carpets, and curtains also get dark due to moisture and damp. It is also risky to your health because it can cause serious respiratory and mental health problems.
The most common types of damp in households include
- Rising Damp: It occurs when the water from the ground moves upward and affects the wall ends. It is more common in houses built before 1875. It can be prevented using damp proofing
- Penetrating Damp: Water enters the building from external water pipes, the ceiling, and around the windows. It grows horizontally and is mainly caused by plumbing issues.
- Condensation: It is the most common type of damp that occurs when the outer air is cooler than the air within. House activities like cooking, showering, and drying lead to condensation on walls and ceilings. It most commonly occurs in laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, etc.
What are the damp issues faced by UK households?
Both your property and your health are harmed by damp. Here are some issues that damp places are affected by:
Musty Smell
A strong, stale, and unpleasant odor remains in your home, near the affected area, causing uncomfortable air inside. It is said that stinginess is like the odor of old socks. This smell is a warning indication of major dampness problems, like condensation and poor ventilation.
Peeling Wallpaper or Paint
Dampness is shown in the peeling of wall texture, the removal or damage to paint, and the swelling of the wallpaper. This issue occurs gradually, leading to the destruction of the wall and the aesthetics of your home.
Issues with Mental Health
Unpleasant odors, molded walls, and rough wall textures make you lose your peace of mind. It causes a stressed feeling to see damp areas inside your home that affect your building's structure and human life.
Walls with Discolored or Stained Patches
Your walls and ceilings begin to lose their actual styling by showing discolored, moldy, and dark areas. This makes you think about severe damp issues hidden inside building material.
Mould Growth
Increased Humidity levels cause black moldy spots. The reason for this is insufficient ventilation for a long time.This moldy situation can be brought on by prolonged moisture, endangering both the paint of your house and the health of its occupants.
Breathing Problems
Having damp walls and ceilings shows how unhygienic the environment inside your home is.This leads to a variety of respiratory problems, including wheezing, sneezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
These issues lead to severe results if noted in a timely manner.
How does background ventilation save you from the harmful effects of damp areas?
Ventilation is the process of regulating air to make the internal environment comfortable. It is the exchange of air to avoid moisture in your home. Background ventilation can be a savior for damp problems as it silently maintains the airflow using small vents. Background ventilation depends upon controlled openings like
- Tickle Vents: These are small, adjustable openings, also known as condensation vents, generally placed above the windows to keep the airflow regulated even when the windows are closed.
- Air bricks: These are installed inside the wall to ensure that air flows smoothly between inside and outside the building.
- Extractor fan: These fans ventilate the whole house and prevent dampness. This positive input ventilation reflects a standard living environment.
This is how to stop damp in the house using background ventilation:
Reduces humidity
When the inside can properly go outside and let the fresh air come in, it will remove the moisture from the air. This will result in the reduction of humidity, which will directly control moisture in the house. This way it reduces the chance of dampness.
Removes Condensation
Using house ventilation systems to stop condensation is the best way to deal with dampness. Non-condensed areas are a good prevention for dampness and mold.
Improves Air Quality
Air ventilation for a closed room allows fresh air to come in and keeps the internal atmosphere healthy. This fresh air doesn’t hold the dust of inside dirt, unpleasant smells, and other air pollutants. This improved indoor air quality allows the residents to enjoy a comfortable environment inside the home.
No more unpleasant odor.
Home ventilation keeps your walls, ceiling, and floor areas dry through damp prevention. When your walls are protected from mold or damp, they do not spread stale or uncomfortable smells. The internal environment remains fresh and healthy.
Better living environment
Regulated airflow leads to a fresh and healthy living environment. This makes the internal air germ-free, on which the housemates can rely and breathe safely.
Choosing the best background ventilation providers in the UK
Having a damp or mouldy house indicates a growing silent danger behind the walls. The UK government also provides various regulations to keep your house dry. Different companies provide background ventilation at different charges. Fixsavvy offers you competitive prices while making your home damp-free using effective ventilation.
We offer background ventilation in our retrofitting services, which makes your house efficient, comfortable, and well-insulated. Read the reviews given by our respected clients and schedule your services right now from all over Wales and Britain.
FAQs
Can poor ventilation cause dampness?Yes, it is the most common cause of damp in UK houses. We can help you make your house damp-free with our professional services.
Is a landlord responsible for mold in the UK?Yes, it’s his responsibility to deal with the damp and mold on the property. As a tenant, you only need to inform him.
What happens if the ventilation in your home is inadequate?
- Damp and Mould growth
- Warm air can cause irregular air flow, leading to overheating and overcooling of the home.
From 4% to 7% of the UK houses are affected by poor ventilation, leading to damp.