|
By: Rachael Willerton
Is your home damp?
A damp house can encourage mould growth and mites which can
increase the risk of illness. Here are some tips to identify
the causes and what to do.
Water ingress
Damp caused by water penetrating from outside has a couple
of tell tale signs. Firstly water penetrating through brickwork
will extract the salts and leave a white deposit called efflorescence.
Secondly a leak will leave a tide mark. As the problem gets
worse further ring marks will appear. It is a good idea to
mark the outer ring and monitor to see how it progresses.
Often it takes several attempts to solve a leak as water can
travel in unusual routes.
If either of these signs are apparent check for obvious causes
such as a leaking or blocked gutter/downpipe, objects stacked
against the external wall bridging the damp proof course,
leaking pipes, dripping overflows, damage to roof or missing
tiles. If fixed quickly there will be less damage to the fabric
of the building. For more serious problems or no obvious signs
get an expert in. If you suspect the damp proof course is
damaged or there is not one advice from a damp-proofing specialist
will be required.
Condensation
A common cause of damp is condensation. Condensation occurs
when moisture in the air hits a cold surface and condenses.
This is why it is more a problem in cold weather. Signs of
condensation are mould growth in the corners of a room, around
windows, behind wardrobes/cupboards, above cookers and baths
and sometimes on north facing walls.
It is essential to treat any mould existing first. Wash off
mould with a fungicidal wash following the manufacturers instructions.
Bleach can also be used but may damage surfaces and care is
required not to get it on the skin. Do not brush or vacuum
up mildew as is will disturb the spores. Always dry clean
clothes and shampoo carpets.
Redecorate surfaces with a quality fungicidal paint to help
reduce mould reoccurring.
The only way to reduce condensation is to follow three simple
steps.
1. Reduce moisture produced.
2. Insulate
3. Ventilate
There are very simple ways to reduce moisture in the home
by simply changing our lifestyle. These tips will make a big
difference to the moisture produced in the home.
• Vent tumble dryers (unless self condensing)
• Dry washing outside. If this is not possible hang
washing up in the bathroom and leave a window open
• Try not to use portable gas heaters as they add more
moisture in the air
• Cover saucepans when cooking.
• Do not leave a kettle to continuously boil.
If a home is warmer it reduces the likeliness of condensation.
Insulation and draughtproofing is the most effective way of
helping to keep your home warm and save money on our heating
bills. Home improvements such as secondary or double glazing
will reduce heat loss but you must ensure that windows are
fitted with trickle vents. Cavity wall and loft insulation
are also very effective. Check with you local council to se
if any grants are available, pensioners and low income families
usually receive substantial grants. There are companies that
will carry out works on a grant scheme. In very cold weather
low background heating on all day will help keep the fabric
of the building warm and reduce moisture condensing on cold
spots. Here are some essential tips of what not to do:
• Do not draughtproof the kitchen or bathroom
• Do not completely block up chimneys (always fit an
air brick or grill)
• Do not block up ventilators
• Do not cover eaves ventilators when laying loft insulation
• Do no forget to draughtproof the loft hatch
It is possible to ventilate your home without making it draughty.
Here are a few tips:
• If windows have trickle vents do use them. If your
windows don’t look into the cost of fitting them.
• Leave a gap between the back of furniture and an external
wall. Where possible position furniture on internal walls.
• Open kitchen and bathroom windows and close the door
when in use. If you have an extractor fan please use them
they are very cheap to run. If you don not have an extractor
fan in these rooms consider fitting them.
• When in a room open a small window.
• If the condensation is worse in the loft or ceiling
below check the eaves ventilators are not blocked. If none
are fitted consider fitting some. Some eaves ventilation systems
are hard to spot so close inspection is required. Always check
what material a soffit is made from before purchasing a ventilator
as some soffits in older houses are made from asbestos.
If you approach reducing condensation from the three simple
steps you should find a dramatic difference. If no improvements
are made seek professional advice.
About The Author
Rachael Willerton publishes b4 school an online magazine for
parents with fantastic competitions, features, reviews, activities,
crafts, recipes and local information. To find out more go
to http://www.b4school.co.uk.
|
