Tips for Tackling a Damp House
As moisture builds inside a property it can lead to a myriad of damp and moisture problems. The good news is that there are steps you can take. In this guide, we’ll focus specifically on tips to tackle a damp house. Let’s explore!
Proper Ventilation
Firstly, it’s important that moist air has a way of being removed from your home, otherwise it can accumulate and create a damp environment.
For instance, you’ll want a good extractor fan in your kitchen and one up to the task in any bathrooms used for showering/bathing. You may wish to add a fresh external vent to a corner of a room that tends to see moisture build. On the other hand, another extractor fan may be required in your home. Another potential answer is to consider a full property ventilation system.
Sufficient Air Circulation
You’ll also want to make sure that air can circulate well. One way of ensuring this is to leave gaps between your furniture and their respective walls. Also, avoid over-stuff cupboards as this too can lead to air circulation issues.
Reducing Moisture
There are various steps you can take to reduce how much moisture gets into the air inside your home which in turn can help tackle a damp house.
Here are some steps worth considering:
- Keep lids on pans when cooking.
- Whenever possible, it’s best to dry clothes outdoors.
- Ensure your tumble dryer is vented to the outdoors.
- Have leaking walls or/and poorly installed doors and windows fixed.
- Be sure that any plumbing faults are dealt with.
Wipe Your Windows and Sills Regularly
We also recommend that you wipe down your windows and window sills every morning. You might want to do this with a squeegee, window vac or simply kitchen towel.
If you need to remove mould, more precautions will be needed. In this case, it’s best to wipe it away with a cloth that you dip in soapy water then wipe away remaining moisture with a dry cloth. You should use protective gloves and goggles when dealing with mould and ensure you throw out both cloths at the end of the process. Your gloves will need some cleaning and be sure to wash your hands with soap when all is said and done just to be on the safe side!
One way or another, removing moisture from windows and sills can help reduce the harm caused by moisture build-up, thus this way, you can limit how damp your home is.
Ensure Your Home is Sufficiently Warm
You’ll also want to ensure your home maintains a consistently warm temperature. This is particularly important during the winter time, during which heating will be more of a requirement. After all, damp results when cold surfaces and warm air meet. Therefore, keeping surfaces throughout your home warm can help limit the formation of damp in the first place.
Use a Dehumidifier
For those with ongoing damp issues that primary steps (such as those mentioned above) will not address, it may be worth investing in a dehumidifier.
Put simply, dehumidifiers work to remove excess moisture from the air. They then blow air back into the room (which can add warmth to the space) while the moisture is deposited as water in the collection bucket toward the bottom of the appliance. The water collected may then be flushed down the toilet or used for alternative means (e.g., watering plants, cleaning floors, washing a car, etc.).
It tends to cost around £200 to £400 to purchase a dehumidifier, however, budget-friendly options exist with prices falling to under £50 in some cases.
Dehumidifiers cost approximately £0.10 to £0.20 to run per hour. You’ll probably want to run it for somewhere in the region of 6-12 hours per day, although it’s best not to leave it running overnight. Also, please note that it may stop running after six or seven hours, requiring that you pour out water from the collection bucket when it becomes full.
Insulation Set Up
For a more comprehensive and lasting solution, you may want to consider having new insulation added to your home. Of course, good insulation can also keep the heat in (the primary reason it’s used), and therefore improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Common forms of insulation include:
- Cavity wall insulation
- Loft insulation
- Specialist insulation designed to address damp issues
- Double- or triple-glazed windows
It should be noted that in some cases, insulation can have the reverse effect. While this is unlikely, you should still talk with a professional before having insulation added to your home to ensure that it won’t actually make the problem worse.
Moisture Resistant Paint/Wallpaper
Another preventative measure you’ll want to consider is opt for wall finishes that help limit the risk of damp problems in your home. There are various paint products on the market with moisture resistant properties that are designed for use in bathrooms and kitchen. Alternatively, vinyl wallpaper is arguably the best option if you’d prefer to add wallpaper to your space(s). It should be splash proof and one that can be wiped of moisture with ease.
Repointing Your Home
Having your home repointed can also prevent your home from becoming damp. The cost of repointing a house will vary depending on the size and type of property in question. With many repointing scenarios, pricing may range from £1,300 to £7,250.
Repointing should take place when needed, although, on average, the job will be required every 25 to 30 years. That said, how long until repointing is needed will depend on the quality of the original job and other factors.
Do you have trouble with damp? Do you have any damp reducing tips?
XOXO
