How Do I Get Rid Of Damp In My Harrogate Property?

19/10/2023

For many property owners, the question of how do I get rid of damp can cause concern. This is because damp can potentially cause structural damage to a property, and it can also have health implications for residents.

If you have a survey on a property, for example, before you purchase, damp may be uncovered during this process. Fortunately, if you spot it quickly and treat it, damp doesn't necessarily need to be a problem in your Harrogate property.

Three Kinds Of Damp You Might Find In Your Property In Harrogate

1. Condensation occurs when too much moisture is in the air due to poor ventilation. This form of damp will typically appear on ceilings and walls in the shape of black mould, and it can result in health issues like allergies and asthma.

2. Rising damp occurs if groundwater rises through a property’s floors and walls. Unfortunately, it damages paint, plaster becomes crumbly, and it can affect the property’s structure if left untreated.

3. Penetrating damp occurs when water enters a property via leaks in its walls or roof. Like rising damp, it damages paint, plaster, and the structure of the property when left untreated.

You will need to identify which type of damp you have in your property in order to find the right treatment to resolve the problem.

How do I find out where my damp is coming from?

Knowing the places you might find damp in your home is essential if you’re going to catch it at an early stage and avoid serious damage. Unsurprisingly, it’s most often found in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms but you may find damp in any one of the rooms in your home.

In a bathroom, damp may be seen around the bath or shower, on window fittings or on the ceiling or walls. Likewise, in a kitchen, you may find damp around or underneath the sink or near the washing machine; in a basement, you may find it on the floor and walls.

Don’t forget to check hidden areas beneath carpets, inside cupboards, and behind furniture. The signs to look for include discoloured patches and musty odours.

How do I get rid of damp?

It can be time-consuming and challenging to eliminate damp, but it’s vital if you’re going to prevent it causing damage to your health and your home.

In the case of condensation, you first need to improve the ventilation in the areas affected.

Open the windows.
use an extractor fan or dehumidifier.
Ensure sufficient insulation to resolve most condensation issues.

In the case of rising damp, installing a course of damp-proofing is the best solution. You’ll need to use the services of a professional damp-proofer to do this, and all damaged paint or plaster must be removed first.

Treating penetrating damp is more challenging as it requires identifying and repairing the water ingress source. Additionally, you may need to repair pipes, gutters, or roofs or install waterproof membranes to prevent water from entering the walls.

10 ways to prevent damp

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are steps you can take to guard your property in Harrogate against damp. Follow our tips and successfully learn 'how do I get rid of damp':

Improve ventilation by opening windows and using dehumidifiers and extractor fans.
Wipe window sills each morning.
Use an extractor when cooking to remove steam.
Promptly repair leaks.
Keep the temperature constant inside your home. Your home should be a minimum of 18°C during the day and no less than 15°C at night.
Choose waterproof materials in kitchens and bathrooms.
Avoid drying laundry indoors.
Don't overstuff cupboards.
Insulate your home.
Maintain your home well, regularly checking for damage to the roof, walls, pipes, and gutters.

What Next?

Ready to sell your property in Harrogate? Request a valuation here.

TLC Properties are your local estate agent in the Harrogate Area. Call us on 07825 924690 or email tom@tlc-properties.co.uk to find out how we can help you.