Here in the UK, there are only a few issues more concerning than dampness, and their effects on homes have made them famous for the wrong reasons. The biggest mistake homeowners make is leaving damp areas unchecked and doing so leads to significant structural damage and health issues for the occupants. 

When you combine those reasons, there’s no point in delaying installing a damp-proof system. But damp proofing isn’t a decision you make overnight and, in some cases, may not be necessary. But when do you decide that it is? How can you tell when your home needs damp proofing? 

Signs of A Damp Emergency 

1. Visible Damp Signs

Once the damp signs become visible, it’s an obvious call to contact a trusted London damp proofing company and have the issue fixed. But what are these signs, and why are they causes for concern? There are three common signs of dampness:

• Water Stains and Discolouration: Seen in patches, you’ll find signs of discolouration on walls, ceilings, and floors. When these stains appear, they take a yellow to brown appearance, citing the infiltration of water. 
• Wallpaper Peels and Bubbling Paint: In addition to discolouration, moisture can also cause paint and wallpaper to lose adhesion, which in turn will cause peeling, flaking, or bubbling. So, if you notice any of those signs, you should contact a damp proofing company. 
• Mould and Mildew Growth: Finally, mould and mildew growth are obvious indicators of excess moisture in your home. Both leave a musty smell and will appear in areas like the ceiling and walls or around the window. While mould can appear green, black or white, mildew is often grey or white. 

2. Musty Odour 

There are visible signs you can’t miss, and there are those signs that give your nostrils a long day when you allow dampness to persist in the household. In this case, a musty or earthy odour can be an indicator of hidden moisture problems. 

As stated before, the growth of mould and mildew is the causative factor of an earthy smell in the home. It’s a growth that only thrives in a damp environment, so once you notice a musty odour in areas of the house, be sure to investigate further.

3. Cold and Damp Walls

Once you feel the walls and they give a cold feeling, it’s another sign that your home needs damp proofing services. That’s because when walls get damp, they feel cold to the touch, and in some cases, they’ll have a wet feeling. 

The cold and damp feeling of the walls will only increase in areas lacking proper ventilation, such as basements located below ground level. 

4. Structural Damage 

Though not severe, at least not immediately, dampness can also affect the structural integrity of your home elements. This is especially the case for timber, so if you have wooden floors, skirting boards, or beams, you should inspect them for signs of rot or decay. 

Once timber gets damp, it turns soft and can become spongy. A more severe outcome is that the timber will crumble when touched.

Conclusion 

Damp proofing is essential to protecting homes from water infiltration and the structural damage that follows. However, it’s also a process that relies on the early detection of the problem to be effective. Hence, be sure to look out for signs of dampness and act promptly.