Quiz: Which type of damp problem is affecting my home?

Use our quick quiz to find out which kind of damp is affecting your property. Understanding which kind of damp problem your property has is the first step towards effective treatment.

1.) Have you noticed damp patches or damp stains?

a.) Yes, on my walls and ceiling with visible water droplets
b.) Yes, just on my wall near the floor
c.) Yes, patches on my walls or ceiling which haven’t spread
d.) No, I can’t see any damp patches

2.) Have you noticed any damage?

a.) Yes, the paint near my windows is starting to peel
b.) Yes, my skirting boards and the paint above it look damaged
c.) Yes, I’ve noticed some damage to my exterior brickwork
d.) Yes, my floorboards / rafters have cracked or weakened

3.) Does the damp problem get worse at certain times?
a.) Yes, when it’s colder outside
b.) I haven’t noticed an obvious difference
c.) Yes, when it rains or when I use the sink, shower or toilet
d.) Yes, when it’s more humid

4.) Have you noticed black mould growth?
a.) Yes, near windows, or in the bathroom or kitchen
b.) Yes, specifically up to 1 metre from the bottom of the wall
c.) Yes, on my walls or ceiling
d.) No, I haven’t noticed any black mould growth

Mostly A’s = Condensation / Poor ventilation

Condensation is the most common underlying cause of damp problems in the UK and is caused by poor ventilation. Improving the ventilation in the affected area of your home will greatly improve the symptoms of damp, though some repair work may also be necessary.

If you need professional advice for improving the ventilation in your home, don't hesitate to contact us on 01202 737739.

Mostly B’s =  Rising Damp

Rising damp occurs when your property’s damp proof course is in need or replacement or repair. Faulty damp proof course installation is unfortunately all too common among homeowners, which leaves homes vulnerable to groundwater rising up through your external masonry and appearing on the interior wall.

Effectively treating rising damp will require the help of a professional, call us  to resolve the issue!

Mostly C’s = Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp is caused by a number of factors, including damaged masonry, blocked or broken guttering and leaky pipes to name just a few. These usually result in localised damp patches which become worse when you use a sink, toilet or shower, or when it rains.

For help locating the source of penetrating damp, or for internal and external repair work, don't hesitate to contact our team today!

Mostly D’s = Wet Rot and Dry Rot

Wet rot and dry rot can be difficult for the untrained eye to differentiate, so for the purposes of this quiz we’ve collaborated the two. Wood rot involves a fungus that targets the timber structures in your property and eats away at them, weakening them and eventually causing them to collapse.

We can identify exactly what kind of wood rot you are experiencing and offer an effective long-term solution, get in touch for more information.

Please note that this is a guide only and that many damp problems are more difficult to identify without having been looked at by one of our damp experts during a professional damp survey.

If you have a damp problem that needs identifying and treating in Dorset & Hampshire, we can help! Contact us today on 01202 737739.