How To Stop Damp

One of the most common enquiries made of a residential Surveyor is how to stop damp within a property

. This seems to be one of the most feared defects among homeowners, who often assume that considerable expenditure will be required to cure the problem. Although this can be the case in some instances where rising damp treatment is required, the reality is that there are several causes of damp that result from varying property issues.

For example condensation and the unsightly mould staining that results from this can be largely reduced by ensuring that a dwelling is adequately ventilated. This could be achieved by simply opening the bathroom window after having a shower to allow the hot air and steam to escape. Penetrating dampness occurs where a defect or design flaw in the building allows water into the structure. This could occur is when a leaking gutter allows water to saturate the brickwork of an external wall. The moisture may eventually permeate the masonry, and affect the internal dcor or even worse lead to dry rot.

It is easy to see how one defect in a property can lead to another more serious one. It is for this reason that it is important for homeowners to have a cyclical maintenance programme in place to minimise the risk of such issues developing. An area of their property that people often neglect is rainwater goods: - The advent of PVC and its use in doors, windows, gutters and external joinery has reduced the amount of maintenance required compared to when these items are made from timber or metal which needed sanding and repainting every few years. Sadly, this has led to a fit and forget mentality among many homeowners, who assume that the modern plastic materials dont require any maintenance at all. Such an attitude results in property issues going unnoticed. For example, although the plastic sections of a gutter may be in a serviceable condition, the rubber seals at the joints may be perished or the channels could be blocked with moss, leaves or other debris. Such issues, if left unchecked may result in water penetration. Indeed, any Residential Surveyor will attest that barely a day goes by without them visiting a property that has leaking PVC gutters.

Homeowners who lack the confidence to carry out maintenance work themselves often rely upon a Home Maintenance Services contractor or a builder to remedy issues with the property. This solution is acceptable provided that the property holder has the necessary knowledge to identify such issues in the first instance. A Property Care+ inspection is carried out by a fully qualified Surveyor who is able to identify such defects, has an appreciation of the work that will be required to remedy them and is able to advise you of the most appropriate action to take.

When dealing with property issues and maintenance, as with many things in life it would appear that prevention is better than the cure. A periodical inspection by an expert eye will ensure that maintenance requirements and defects are identified before being able to develop into a more serious problem. This will reduce unexpected expenditure and ultimately help to protect the appearance, structural integrity and value of your home.

by: Genny Brown

POST COMMENT

5 Things To Consider When Selecting Water Coolers What Is A Reach Stacker? Guild Wars 2 Evaluate -combat Vehicle Tracking Device: Beneficial To Keep Your Vehicle Under Surveillance Why White Bridal Gowns Are So Popular? To Find Out More About Dying Of Loneliness Euroasia.co.nz - Tips On How To Choose A Overseas Vocabulary College Dentist In Saginaw, Mi Now Offering Invisalign For Straighter Smiles Stuck On Birthday Cake Ideas? Try Cupcakes! A Comprehensive Guide To Chigwell Same Day Assistance For Sufficing Urgent Cash Needs Russian Translator Or "feel" The Context Of The Cultural Context Crits Are Key To This Build With Amount