The Different Types of Damp in a House

1. The Different Types of Damp in a House Damp is a major threat to all homes. Having any kind of damp issues in a home can cause many health problems, particularly for those with asthma and other breathing conditions. It is also unsightly and generally unpleasant to have around the house. Thankfully, there are experts available who can eliminate all types of damp. And that’s what you need to know about. There are so many different types of damp, and each type is slightly different from the other, requiring an alternate course of treatment. In this article, we are going to discuss the various kinds of damp. Rising Damp Rising damp is quite rare. If it does appear, you will only see it in the basement or ground floor rooms. This reason is that rising damp occurs when moisture comes up from the ground. Some ofthe signs you will notice are: •Rotting skirting boards •White crystals on solid floors •Plaster beginning to bubble horizontally. This is mostly found in homes that have had floors converted to concrete. Penetrating Damp Penetrating damp comes from the rain or moist ground touching the exterior of a home. It is caused because moisture entering the home has no means of escape. Sometimes it can occur just by moisture levels that are too high within the home. It is most often characterised by: •A powdery surface on plaster walls •Patches of mould have a brown stain around them •Can be found as often on the ceiling as it can on floors. What is most interesting is that in olden times, penetrating damp was purposely encouraged. By creating penetrating damp in cellars, it offered a cold store to stop rising damp coming up to the main house.

2. Black Mould While the above types of damp are not too harmful to human health, black mould is different. Black mould releases spores that can be breathed in by humans. This can create a burning in the back of the throat while long-term exposure can cause neurological problems. In short, black mould is an issue you cannot afford to ignore. How can you find black mould? •Follow your senses. If you can smell something musty, like the wet ground of a forest floor, this is black mould. •Dark rings on the walls. •Black mould is greenish-black, but it can also be grey and resembling soot. You have to be careful when trying to diagnose black mouldas many professionals use the terms interchangeably. Just because something is toxic does not make it black mould. Likewise, just because something is black does not make it toxic. If you have black mould growing in your home, you need to have it removed as soon as possible. How are these Types of Mould Caused? All types of mould need three things to survive. These are: 1.Food. Mould feeds on material such as cotton, lumber, and cardboard asthese contain high levels of cellulose. 2.Water. Areas with substantial amounts of moisture are candidates for mould growth – bathrooms, kitchens, etc. 3.Temperature range of between 5oC and 38oC. Each type of mould requires slightly different conditions. Generally, those households in humid environments are most at risk. If you have recently been impacted by flooding or heavy weather, you will have a bigger risk as well. Should You Call in an Expert? There is always the option of taking care of the problem yourself. Go online and you will find any number of guides for dealing with mould. We wouldn’t recommend attempting it, though. Unless you are an expert, the chances are you’re only going to make the problem worse.

3. Contrary to popular belief, throwing gypsum over the walls is not going to solve your mould problem. It will always address the symptoms, but it doesn’t take into account the cause. You need an expert to diagnose the type of mould and then to address it. Conclusion Mould can cause a real problem for any homeowner. But if you call in an expert as soon as you notice signs of mould, you can stop it in its tracks. Some homes are more susceptible than others are. If you live in an area that is more susceptible to mould, be vigilant and know when to request the help of a professional. Author bio: Kingfisher, in UK, is a professional manufacturer and Suppliers of Building Products like anti mould, anti mould paint, roof coatings and textured masonry paint at very reasonable rates.