Damp is caused by poor ventilation and a build-up of moisture that results in condensation. If left unattended this high moisture condition will create the perfect breeding ground for hazardous mould, which will need to be removed safely and promptly. By ensuring your home or environment is properly ventilated you will minimise condensation and therefore prevent damp.
What Is Condensation?
Condensation is moisture that is trapped in warm air that has settled on a surface. As it does so this air becomes water again which means that damp areas are then created. If trapped in a small area, or space, condensation can swiftly create a fungus or mould infestation that is hazardous to health. Damp patches in poorly ventilated areas will develop if you do not ventilate adequately.
Condensation Prevention
Ensuring your home is properly heated and well ventilated will help reduce the likelihood of condensation build-up. High humidity will increase the chances of moisture in the air so ventilating is essential, even if it simply means you open a window and close a door. By ensuring your environment is correctly ventilated you are preventing damp from occurring.
If you dry clothes indoors this will generate dampness in the air. It is therefore important to ensure you do this in a cool area of your home, or that you open a window to assist in the removal of potential condensation.
Damp Prevention
If you are unable to prevent condensation your environment will become damp. Sometimes damp can also penetrate through the outside walls of your home and this will require professional advice and assistance. Rooms that are below ground level are also more prone to dampness and should be damp-proofed if used as a living area.
Wet, damp patches on walls can provide the perfect breeding ground for mildew and mould. In small spaces damp can easily go undetected so it is important to ensure your home or environment is well heated and ventilated whatever the season. By checking for moisture on surfaces you will be eliminating potential damp spots from developing.
Outside of your home check that garden walls are clear of plants and bushes so that air and sun is able to circulate around the foundations of the walls. This will help prevent damp penetrating the walls. Fibreglass roofing material also attracts moisture so regularly checking windows or patio roofing is also a good preventative measure.
Moisture Extraction
To effectively keep damp and condensation at bay you will need to control the heat and moisture in your environment. Simple measures like placing bicarbonate of soda in poorly ventilated cupboards will help extract moisture away from surfaces, and therefore eliminate damp. There are also solid gels available that absorb moisture in the air and can be placed in spaces that may be prone to dampness.
Humidifiers wick away moisture so that it does not settle on any surface. They draw out the moisture in the air, which is then collected as water in the base of the container. Humidifiers provide a good method of condensation elimination but in order to be effective they must be replaced regularly.