The problem of damp in old houses is not a new one. Designed and built using different methods to those we use now, old properties have a tendency to experience issues with damp and condensation. With over 4 million properties in the UK from the Victorian and Edwardian period alone, it is also a fairly common problem.
Do Victorian houses have a damp course?
By 1875, damp proof courses became compulsory in London. A layer of slate was also used as a DPC for Later Victorian properties. This unfortunately led to walls decaying over time into the cavity which bridged the air gap. There was also an introduction of air bricks by the end of the Victorian period.
Is damp normal in old houses?
In older properties, the materials used to build walls, such as stone, are described as ‘breathable’. This means that moisture can easily pass through walls, but it does little to protect the property from groundwater causing rising damp. That’s also not to say that old buildings can’t suffer from a build-up of mould.
How do I know if my house is too damp?
How to spot signs of damp in your home
- A musty, damp smell.
- Patches of discoloured paint or wallpaper on a wall.
- Excessive water droplets on windows or walls.
- Dark patches of mould on the walls, floors, ceilings, or around windows.
- Rotting or damaged skirting boards.
Is damp a problem in a house?
The Problems of Damp in your Home
Dampness in your property can lead to structural damage over time as well as wood rotting fungi such as wet rot and dry rot. The longer the damp is left then the worse the problems of timber decay will be to the property.
How do I get rid of damp in my Victorian house?
Installing extractor fans, drimaster eco systems or heat recovery units will help increase much needed ventilation and reduce condensation. Install extra air bricks to allow ventilation. Get a professional to carry out a chemical injection DPC or any other retrofitted DPC if required.
Should I not buy a house with damp?
Damp does not necessarily mean that you cannot buy a particular house – if you are part way through the process of buying, and damp is flagged as a problem, you should get the damp checked out by a professional and then speak to the seller about what can be done to either fix the issue or negotiate on the price.
What to look for when buying a Victorian house?
Barclay Macfarlane
- Location. Firstly, check that it fits in with the surroundings.
- Original features. Strutt & Parker’s Housing Futures report found that the top interior design style home buyers look for is ‘traditional’.
- Roofing and ceilings.
- Damp.
- Subsidence.
- Upgrades.
- Rooms and layout.
Does opening windows reduce damp?
Open Your Window
This might seem obvious, but it’s effective. Opening your windows will release the humid air outside, and therefore, will prevent the humidity from collecting onto your windows. So, if it’s not too cold out and you’re suffering from condensation, open a window.
What percentage of damp is acceptable in a house?
You should be aware that a moisture reading of 0-15% is quite normal and gives no cause for concern. However, moisture readings in excess of 15% indicate the need for further inspection. Levels between 25-30% indicate that there may be water ingress, meaning that remedial work could be required.
Does putting the heating on help damp?
Adequately heating your home can help to reduce condensation and damp, so keep temperature levels consistent, especially in those rooms that you may not use often. A heating thermostat can be useful for this. Avoid using paraffin heaters as these tend to create excess moisture.
Why are British houses so damp?
Poor insulation in Homes
Poor insulation is an issue with much of the older housing stock in Britain as they do not have sufficient insulation installed to eliminate draughts and stop damp emerging. Houses that were built before 1925 were constructed withsolid walls but unfortunately, these needed insulating.
How does a surveyor check for damp?
As we mentioned earlier, surveyors will do a visual check for damp and will also check using a handheld moisture meter. The meter will indicate to your surveyor if the moisture in the walls is higher than it should be. The surveyor will also inspect the damp proofing and drainage of the house.
Can rising damp be fixed permanently?
Rising damp can be permanently eradicated from a property, but it’s not something that’s covered by home insurance.
How do you fix damp permanently?
How to Treat Damp On Internal Walls
- Improving the ventilation e.g. add kitchen and bathroom fans where necessary.
- Use a Condensation Mould Kit to remove any mould from walls and surfaces.
- Improve the heating of the property and insulate the cold walls.
Can you get a mortgage if the house is damp?
Serious damp issues can sometimes result in a prospective buyers mortgage being rejected. If you’re selling a house or flat requiring extensive work to fix a damp problem, it might be more cost effective to sell to a cash buyer at auction. There’s no mistaking the look and smell of damp!
What happens if damp is left untreated?
If left untreated, damp could lead to mould growth and depending on the type of damp, even structural damage. Acting fast to the problem and taking action will save you time, money and safeguard your health.
Is damp worse in summer or winter?
Winter is often the time when you experience damp conditions in your home. Condensation is caused by warm moist air coming into contact with cold surfaces such as windows and walls. It happens mainly during the colder months, regardless of whether the weather is wet or dry.
Is damp a big problem?
If left untreated, damp can pose a number of risks including: structural timber decay, damage to plaster, corrosion, health issues for those with asthma and respiratory problems, unsightly staining and mould growth.
What percentage damp is a problem?
For starters, different wall materials absorb moisture in their own ways. The rule of thumb is that any moisture reading over 16% is considered damp and needs attention. If your reading is over 20%, you may need to replace the drywall entirely.
Are Victorian houses worth buying?
Pros and cons of buying a Victorian house
A lot of this will be down to personal choice and taste, but among the pros is that Victorian properties were built to last. However, the foundations can be shallow and they do have unique features including tiles and fireplaces that may be expensive to repair or replace.