Dampness occurs when excess moisture in the air is trapped in your home, with no way of escaping. Indeed, this situation can affect your living space in several ways. For starters, it provides a conducive environment for mould and mildew to grow inhibited.
This, in turn, can affect your health by triggering wheezing, coughing, nasal congestion, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.
Likewise, excess moisture can weaken wooden structures, opening your property to structural damage.
Fortunately, damp can be controlled, and the effects can be averted. Here are some helpful tips you can consider for the desired outcome.
1. Check out for hidden leaks
The cause of dampness in homes is usually hidden leaks, and seeking them out can help you rectify them immediately. Most often, outrageously high water bills can alert you to leakage, so keep this in mind. You can also look out for mould and mildew, especially in non-shower walls, as this may indicate a problem. Alternatively, sagging ceilings, bubbling walls, and weak flooring are major signs.
Experts recommend conducting the water metre test, where you turn off all water outlets in your home. You can also leverage the dye or moisture test, so keep this in mind. It’s important to work with a plumber to correct this issue. You can also prevent water leaks by scheduling regular inspections, insulating your pipes, and maintaining proper water pressure.
To effectively control damp in your home, it’s essential to address issues such as blocked drains, which can contribute to excess moisture. One solution is to consult the experts in blocked drains. These specialists can assess and clear any blockages in your drainage system, preventing water buildup and potential dampness. Regular maintenance and timely intervention by these experts can help keep your drains free-flowing, reducing the risk of water-related problems.
2. Allow the sunlight in
An inexpensive way to prevent dampness is to allow natural light in. The heat from the sun can act as a natural disinfectant while causing moisture to evaporate from your house. This then creates a less tolerant environment for mildew to grow. Seeing these benefits, you should allow more sunlight into your home if you haven’t already. You can do this by cleaning your windows, as dirt and grime can prevent the rays from seeping into your home.
Better yet, consider replacing your current windows with bigger ones if your budget permits. Another way to allow sunlight is by installing one of many timber roof lanterns, so feel free to consider this.
3. Invest in a dehumidifier
As the name suggests, dehumidifiers eliminate water in your indoor air until you attain the desired humidity. Not only will this control dampness, but it will also make it difficult for vermin like cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders to thrive. Furthermore, it can cool your home, reducing your need to constantly put on the air conditioner. Knowing your needs before buying a dehumidifier is essential. For instance, refrigerant dehumidifiers don’t perform well in cold temperatures, making them ideal for summer use. On the other hand, desiccant models can work all year round.
4. Install exhaust fans
Your kitchen and bathroom are notorious for producing the most moisture in your home due to steam, running water, and so on. If left unaddressed, they can dampen your home’s atmosphere. Fortunately, you can combat this by investing in exhaust fans. They operate by sucking in humid or hot air from your bathroom or kitchen, allowing fresh air to circulate.
Why not check out similar posts such as:
Deep Clean Your House in one Weekend
Is Your Home Making you Sick and How to Prevent it
Jen is an interiors writer and blogger and has an insatiable love of home style and decor
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