Dampness issues can be one of the most persistent and problematic issues that your home can have. Not only can it spread and do damage over time, but it is often the symptom of a deeper issue that might uncover even more harm. Here, we are going to look at what you should do to address any dampness issues from beginning to end.
Seal Up the Outdoors
One of the most common causes of dampness issues is that water is getting into the home from the outside. Look for air gaps in the windows and doors and take the time to caulk them up if you feel any. Otherwise, your best bet is to look above.
Check your gutter as, if they are overly full, water can start seeping into the roof instead. Similarly, any cracked or missing tiles or shingles from the roof can lead to leaks coming in, as well.
Ventilation is your Friend
Proper airflow control is important in a few ways. For one, you want a consistent temperature in the home, with a warm home less likely to sustain dampness issues.
Similarly, moisture is not able to settle as easily so long as the air is kept moving around the home. Try a few ventilation tips to keep the air moving around and out of the home and stop it from gathering in corners.
Controlling the moisture in the air
While it might not be the initial cause in most cases, the level of moisture in the air can play a big role in the spread of dampness issues. As such, it is worth paying attention to these humidifier tips to see when a dehumidifier might work better or when a humidifier might be right for the home.
It is easy for people to get these confused and to end up using a humidifier in a room that is already much too humid. Be sure to keep in mind, while humidifiers and diffusers both release moisture into the air, each acts differently and you should be aware of the differences between the two.
Use Moisture-Resistant Decor
Aside from using a dehumidifier when appropriate, you should look at materials that can resist dampness issues. These are especially valuable in wet rooms like the bathroom and the kitchen.
There are specific wet room paints that are designed to resist the peeling that might otherwise happen in these rooms. Otherwise, vinyl wallpapers and flooring are moisture resistant. Your choice of wall and floor finishes can make a big difference in how often you have to deal with damp.
Check the Pipes
If dampness issues are suddenly appearing and spreading quickly, then the most likely cause is a leak somewhere in the pipes. Your best bet on this occasion is to call a plumber out to inspect the pipes nearest to where the damp has appeared. The sooner you get to it, the less water damage you will have to repair so do not sit on this problem for too long.
Final Thoughts on Dampness
Depending on the source and extent of the dampness issues, dealing with it might be a pretty expensive prospect. However, the sooner it is solved, the better. Otherwise, it can start causing real damage to your property, not to mention harm to your health.
Using some or even all of the tips above should alleviate your dampness issues in your home once and for all. However, constant maintenance will still be required. Try to keep up with these areas over the years. Routine maintenance is always important in the home.
Do you have any tips or suggestions that you can share with others on controlling dampness issues in their homes? Please share them in the comments so everyone may benefit from your ideas and suggestions.