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The traditional method of treating damp is chemical injection which is usually done by creating a barrier between the damp and the house, however, it doesn’t address the root cause and is not a permanent solution.

Penetrating damp occurs when water from outside your home leaks inside the property. The cause could be small cracks in a wall, leaky pipes or blocked guttering with flashing around a chimney stack, damaged pointing or poorly fitted windows other sources. Continually being on the lookout for any signs will help you identify issues quickly:

• Test moisture levels with an electronic moisture meter
• Check downpipes are clear and household appliances are not leaking regularly
• Installation is carried out from the outside of your home only, not inside
• More cost effective than traditional damp treatments that require replastering and redecorating
• Look for water coming into the loft from the roof
• Make sure there are no cracks in your rendering
• Always keep your damp-proof courses clear

How to identify penetrating damp

Water leaking into a property will most likely cause damp but how can you tell it’s penetrating damp? Here are a few of the signs:

• Damp patches on walls, ceilings and floors – including upper floors (which rising damp would not reach)
• Musty smell and signs of mildew or mould
• Drips or puddles of water
• Damaged plaster – blistering or disintegrating
• Rotting skirting boards or floor timbers
• Damp patches that worsen after heavy or wind driven rain
• Decay in exposed brickwork or timber

How to fix damp and damp proof your home

The cause of damp could be as simple as a blocked gutter through to the more complex issues such as a leaking pipe behind a wall. Damp is treated by eradicating the source of moisture at its source – usually done by placing a barrier between the damp and the house. Damp proofing specialists Schrijver take it one step further by removing damp. Their Schrijver System providing a permanent chemical-free alternative:

• Long-term natural ventilation solution that is eco-friendly
• Only damp treatment that successfully removes moisture and guaranteed for life
• Damp proofing undertaken outside your home not inside
• More cost effective than damp treatments that require plastering/decorating
• No harmful chemicals used – only natural processes
• Damp proofing utilises natural airflow to reduce moisture levels
• Results in lower humidity level and continuous damp proofing protection

Mould problems in your home should be dealt with as soon as possible. Black mould is not just unsightly but is a serious potential health risk!

Mould produces substances that can cause an allergic reaction (allergens) and these increase the risk of respiratory infections, asthma and/or allergies. Babies & children, the elderly and sufferers of asthma and eczema are most at risk. But just how do you deal with mould problems in your home?

• The first course of action required is to directly tackle the mould, which means thoroughly cleaning the affected area. Harsh chemicals or disinfectants are not necessary. Simply wash the walls and surfaces with soapy water. Detergents such as washing up liquid or hand laundry powder will do the job just fine.
• If you are concerned that washing up liquid or mild detergents may not be strong enough then feel free to use a specialist mould removal spray. Just make sure that you follow the instructions on the container. Make sure you keep doors closed as the mould spores can become airborne once you start cleaning.
• If the mould or mildew has contaminated clothes or soft furnishings they should be removed and cleaned. You may have to consider replacing items such mattresses or soft furniture that has been badly contaminated.
• Wipe down walls and surfaces with your soapy water or your specialist mould removal product. Use a sponge or rag then dry off with another disposable cloth. Dispose of the cleaning and drying rags in a plastic bag to avoid further contamination.
• After removing all visible mould, vacuum clean the affected area, preferably use a machine fitted with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter which will capture the spores that will inevitably be in the room. During and after the cleaning process keep the area well ventilated, open the windows and allow all surfaces and walls to dry thoroughly.

Repeat this process for every room you have that has mould and be sure to throw away your disposable cloths each time so as not to spread the mould.

Once you are happy that there is no re-occurrence, you can apply anti-mildew paint on any affected walls.

Now for the Mould Prevention

Now that you have tackled the mould you need to turn your attention to stop it from returning. Mould thrives in a damp and humid environment and there are a number of causes of excessive humidityin a room or building that need to be considered but essentially they fall into two categories.

• Firstly, is there a build up of condensation? Most of these can be tackled and resolved quite simply. See our article about ways to reduce condensation in your property. Short-term mould prevention can be achieved with an electric dehumidifier which you can purchase for a reasonable price from a local DIY store.
• Secondly, is there an underlying issue of rising or penetrating damp?
  If rising damp is the cause of your mould problem then all of the above will help deal with the symptoms but you will need some expert help with the underlying rising damp problem.

Excessive moisture in your walls can also have a number of causes but these are best assessed by a Schrijver Damp Specialist who can evaluate and recommend appropriate action. The Schrijver System is designed to help your walls to breath and so dissipate moisture in a natural way, ventilating and damp proofing walls. For more information, see how the Dutch Damp Proofing System works.

The Schrijver System reduces moisture from external walls and is guaranteed for life. No harmful chemicals are involved, just natural airflow processes that reduce moisture levels in the external brickwork. The work is undertaken from outside the property not inside and is more cost effective than traditional damp proofing methods, saving money on costly redecorating and replastering.

For a healthier and more comfortable house deal with mould problems in your home right away and for further advice get in touch with a helpful Schrijver Specialist, call  01689 800101

Millions of homes in the UK experience some form of condensation every year. So if it’s something that you’ve spotted in your property, you’re not alone. The simplest signs that you’ve got condensation are where you can see water droplets streaming down the insides of your windows, particularly in the mornings. You might have even spotted it on your walls too. It’s more likely to affect single-glazed windows than double-glazed, however, it’s not impossible to see condensation there too.

You might be surprised to hear that it happens more frequently when the weather is colder. Condensation tends to happen where humidity rises, and as air can only hold a certain amount of moisture, if the air becomes cooler by contact with a cold surface like a window or wall, it can be seen as the droplets that you will have recognised.

It’s very simple for this to happen. Even breathing can cause condensation. Simple daily activities like showering, cooking and drying laundry indoors can create water vapour into the air which can soon cause a problem. If the moisture doesn’t have a chance to escape you may start to see signs of condensation. So if you’ve seen symptoms like damp walls and blistering of wallpaper or a musty or damp smell, it’s highly probable that condensation has started to affect your property. You may have noticed areas of mould growing, perhaps in the corners of your walls or ceiling. It may have been spotted in your wardrobe – in your shoes or even on bedding where your bed is next to an outside wall.

Managing Condensation

There are quite a few things that you can do to prevent condensation from happening in the first place. If you’re cooking, make sure you use an extractor fan and keep any boiling pans covered with a lid. Make sure your bathroom is ventilated wherever possible, and keep your door closed when showering or bathing. If you’re drying clothes, avoid drying them indoors, if this cannot be avoided then ensure the property is sufficiently ventilated. It’s important that you keep your heating on a low level so that there isn’t a rapid temperature change so that your walls don’t have a chance to get cold.

If you’ve got cavity insulation at your property you may think that this will solve your problem. However, like double-glazing, this can actually exacerbate the problem. The key to getting rid of condensation in your home is making sure that you have proper ventilation so that the condensation doesn’t get a chance to form in the first place. It’s vital to find the right balance between damp proofing and proper ventilation. And that’s where the Schrijver system can certainly help.

Delivering an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution that’s entirely chemical-free, installing the Schrijver system means that your property will have a solution that does not create any mess and there’s no redecoration needed. Not only that, it’s kinder to the environment and safe for all of the family. Handmade elements are installed into your walls which means that dry air is able to flow through from the outside and humid air is able to escape. This means that you’ll now have dry walls and continuous protection against any condensation or damp issues.

Nobody wants damp in a property. Even condensation can be unhealthy and lead to black mould forming on walls, furniture or window frames. Condensation occurs when moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces although it can develop inside wardrobes or other places where the air is still (See our article on signs of damp).

While condensation is not usually a problem in the warmer months, humidity levels during winter are much higher. Here are just a few of the ways to reduce condensation in your property.

1. Limit moisture levels in the kitchen

Extractor fans or an open window are a great way to reduce moisture in a kitchen. You should do one or the other while cooking and ideally for 15 minutes afterwards. Put the lids on your pans where possible and remove surface moisture where it develops too.

Extractor fans are a great way to reduce condensation

2. Remove steam in the bathroom

It’s easy for bathrooms to get steamed up, especially at this time of the year. In much the same way as a kitchen, keep your extractor fan on or pop a window open slightly. Either will reduce the level of condensation in the room, caused by running warm water in a cool environment. Keep the door closed as well so the steam goes outside, rather than into colder rooms.

3. Keep bedroom wardrobes aired

Although condensation is usually associated with kitchens and bathrooms, bedrooms can also be a breeding ground. Overfilled wardrobes are a typical cause due to the lack of air. Also ensure there is space behind your bedroom furniture so air can circulate.

Keeping your wardrobe aired is another good way to reduce condensation

4. Drying Laundry

Where possible, try to dry clothes outdoors to prevent excess moisture escaping into your property. If a tumble drier is used then it should be ventilated to the exterior of the property.

5. Eliminate moisture in the air

Many newer homes already have extractor fans built in. However, if your kitchen, bathroom or utility room doesn’t have an extractor fan already, it’s worth investing in one. Of course, you can just open a window, but this isn’t always practical as you will be letting in cold air during the autumn and winter months, plus there are potential security issues. So, if you can afford to have an extractor fan installed, it is well worth it as a secure and cost-effective solution.

6. Make your home warmer

The colder the room in your property, the more likely it is to be affected by condensation. Where feasible, consider having your central heating on in all rooms even if it’s just for part of the day. Keeping all rooms regularly aired will also help keep your property free of condensation.

7. Insulate your home

As warmer properties suffer less from condensation, make sure yours is well insulated. This includes the loft space, cavity walls and windows. Secondary glazing is a good solution for drafty windows. As with surfaces, if your windows and sills are already affected by condensation, they should be wiped down, otherwise, you will have a build-up of moisture and black mould can develop, which is not good for your health.

For a more long-term option, damp proofing is the best solution. Traditional damp proofing creates a physical or chemical barrier between the ground and porous building materials. The Schrijver System, however, offers an alternative method relying on natural processes continuously working to reduce the overall moisture and humidity levels in your home.

For further information, contact us on 01689 800101 or email info@damp.co.uk