Damp homes are a common issue in the UK, with 5.8 million renters in the UK experienced damp and condensation issues, 44% rented properties had no extractor fan in the bathroom, and a further 31% said the bathroom had no window either, according to a Rentokil Property Care report. Damp can lead to peeling paint, mould growth, and even structural damage if left untreated. However, there are many proactive steps you can take to reduce dampness in your home. Here are 20 practical and effective tips:
1. Air Out Your Home Regularly
People naturally produce moisture through breathing, cooking, and showering. Open your windows for at least 15 minutes daily, even during colder months, to allow damp air to escape. Use trickle vents if your windows have them.
2. Heat Every Room
Central heating systems work best when heating the entire home. Cold spots in unheated rooms are prone to damp. Keep all rooms moderately heated, even if you lower the temperature in unused areas.
3. Check for Damp Walls
Feel your walls for moisture while cleaning or dusting. Spotting damp early allows you to address the problem before it worsens.
4. Ensure Free Air Circulation
Avoid placing furniture directly against walls—leave a small gap to allow air to flow. Overfilled cupboards can also trap moisture, so declutter for better ventilation.
5. Inspect Pipes, Drains, and Gutters
Blocked gutters and pipes can cause water to seep into your walls. Regularly clear leaves and debris to ensure proper drainage.
6. Vent Your Washing Machine and Tumble Dryer
Ensure your appliances are vented externally to prevent excess moisture from being released into your home.
7. Examine Your Roof
Check for missing or damaged tiles using binoculars or hire a professional. Inspect your loft for leaks or damp insulation.
8. Lag Your Pipes
Uninsulated pipes can freeze and attract condensation in colder weather. Lagging prevents freezing and reduces condensation drips.
9. Check Window Frames
Inspect for rot, peeling paint, or gaps around the frame. Treat any issues promptly and seal gaps with caulk to prevent moisture ingress.
10. Avoid Drying Clothes Indoors
Drying clothes on radiators releases significant moisture. Use a heated clothes airer or dry clothes in a well-ventilated room with a window open. If not dried, damp clothes can causes mould in wardrobes.
11. Repair Exterior Walls
Look for peeling paint, cracks in the render, or gaps in mortar joints. Apply a masonry protection cream to prevent rain penetration.
12. Keep an Eye on Fireplaces
Fireplaces often collect salts from burning fuel, which can attract damp. Regularly clean and check for signs of moisture.
13. Control Vegetation Around Your Home
Plants growing too close to your walls or soil piled above the damp-proof course can lead to bridging damp. Cut back vegetation and lower soil levels if needed.
14. Use Ventilation in Bathrooms
Close bathroom doors while showering and use an extractor fan or open windows to remove steam. Ventilation prevents moisture from settling on walls and ceilings.
15. Inspect Chimney Flashing
Damp patches around a chimney breast can indicate faulty flashing between the chimney stack and roof. Repair any damage promptly to prevent leaks.
16. Monitor Driving Rain
Check your home’s exterior during heavy rain for areas prone to water ingress. Apply weatherproof coatings to vulnerable walls.
17. Fit a Weatherboard on Doors
Rot at the bottom of external doors or damp patches just inside the door suggest poor weatherproofing. Install a weatherboard to protect against rain.
18. Ventilate Kitchens During Cooking
Steam from cooking contributes to damp. Keep lids on pots, open windows, or use an extractor fan. Always close kitchen doors to contain moisture.
19. Waterproof Basements
Below-ground rooms are prone to damp. Tank the walls using a tanking mix or membrane to create a waterproof barrier.
20. Wipe Down Condensation
Condensation can quickly lead to black mould. Wipe windows and other surfaces regularly and consider installing double glazing to reduce cold surfaces that attract moisture.
By implementing these tips, you can significantly reduce dampness in your home and improve its overall health and comfort. While many of these measures involve simple lifestyle changes, more severe cases of damp may require professional intervention. If you’re struggling to manage damp, consult a specialist for tailored advice and solutions.
FAQ
1. Why should I air out my home regularly?
People produce moisture through everyday activities like breathing, cooking, and showering. Opening windows for at least 15 minutes daily—even during winter—helps release damp air. Trickle vents can also assist with airflow.
2. Should I heat every room in my house?
Yes. Unheated rooms develop cold spots where damp is more likely to occur. Keep all rooms moderately heated, even if at a lower temperature.
3. How can I check for damp on my walls?
Feel the walls during cleaning for any signs of dampness. Catching moisture early can help prevent more serious problems later.
4. Why is free air circulation important?
Furniture pushed against walls and overfilled cupboards can trap moisture. Leave gaps behind furniture and declutter for better ventilation.
5. Can blocked pipes or gutters cause damp?
Yes. Leaves and debris in gutters and drains can cause water to seep into your walls. Regular maintenance is key.
6. Do washing machines and tumble dryers cause damp?
If not properly vented, they can. Make sure they are vented externally to prevent moisture build-up indoors.
7. How can I check if my roof is causing damp?
Use binoculars to spot missing or broken tiles. Also, check your loft for signs of leaks or damp insulation.
8. Why should I lag my pipes?
Uninsulated pipes can freeze in winter and cause condensation. Lagging pipes helps prevent this and keeps them dry.
9. Should I inspect my window frames for damp?
Yes. Check for rot, peeling paint, or gaps. Repair and seal them to prevent moisture from entering.
10. Is drying clothes indoors bad for damp?
Yes. Drying clothes on radiators adds moisture to the air. Use a heated airer or open a window in a well-ventilated room instead.
11. How can I protect my exterior walls from damp?
Look for peeling paint or cracks in the render. Apply a masonry protection cream to help prevent rain from penetrating the walls.
12. Can fireplaces cause damp?
They can. Burning fuel leaves salt deposits which can attract moisture. Clean them regularly and inspect for damp.
13. How does vegetation near my home cause damp?
Plants growing too close to your walls or high soil levels can lead to bridging damp. Cut back greenery and lower soil if necessary.
14. Why is bathroom ventilation important?
Steam from showers can settle and cause damp. Use extractor fans or open windows, and keep doors closed while showering.
15. What does damp around my chimney mean?
It could be a sign of faulty chimney flashing. Damaged flashing lets water in and should be repaired promptly.
16. How does driving rain affect damp?
Heavy rain can penetrate exterior walls, especially in exposed areas. Check vulnerable spots and apply waterproof coatings if needed.
17. What is a weatherboard and why install one?
A weatherboard is fitted to exterior doors to stop rain entering. It helps prevent rot and damp patches indoors.
18. How do I stop damp when cooking?
Keep lids on pots, open windows or use extractor fans, and always shut kitchen doors to prevent steam from spreading.
19. How can I waterproof my basement?
Basements are prone to damp. Apply a tanking slurry or install a membrane to create a waterproof barrier.
20. Should I wipe condensation off windows?
Yes. Regularly wipe down surfaces to prevent mould. Consider installing double glazing to reduce cold surfaces where condensation forms.