Damp treatments only work on the right kind of damp. Here is how to narrow down the cause yourself, step by step, and what to ask before anyone quotes.
Find the cause first, then choose the fix. BRE says successful treatment can only be achieved if the type of dampness is correctly diagnosed, and that it is very often misdiagnosed. The Property Care Association says condensation is the most common cause of damp problems. Start with free observation and a humidity log before spending money.
BRE describes four broad types of dampness: condensation, rising ground moisture, penetrating water, and falling water from roof and abutment features. Each leaves a different pattern, and observation is the cheapest, if not always the most reliable, way to start.
BRE describes half-hourly temperature and humidity readings, inside and outside, as the most effective way of diagnosing damp. A cheap hygrometer will not give half-hourly data, but a daily morning and evening reading, written down, is a start. See our hygrometer guide for where to put one. The Property Care Association also suggests trying simple DIY steps first and calling a specialist if there is no improvement.
If the free steps have not helped, the Property Care Association says the source of the damp should be established before any treatment is considered, by a trained and competent surveyor. BRE adds that moisture meters need skilled use and calibration and can mislead in complex buildings, and that building history, materials and maintenance record affect how reliable readings are.
If the diagnosis is a leak, a roof fault or a failed gutter, the fix is a plumber, roofer or builder, not a damp treatment. If it is condensation, the fix is moisture control. Our guide to rising, penetrating and condensation damp sets out how to tell them apart.
If the diagnosis is condensation, the leaks are fixed, the fans work and the home still runs humid, a loft-mounted dehumidifier such as Dryzen is one option for owner-occupied homes with a loft. Each unit covers 150 square metres and extracts 12 litres a day. It helps stop the conditions mould and dust mites need. It will not fix a leak, a failed gutter or genuine rising damp, it does not remove mould that is already there, and it is not suitable for rentals unless the landlord authorises changes. Our free survey tells you honestly whether it is the right fix.
We have no Medway-specific damp statistics, so we will not quote any. Medway Council's own damp and mould page says mould is in most cases caused by condensation, and that damp can also come from leaking pipes, blocked guttering or external walls needing repointing, which is the same range of causes a diagnosis has to work through. Our Rochester and Gillingham pages have house-type detail.
Not on its own. BRE says moisture meters are useful for confirming observations when used skilfully and calibrated, but they can lead to misdiagnosis in complex buildings. A reading is one clue. The pattern over time, the position of the damp and the condition of the building matter as much.
Not usually. The Property Care Association says condensation is the most common cause of damp problems, mostly linked to poor ventilation, and that rising damp is often misdiagnosed. Penetrating damp from faulty brickwork, pipes, roof tiles or window frames is another common cause.
The Property Care Association says investigations should be carried out by a trained and competent surveyor, and its site has a search for qualified damp specialists. The point is to establish the source of the damp before any treatment is considered.
Work through the free steps: note where and when the damp appears, check gutters, pipes and vents, run the fans, keep the heating steady and log temperature and humidity for a couple of weeks. Then you can tell the surveyor what you have already ruled out.
Sources: BRE: Diagnosing the causes of dampness in buildings; Property Care Association: Damp-proofing problems; Property Care Association: Penetrating damp; Property Care Association: Damp-proofing advice; Medway Council: Damp and mould
Book a free, no-obligation survey and we will tell you honestly what we think it is, even if the answer is not a dehumidifier.
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