There are a variety of different damp proofing techniques available. It is important to first identify the problem in order to apply the most effective solution. In the case of condensation during winter, look for where the condensation is occurring and then look for a way to damp proof the area concerned. It is recommended to get professional assistance in determining the problem and the best solution.
Why It's Important To Damp Proof Your Home For Winter
Damp can cause all sorts of damage to your home from crumbling plaster to unstable foundations. Some of the consequences are far more serious than others. There are also a variety of different types of damp that can affect the home such as rising damp and penetrating damp resulting from poor drainage and damp caused by condensation.
Damp proofing is therefore essential for every home no matter the time of year. However, during winter, your home is far more prone to condensation making it even more important to keep your home dry during the colder months of the year.
What Is Condensation?
Condensation occurs when moisture hits a cold surface and condenses into drops of water. For example, if you are having a cold drink in summer, the glass, metal or plastic will form droplets on the outside of the container. This is condensation. However, condensation is not always visible to the naked eye. It can occur in hidden places or the water droplets may be so tiny that they are not immediately visible until you touch the surface where condensation has taken place.
Peeling wallpaper and watermarks on walls are signs of damp that may be a result of condensation. A musty, moist odor is another signal that there is damp in the home. Walls or floors that feel moist or wet to the touch are a definite sign that condensation is occurring. Mold loves wet environments and is also a sign of excess moisture and damp. Mold can grow within just 24 hours of spores landing on a moist surface and may be extremely hazardous to your health.
During the winter months, where plenty of cold surfaces exist, this condensation is much more likely to occur. To add to the problem, heating our homes and keeping them shut up against the cold increases the problem. A warm indoor environment can increase humidity or moisture in the air - further contributing to condensation.
How To Prevent Condensation?
There are basically two ways to reduce condensation - temperature control and ventilation.
Lowering the air temperature in your home is a good way to prevent condensation from forming. The best way to do this is to open all the windows and allow the temperature to drop. However, this is not ideal as it will make for an uncomfortable living environment and add to your heating costs as you try to reheat your home.
Ventilation on the other hand provides a good solution to condensation without having to suffer colder temperatures. Good ventilation through air vents, ducts, extractor fans or dry heating solutions dries the air out. The less moisture in the air, the less likely it is that condensation will take place.
There is one more solution to avoiding damp problems caused by condensation during winter and that is to damp proof your home.
How To Damp Proof Against Condensation?
There are a variety of different damp proofing techniques available. It is important to first identify the problem in order to apply the most effective solution. In the case of condensation during winter, look for where the condensation is occurring and then look for a way to damp proof the area concerned. It is recommended to get professional assistance in determining the problem and the best solution.
1. Condensation On Exterior Walls
Condensation is highly likely to appear on exterior walls during winter as it provides a cold surface for moisture to collect on. Applying masonry water repellent to the exterior of your home is a good damp proofing solution for outside walls. The application will still allow condensation to collect on the walls but the moisture will run off instead of being absorbed by the walls resulting in damage.
2. Condensation Indoors
Use condensation control paint and other products that are widely available on the market. Remember that bathrooms and kitchens are especially prone to condensation and damp from steamy showers or cooking. Mold proof paint is also a good solution to prevent condensation from becoming a problem indoors.
3. Windows And Doors
Treat window and door frames to control condensation. Damp will damage the frames quickly causing wood to warp and rot and metal to rust.
There are many more damp proofing solutions and products available for your home. However, ensuring good ventilation and taking steps to prevent condensation in the first place is essential to avoiding a damp problem in the first place.
For more information on how we can help damp proof your home for winter visit https://www.davidsonsdpr.co.uk
Author: Davidsons DPR
