Why Damp Proofing Can Prove a Good Investment for the Future

Whether you have rising damp, penetrating damp, over condensation, dry rot or wet rot, damp can cause huge long-term damage to a building and its contents. Not only can the entire structure of a building be affected and damaged by damp, but it can also cause problems for fittings and fixtures and have a negative impact on your health. Damp proofing is a kind of waterproofing applied to the foundations of a building.
The specialised procedure prevents moisture from entering from the exterior into the interior. Even a small amount of moisture getting into a building can have costly effects upon a home or business, so sealing your walls and floors can be a great investment if you want to avoid damp and its associated problems.

Wood Rot

Damp can lead to both dry rot and wet rot. Contrary to popular belief, dry rot is not caused by dry conditions. It is so named because of the certain types of fungi which cause brown rot decay, which has a dark and crumbly appearance. Wet rot is traditional rot associated with a moist appearance. Both dry rot and wet rot can cause a great deal of damage to a building’s structure as the fungi which attack the wood can destroy the timber within it. Damp proofing is a quick and easy procedure to reduce the moisture content in a building and prevent extremely expensive structural repair bills.

Damage to Furniture and Interiors

Damp can lead to mould, which can produce many problems and cause widespread damage to homes and interiors. An undisturbed damp carpet or sofa is the ideal location for mould to establish itself within a house. Mould literally digests the carpeting and soft furnishing material, causing it to decay and deteriorate. If your house is not damp-proofed and you have mould problems, you might have to replace the furniture, carpets and curtains.

Associated Health Risks

Damp can also have a detrimental impact on people’s health. Air-borne spores from mould can infect your airways and lungs, making you more susceptible to a range of illnesses. Furthermore, mould produces micro toxins which not only weaken your immune system but have also been associated with cancer. Food is also far more likely to become contaminated when stored in a damp house, resulting in a health risk for you and your guests.

The Easiest Way to Lose Tenants

A survey of those renting homes in Manchester found that 50% of tenants did not renew contracts because of damp problems. Furthermore, these tenants were often likely to inform other prospective tenants of the damp problems, making life harder for landlords. If you are renting out either a commercial or residential property, it may be tempting to cover up damp problems for viewings. But tenants will become aware of it eventually and it could cost you a lot of money in the long term.