Modern homes are well insulated and sealed tight to increase energy efficiency but are more likely to have poor ventilation because they cannot breathe. Opening doors and windows is not always practical and does not provide adequate ventilation, which needs movement and exchange of air.
Rising Damp
Rising damp carries soluble salts up into the masonry, known as efflorescence. This dampness affects the quality of air that you breathe while you’re indoors. A damp home with low ventilation has air that contains pollutants which can trigger the development of asthma and other respiratory-related infections, as well as allergic reactions.
One of the main problems when homes are damp is the development of mould, usually on the wall. As a result, allergens are produced. Even if your home is clean and dust-free, you may find yourself sneezing, experiencing itchy eyes or a runny nose when you encounter the spores produced when mould grows from a damp area in your property from lack of air flow. Another danger associated with rising damp issues is the fact that it creates an environment for the development and multiplication of harmful bacteria such as mould.
Rising damp can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare as the building structure can be affected by rising damp. The integrity of the foundations can be seriously put at risk due to rising damp.
Dampness
Another culprit for rising damp is the age of your home. Homes built before 1980 are often found with damp rising in capillary action in the brick work or masonry due to the fact that the walls were either inferior or had no damp course. The internal walls of these older homes have a more common issue with water penetration. Building regulations have since been updated over the years to include items to help prevent this problem from occurring. There is a damp treatment and solution for each reason of rising damp.
Whenever a home has a rising damp issue, the main reason behind it is usually the high levels of moisture in the air and the lack of natural sub floor ventilation. There are many situations that can lead to different house structures having rising damp and therefore creating places for mould to grow.
A common area in the home that can create rising damp is under the house – the sub floor area. The sub floor area can easily harbour ground moisture, causing rising damp throughout your home’s masonry structure. Mould, usually on the walls inside your home, is a sign of rising damp. Rising damp can also cause pest problems when located at ground level. The damp conditions can be a magnet for termites who like to eat the damp wood. This occurs especially when there is insufficient air flow. A leaking pipe beneath your floor can also cause the sub floor area of your property to become damp, more so when there aren’t enough vents or a sub floor ventilation system that can facilitate proper circulation of air. Rising damp at floor level can weaken the structure of the wall. Masonry walls can begin to crumble.
Additionally, metallic material will experience corrosion, causing damage to the entire building. Rising damp is a real risk to your property, but sub floor ventilation can easily eradicate and prevent rising damp from developing. It is one of the best rising damp solutions.
Mould
Mould is almost always caused by dampness and poor ventilation in your home.
The signs of dampness and poor ventilation can often be obvious.
However, in newer homes, which are built to be almost airtight under building regulations, signs of poor ventilation aren’t always initially visible and may exist in the form of excessive moisture that can’t escape and hidden damp, which accumulates over time.
Musty Odours
Musty odours, caused by dampness and poor ventilation in your home, are pretty off-putting and not particularly healthy.
Getting clean, fresh air in regularly through your home with proper ventilation will help greatly with lingering smells, flushing out the stale, contaminated air along with any musty odours.
Wet Rot
Wet wood rot is due to water damage that may accumulate slowly over time, such as with leaking pipes or penetrating damp caused by the presence of moisture in the air. Wet rot will generally grow in humid conditions. Any piece of wood present in the home that is not protected is vulnerable to wet rot.
Termites are tiny insects that feed on wood. Rotting wood is more likely to attract termites. This is especially true of wet rot which contains plenty of moisture that the termites seek along with nutrients. Dry rot is not as conducive to termites, but they may still be present.
Condensation
If you know your home has weeping windows, you’re not alone. Thankfully, fixing window condensation can be as simple as improving the ventilation in your home. Condensation forms on cold surfaces when they come into contact with moisture in the air. Dripping condensation and excessive moisture can result in a number of issues for your home and your family’s health.
Sub-floor ventilation is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality and reducing the risk of structural damage. If you’re experiencing any signs we spoke about in this article in your home, you should speak to Mister Floors to help assess your sub-floor ventilation system. If you are unsure or have more questions contact Mister Floors today!
