.png)
Dampness in a house can
cause a musty smell and damage to walls, ceilings and furniture. Dampness in
house is when there's too much moisture that can cause mold, damage to
materials, and bad indoor air quality. To prevent this, keep the building in
good condition, control humidity, fix leaks, and have good ventilation.
- Find the source of the dampness (e.g. leak, poor ventilation, high humidity).
- Fix any leaks- If the dampness is due to a
leak, it is important to repair it as soon as possible. This may involve
fixing a leaky roof or repairing damaged walls or pipes.
- Improve ventilation- Improving ventilation can
help reduce dampness and prevent the buildup of moisture. This could
involve installing vents in bathrooms and kitchens, and using extractor
fans to remove moist air.
- Insulate your home- Insulating your home can
help reduce the amount of moisture that accumulates in your walls and
ceilings.
- Install a damp-proof course- If your home is
built on a damp or flood-prone site, you may need to install a damp-proof
course to prevent water from penetrating your walls.
- Use a dehumidifier- A dehumidifier
can help to remove excess moisture from the air and reduce dampness.
- Seek expert help - If the dampness is
severe or you are unable to find the source, it is recommended to seek the
help of a professional, such as a building inspector or damp specialist
civil engineer.
The following methods are
generally adopted to prevent the defect of dampness in a structure during
construction.
- Membrane damp proofing,
- Damp Proof Course,
- Integral damp proofing,
- Surface treatment,
- Gunting,
- Cavity wall construction,
