When the weather is wet, or you live in a damp location such as close to the sea, you may find problems with damp in your house. Many people are unaware, though, just how serious penetrating damp can be for your house’s structural integrity and your health. Unchecked, penetrating damp can cause mould development, posing major health hazards. But exactly what is penetrating damp, and how may it be causing mould issues in your house?
More importantly, how can you guard your family and yourself against the risks of mould exposure? Let’s get into the details to help you better manage and prevent these issues.
What Is Penetrating Damp?
Your house will develop damp patches when water seeps through the floor, walls, or roof. Unlike rising damp or condensation, which has more internal sources, penetrating damp is connected to the outside. It’s a recurring problem, especially in older homes.
Have you ever found wet areas on your walls, particularly following heavy rain? That is the classic indication of penetrating moisture. Untreated, this damp can permeate your house and provide ideal circumstances for mould growth.
The Dangerous Connection Between Damp and Mould
Why is penetrating damp such a problem? Apart from the apparent harm it can cause to the foundation of your house, wetness provides a perfect habitat for mould to grow. Mould grows from moisture; hence, when your floors, ceilings, or walls are damp, mould spores can take hold and start to proliferate.
Mould is regarded in the UK as a Category 1 Health Hazard; hence, it falls within the same danger range as asbestos. Although that sounds severe, living in a mouldy house does carry health hazards.
How Does Mould Affect Your Health?
Mould can affect your health. You breathe in the mould spores you emit into the air, and over time this can cause some medical issues. Particularly for sensitive groups including youngsters, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health concerns, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the government have both underlined the risks of living in damp and mouldy surroundings.
Common health issues associated with mould exposure include:
- Respiratory Problems: Conditions including bronchitis, asthma, and other chronic respiratory disorders can be brought on or worsened by mould.
- Allergic Reactions: Mould is a frequent allergen; exposure can cause symptoms including sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and skin rashes.
- Infections: In some circumstances, especially in those with compromised immune systems, extended exposure to mould can cause fungal infections.
- Fatigue and Headaches: Living in a mouldy environment can lead to persistent tiredness, headaches, and overall malaise even in healthy people.
For those now suffering with allergies or respiratory problems, mould may make life intolerable. And the likelihood of having these health issues rises dramatically if you find pervasive damp in your house.
Where to Look for Penetrating Damp and Mould
Identifying penetrating damp in your home is the first step to preventing mould growth.
- Exterior Walls: Damage to a render or brickwork might let water trickle into your walls. That’s why you search the inside walls for wet areas, especially during severe rain.
- Roofs: Missing or damaged roof tiles can let water in. It can also damp loft areas and ceilings. Look for discoloured sections on your ceiling or peeling paint.
- Windows: Badly fitting windows or faulty seals can let rainfall enter. It can produce dampness around the window frames.
- Basements: These places are more prone to penetrating dampness because of their ground proximity. If your basement seems musty or wet, this could indicate water seeping through the floor or the walls.
How to Deal with Penetrating Damp and Mould
Dealing with penetrating damp is a two-stage process. First, you must cease the moisture source. Usually, this entails correcting any exterior damage to your house—that is, a leaking roof, wall repairs, or gutters’ proper operation. Once the cause of the dampness is under control, you can next attack any current mould. You might be able to undertake the cleansing on your own for little mould patches.
Still, one should do this carefully. To prevent breathing mould spores, make sure you dress in protective gear, a mask, and gloves. Use mould-specific cleaning products; steer clear of bleach, which occasionally aggravates the issue by spewing additional spores into the air.
Larger mould issues are better suited for a professional call-out. Mould removal professionals have the tools and knowledge to carefully eliminate mould from your house without endangering your health.
Preventing Future Damp and Mould Problems
Stopping future issues with penetrating moisture and mildew mostly depends on maintenance. Particularly following heavy rain, routinely look for damage. Make sure your gutters, walls, and roof are in good shape.
Mould grows in wet, poorly ventilated areas. Hence, make sure your house has good air conditioning. Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens. If your house is constantly damp, consider using a dehumidifier.
Additionally, always monitor the humidity levels. If you are concerned about dampness, use a hygrometer to track humidity and, if needed, act to lower it since mould often thrives when indoor humidity levels reach above 60%.
Your Responsibility as a Tenant or Homeowner
Your landlord, should you be renting a house, has a legal duty to make sure the structure is free of health risks, including mould and damp. Tell your landlord at once if your house has penetrating damp or mould. They oversee fixing structural issues. Ignoring penetrating dampness not only compromises your health but also may result in costly repairs downstream when the damage gets worse.
Aydin Sigva from Cavitech said:
I’ve seen firsthand how penetrating damp can wreak havoc on properties. Proper insulation isn’t just about warmth—it’s key to keeping moisture out, protecting homes from serious damage, and ensuring a healthier living environment.