When it comes to internal building problems, damp is one of the most frequent that we have to deal with, regardless of whether the building is commercial or residential. With rising damp, it’s always better to prevent than it is to take care of, that damp proof is so necessary.

If damp proofing is not installed properly, or not at all, there will be little to no protection for the walls and floors. Ultimately, this will lead to mould, damp patches on the walls, stains, wet rot, peeling wallpaper and musty smells, all of which we’d certainly like to avoid.

WHAT IS DAMP PROOFING?
Damp proofing is an umbrella term used to describe a number of different treatments utilized on prevent the challenge of damp affecting domestic and commercial properties. That said, damp proofing is essentially known as a particular type of waterproofing for constructed walls. In these walls, a damp proofing barrier – also known as a damp proof course – is fitted to ensure that damp problems don’t arise.

THE HEALTH RISKS
Damp isn’t just an unpleasant scar on your house or a putrid smell, it’s also very much a health risk to you, your family or your employees. The main health risk associated with damp relates to the respiratory system, which is damaged by the moisture in the air and the microscopic bacteria which thrive in this environment. According to a report carried out in 1997, people who reside in damp homes are two times as likely to experience asthma when compared to those who are in homes without damp problems. Other common respiratory problems which are associated with household damp include bronchitis, breathing difficulties and chest pains.

A further health issue which damp can cause is eczema. Various studies have demonstrated a connection between between damp problems and the occurrence of this nasty skin ailment. However, those people who are already experiencing skin problems are at a much greater risk – especially young children.

Needless to say, fixing such damp issues in your home can go an extremely long way to controlling, or even eliminating entirely, these problems.

THE COST
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, it’s always much easier to prevent damp than it is to remove it – this is one of the reasons damp proofing is so important. If you discover out your home has damp problems due to inadequate proofing, you may end up having to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds to correct it.