6 Causes of Damp
6 Causes of Damp to Check Before Calling a Builder
At Profix Trades, we know that dealing with damp can be a stressful experience for any homeowner. Damp not only affects the appearance of your home but also poses risks to your health and property value. Before you pick up the phone and call a builder, it’s worth identifying the root cause of the problem. Taking time to investigate can save you time, money, and allow us to offer tailored solutions when we arrive to lend a hand.
Here are six common causes of damp to check before reaching out for professional help.
1. Poor Ventilation
If certain areas of your home—like bathrooms or kitchens—feel clammy or show signs of condensation on windows or walls, poor ventilation could be the culprit. Without proper air circulation, moisture gets trapped, leading to condensation damp. Check for blocked vents, non-functioning extractor fans, or obstructions that stop fresh air from circulating through your home.
What to Do: Open windows to improve airflow and ensure fans are working correctly. If issues persist, one of our team members can assess your home’s ventilation and suggest long-term solutions.
2. Leaking Pipes
Leaks from plumbing systems are a frequent cause of damp indoors. Inspect under sinks, behind dishwashers, and around washing machines for drips or puddles. Even a tiny, slow leak can cause damp patches on walls, ceilings, or floors over time.
What to Do: Look for wet or stained areas around your plumbing. If you catch a leak, call a plumber as soon as possible. For larger damage caused by leaks, we’re always happy to help repair any affected structures.
3. Blocked Gutters and Downpipes
When gutters or downpipes become clogged with leaves and debris, water doesn’t drain away properly and can overflow onto your walls, causing damp patches or water stains. This is common after heavy rain or storms.
What to Do: Take a look during or after rain to check whether water is running smoothly through your guttering system. If you spot overflows or buildups, clearing your gutters could resolve the issue. If the damage is already done, we’re here to help assess and repair any external or internal problems.
4. Rising Damp
Rising damp occurs when water from the ground creeps up through the walls of your house. If you spot a tidemark on your walls—often accompanied by peeling paint or wallpaper—it could indicate rising damp. This issue happens when there’s a failure in the damp-proof course (DPC), the protective layer designed to stop water from travelling upward.
What to Do: Check external walls for signs of damage to the DPC, such as cracks. If rising damp is the issue, this is likely something that does require a trusted and experienced builder to fix properly.
5. Roof Damage
Your roof protects your home from the elements, and when it’s damaged, rainwater can quickly get inside. Loose tiles, cracked flashing, or clogged roof valleys are all potential causes of damp.
What to Do: Inspect your roof from the ground to see if you can spot missing tiles, sagging areas, or any obvious damage. You may need to climb into the loft to check for signs of water entry, such as damp insulation or patches of mould. If you suspect roof damage, don’t wait to call a professional - it’s a job best left to experienced hands.
6. External Ground Levels
Sometimes, the ground outside your house sits too high against your external walls, allowing water to penetrate. This is especially an issue with paved areas, garden beds, or raised decking that have built up over time. If water drains toward your home rather than away from it, damp problems are almost inevitable.
What to Do: Take a walk around your property after heavy rain. Check whether water is pooling near your walls or if there’s a noticeable decline where water could flow toward the foundation. Trimming back soil, altering gradients, or redirecting drainage might help resolve the issue. In some cases a French drain can be installed – ask us to help you with this as it’s a specialist drainage system.
When It’s Time to Call Our Builders in York
If you've looked at these potential causes but can’t pinpoint where the damp is coming from, or if the problem is more serious than you anticipated, it’s time to call in a professional builder. At Profix Trades, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing damp issues for homeowners in York and North Yorkshire. Whether it’s a simple repair or a more complex solution, you can trust us to restore your home to its best condition.
If you’re unsure how to proceed or need help addressing any of the above issues, please get in touch. No job is too big or small and we’re competitively priced too (which is nice to hear isn’t it?).
Need Help with a Damp Problem? Get in Touch Today!
Whether you need advice or a full inspection and solution, Profix Trades is here to help. Our team of building trades delivers straightforward, reliable solutions with no added stress.
Get in Touch
Call Tom and the team on 01904 826386 or drop us a message on info@profixprojects.co.uk - we’re ready to help whenever you need us.