Is your home feeling cold, musty, or showing strange marks on the walls? You might be dealing with damp. Knowing how to stop damp in your home early can save you from serious repairs later. In this guide, we explain how to identify damp, what causes it, and how to fix it properly.
What Is Damp and Why It Matters
Damp is moisture that enters or builds up inside your home. It can damage walls, floors, and furniture—and affect your health. Common types include:
- Rising damp – moisture from the ground moving up through walls
- Penetrating damp – rainwater seeping through walls or roofs
- Condensation – moisture from inside, like from cooking or showering
How to Spot the Early Signs of Damp
Watch for these warning signs of moisture problems:
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Dark patches on walls or ceilings
- Mould or mildew, especially near windows or corners
- Musty smells in rooms or cupboards
- Cold, damp-feeling walls or floors
Common Causes of Damp in Homes
Moisture can enter your home in many ways. Poor ventilation, leaky gutters, cracked render, or broken roof tiles can all allow damp to build up. Even modern homes can suffer if air circulation is poor or if a damp-proof course has failed.
Best Ways to Stop Damp in Your Home
Stopping damp means treating the source—not just covering the symptoms. Here’s how:
- Install or repair a damp-proof course to block rising damp
- Use damp-proof membranes beneath floors or behind walls
- Seal external cracks and fix leaky gutters or roofs
- Improve ventilation using fans, vents, or open windows regularly
When to Call the Experts
If mould keeps coming back or walls stay wet, DIY solutions won’t be enough. A professional damp survey can identify the cause and recommend long-term treatments. This is especially important in older properties or homes with recurring issues.
Go2 Property Services Can Help
At Go2 Property Services, we provide expert damp solutions tailored to your home. Our team will inspect, diagnose, and apply the right fix—fast and effectively.
Need help now? Contact us today for a free consultation or to schedule a damp survey.
Want more expert advice? Read the Which? guide to dealing with damp.
