If you’ve spotted dark patches, peeling paint or a musty smell in your home, you may be dealing with damp. It’s a common issue in properties across the UK, especially in older buildings or homes with poor ventilation. But what causes damp on your walls—and more importantly, how can you get rid of it for good?
In this article, we’ll explore the causes of damp, how to spot it early, the risks it poses to your health and home, and what steps you can take to fix it.
What Causes Damp on Internal Walls?
There are three main types of damp that can appear on walls:
1. Condensation
This is the most common type of damp and usually occurs in kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms. It forms when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface—like a wall or window. If ventilation is poor, the moisture can’t escape and collects on surfaces, eventually leading to mould growth.
2. Rising Damp
Rising damp happens when moisture from the ground travels up through porous building materials, like bricks or mortar. It’s often a sign of a failed or missing damp-proof course. You’ll usually see tide marks or staining on lower parts of internal walls.
3. Penetrating Damp
This occurs when water gets into the building from the outside, often due to faulty brickwork, leaking gutters, or cracks in the wall. Penetrating damp can affect any level of a building and typically leads to localised patches of damp on internal walls.
For a more in-depth breakdown of damp types, the UK Government’s Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) recognises damp and mould as serious health hazards, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.
5 Common Signs of Damp in Your Home
Catching damp early can prevent long-term damage. Watch out for these tell-tale signs:
- Black mould spots on walls or ceilings
- Peeling wallpaper or paint
- Musty smells or poor air quality
- Cold, damp-feeling walls
- Visible salt marks or tide lines (especially near skirting boards)
If you’re experiencing any of the above, it’s worth seeking professional advice to identify the cause and stop the problem from getting worse.
Is Damp Dangerous?
Yes, damp can be more than just an eyesore. Long-term exposure to mould caused by damp can lead to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and worsening of asthma—particularly in children and vulnerable adults. According to the NHS, living in a damp or mouldy home can also affect mental wellbeing.
On top of health concerns, untreated damp can cause significant structural damage over time. Plaster can deteriorate, timbers can rot, and insulation can become less effective, costing homeowners far more in the long run.
Can I Fix Damp Myself?
There are steps you can take to reduce condensation, like using extractor fans, opening windows, and using a dehumidifier. However, if the problem is caused by rising or penetrating damp, DIY solutions won’t be enough.
Damp is often a symptom of a deeper issue—whether it’s poor ventilation, a broken damp course, or external damage to your property. That’s where professional damp proofing services come in.
Damp Proofing Services from Go2
At Go2 Property Services, we offer expert damp proofing solutions tailored to your home. Our experienced team can carry out a full inspection to identify the cause of damp and recommend the most effective treatment—whether that’s installing a new damp-proof course, improving ventilation, or repairing structural damage.
Based in the UK, Go2 understands the local housing stock and the common issues that homeowners face. We use the latest damp control methods and offer advice on how to prevent damp from returning in the future.
👉 Learn more about our damp proofing services
FAQs
Can damp walls be fixed permanently?
Yes—if the source of the damp is correctly identified and treated. Go2 provides long-term solutions that target the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Is damp proofing expensive?
The cost depends on the severity and cause of the damp. Minor condensation issues are cheaper to address than rising or penetrating damp. Go2 offers transparent pricing and expert recommendations after an initial survey.
Will damp come back after treatment?
Not if it’s properly treated and preventative steps are followed. Go2 provides guidance on ventilation and maintenance to help avoid future issues.
Final Thoughts
Damp is one of those problems that, if ignored, won’t go away—and can lead to much bigger headaches down the line. If you suspect damp in your home, don’t wait. Identify the cause, understand the risks, and get professional help where needed.
Contact Go2 today for a trusted, local solution to damp problems in your property.
👉 Visit our Damp Proofing page to book your inspection.
