What is damp?
Damp is due to excess moisture caused by factors such as condensation through rainwater seeping into property or rising damp where moisture from ground level travels up through the walls.
We have 3 types of damp, the most common type is condensation damp which mostly forms on windows. We also have penetrating and rising damp. Penetrating damp is caused from water leaking through walls, this mostly from structural issues such as cracks in walls and faulty water drainage like guttering etc. Rising Damp is the rarest type of damp, this happens when moisture travels up through walls from ground level. This is most commonly found in building materials such as plasterboard, floorboards, joists and skirting as these materials absorb moisture.
What is Timber Rot?
Timber rot also known as wet rot can affect buildings of all ages, if rot is found in timber it should be identified and removal action taken quickly. Timber rot is caused from moisture in timber, it’s just like damp but it gets trapped in the timber and causes the timber to rot away from the inside out.
The worst thing about timber rot is that if it is not found quickly it can spread quickly and cause serious damage. As soon as timber rot is discovered this should be resolved as quickly as possible. Timber rot is most commonly found in listed building which can cause serious damage and also get very expensive.
How to find damp and timber rot?
Damp
If you often get window condensation this could then easily lead to damp issues if not treated correctly. The most common thing with window condensation is to use a window vac to get rid of it. If not treated, you’ll start to see mould spores around the condensation area which can then lead to major damp issues.
Timber Rot
Timber rot is mostly caused due to a presence of damp. Timber rot is mostly found following the discovery of damp. The most common signs of timber rot/wet rot are the following:
- Darkened timber – darker than surrounding timber
- Soft and spongy timber
- Cracked appearance that may crumble to touch when dry
- Localised fungus growth
- Shrinkage
- Damp, musty smell
What to do if you think Damp and/or timber rot could be present?
So if you think damp and/or timber rot could be present, then this would be where you need to look into having a damp and timber survey done. If this is the case, then luckily OJ Health & Safety Solutions are on hand to help. At OJ this is one of the services we have to offer. If you would like to get a damp and timber survey booked in then please do get in touch!