A tide mark low on the wall
A wavy stain within about a metre of the floor, sometimes with salts and peeling paint above the skirting. Often linked to ground moisture or something bridging the damp-proof course.
Rising damp guideWHAT THE CLUES MEAN
SIGNS OF DAMP
IN CUMBRIAN HOMES.
Damp leaves clues, and each one points to a different cause. Here’s what the common signs usually mean, and where to read more about each.
Arrange a free surveyCommon signs,
likely causes.
Use these as clues, not a diagnosis. The same mark can have different causes in different homes, which is what a survey sorts out.
Patches that grow after rain
Damp areas that darken in wet weather and fade when it’s dry, at any height. Usually water getting in through walls, roofs, chimneys or windows.
Penetrating damp guideBlack spots in corners
Mould in cold corners, behind furniture and around windows. Usually condensation, though a leak can cause it too.
Black mould guideWhite powder on walls
Fluffy white deposits are salts brought out as water evaporates from brick, stone or plaster. They show moisture has been moving through the wall.
A musty smell
A damp, earthy smell often comes before you see anything. It can point to hidden mould, damp under floors or a room that rarely gets aired.
Stains on the chimney breast
Brown or yellow marks that bleed through paint usually mean rain getting in, a sealed flue or old soot salts.
Chimney breast guideInside or
outside?
Clues that point outside
- Worse after heavy or wind-driven rain
- Damp on walls facing the weather
- Overflowing gutters or leaking downpipes nearby
- Damp at ceiling level or upstairs
- Soil or paths built up against the wall
Clues that point inside
- Worse in cold weather and first thing in the morning
- Streaming windows
- Mould in corners and behind furniture
- Worst in bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens
- Better when windows are opened or the heating is on
What to
do next.
Note the pattern
Take dated photos and note when it gets better or worse, such as after rain, in cold weather or when the heating is off.
Check the easy things
Look at gutters, downpipes, ground levels outside and whether extractor fans work. These cause a lot of damp.
Get it looked at
If the cause isn’t obvious or keeps coming back, a free survey will find it before it spreads.
What a survey coversDamp help
across north & west Cumbria.
Send your postcode to confirm availability, including nearby towns and villages.
Check availabilityCarlisle & the north
Carlisle, Brampton, Longtown, Wigton
West Cumbria & the coast
Whitehaven, Workington, Maryport, Silloth, Aspatria, Egremont, Cleator Moor
Penrith & the northern Lakes
Penrith, Keswick, Cockermouth
Signs of damp
FAQs.
Can I check for damp with a meter from a DIY shop?
A meter gives a rough guide, but most are designed for wood and can read high on dry walls because of salts or foil-backed paper. Use it as a clue, not proof.
What’s the difference between damp and condensation?
Condensation is one kind of damp, caused by moisture inside the home. Rising and penetrating damp come from outside. They look similar but need very different fixes.
Is damp covered by home insurance?
Damage that builds up gradually is often excluded, while sudden events like a burst pipe may be covered. Check your policy.
How quickly should I deal with damp?
Sooner is cheaper. Damp spreads, spoils plaster and timber and encourages mould the longer it’s left.
Can damp affect my health?
UK government guidance says damp and mould can affect anyone’s health, particularly children, older people and those with breathing problems.
How much does a damp survey cost?
Our damp surveys are free, with no obligation to go ahead.
YOUR HOME. A CLEARER WAY FORWARD.
BOOK YOUR FREE
SURVEY OR QUOTE.
Damp, ventilation or plastering. Tell us what you need and arrange a free, no-obligation survey or quotation.
