How to Treat the Most Common Types of Damp in Your Home

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or landlord, there’s nothing worse than discovering damp in your home. Damp can lead to mould growth, structural damage, and even serious health issues, so it’s important to treat it quickly.

In this blog, we’ll cover how to treat the most common types of damp: condensation, rising damp, and penetrating damp. By the end, you’ll have no trouble recognising each type of damp and treating it before it gets any worse.

For landlords, understanding the risks associated with damp and mould and your legal obligations around dealing with it is essential to keep your tenants safe and avoid legal issues. Take our CPD-certified damp and mould training course to ensure you’re staying compliant.

What are the different types of damp and how do you treat them?

There are three types of damp that are commonly found in homes: condensation, rising damp, and penetrating damp. Each type looks different and requires different treatment, so it’s important to be able to differentiate between them.

1. Condensation damp

Condensation is the most common form of damp found in UK homes. It develops when warm, moisture-rich air comes into contact with a cold surface, causing water droplets to form. If ignored, this excess moisture can encourage black mould growth and cause an unpleasant, lingering musty smell.

Common signs of condensation in your home include:

• Water droplets on windows
• Mould on walls
• Musty smell

How to treat condensation damp

Fortunately, condensation is one of the easiest types of damp to treat, especially if you catch it early. To get rid of condensation in your home:

• Improve ventilation by installing extractor fans and opening the windows when showering and cooking.
• Reduce moisture levels by using a dehumidifier, covering pans while cooking, and drying clothes outdoors.
• Wipe away any condensation on your windows, in your kitchen, or around your shower to prevent mould growth

Remember: Condensation issues are usually linked to how a home is used, rather than problems with the building itself. Small lifestyle changes like wiping down condensation daily or moving furniture away from walls can make a big difference.

2. Rising damp

All homes should have a protective barrier known as a damp-proof course (DPC), which is built into the wall near ground level to prevent groundwater from seeping through. If the DPC is missing or damaged, groundwater can creep in and be drawn up through the walls, causing rising damp to develop.

Common signs of rising damp in your home include:

• Tide marks on internal walls
• Peeling paint and bubbling plaster
• Crumbling skirting boards or damp patches near the floor
• White, powdery salts left on walls after moisture evaporates

How to treat rising damp

Rising damp is one of the trickiest forms of damp to treat properly, so it’s best to hire a professional to treat it rather than attempting any DIY methods. The steps taken to treat rising damp typically include:

• Repairing (or installing) the DPC: The first thing to do is look for the damp-proof course. Most UK houses built after 1875 have one, and it can usually be identified by a thin line in the brickwork about 15cm above ground level. If your home’s DPC is damaged, a damp-proof cream can be injected into the walls to form a new barrier. If your home doesn’t have a DPC, a new physical membrane can be fitted to prevent any more water from coming in.
• Addressing external issues: This can also help prevent groundwater from seeping in. Improve the drainage around your property to stop water from pooling, and consider lowering raised garden beds or paving that sits above the DPC level.
• Fixing interior damage: Once you’ve treated the issue at the source, you’ll need to repair the damage. Remove any damaged plaster from the affected walls, then replaster and repaint with moisture-resistant paints.

3. Penetrating damp

Penetrating damp develops when water enters your home through external walls, roofs, or windows. It typically appears as damp patches that spread horizontally, and it tends to be worse after heavy rainfall.

Common signs of penetrating damp in your home include:

• Damp patches that get darker or bigger after it rains
• Watermarks on your ceiling
• Moss or algae growth on external walls
• Flaking paint or blistering plaster inside your home

How to treat penetrating damp

Early detection is key with penetrating damp, as it can cause serious structural issues if left untreated. Again, this type of damp can be difficult to treat, so you might want to hire a professional to do the following:

• Check and repair the exterior: The first step when dealing with penetrating damp is to replace any damaged roof tiles, leaky gutters, or gaps in the brickwork that could be allowing water to enter.
• Apply water protection: Applying a water-repellent coating to walls can help prevent water from entering again in the future.
• Seal openings: Ensure windows and door frames are properly sealed with caulk and replace any worn-down seals around the glazing.
• Repair interior damage: Allow time for the wall to dry out thoroughly before replastering and/or repainting.

Why is it important to treat damp quickly?

Many people think that damp is nothing more than an eyesore, but failing to treat it quickly can have some much more serious consequences:

• Health issues: Prolonged exposure to damp and mould can have a major impact on your health, leading to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even death in some extreme cases.
• Structural damage: Damp can weaken plaster and compromise the stability of walls in your property, leading to costly repairs if you don’t deal with the issue quickly.
• Property value: Damp and mouldy properties aren’t appealing to potential buyers, making it very difficult to sell your home.

If you’re a landlord, you have a legal obligation to treat damp and mould quickly to protect the health of your tenants. Find out more about what’s expected of you in our blog: What Is a Landlord’s Responsibility for Damp and Mould in a Rental Property?

Stay compliant with courses from Virtual College

Damp and mould can have serious consequences for health, safety, and property value. For landlords and housing professionals, understanding your responsibilities is essential to avoid costly repairs and potential legal action.

Our CPD-certified damp and mould training course will give you the knowledge and confidence to spot issues early, take the right action, and stay compliant with current legislation.

Browse our full range of social housing training courses to make sure you’re meeting your obligations while keeping your tenants safe and your properties protected.