Damp and mould are caused by moisture which cannot escape as a result of rising damp, condensation or leaks.
Condensation, which can lead to mould, can be caused by poor ventilation of a property by, for example, keeping the windows closed, drying clothes inside or turning off vents.Ordinarily, however, if you are concerned about damp in your property, there is likely to be a structural cause of the damp. Penetrating damp is caused by water seeping through the walls. It might cause damp patches and may arise as a result of a leaking gutter or a crack in the render. Rising damp is caused by water from the ground which can rise through the floors. If you have rising damp, there might be a defective damp proof course or damaged membrane.Sometimes you cannot visibly see damp but you know it is there because you can smell it or the walls may feel wet and cold to touch.It is important to get the damp resolved as soon as possible as damp can affect your health. Damp may cause allergies, infection and toxicity. Mould spores which are breathed into the lungs can provoke asthma attacks, respiratory infections, coughs and colds.If you are a tenant and you are concerned that damp is effecting your family, speak to Stephanie Miers in confidence to discuss your options about how you can work towards getting your property repaired.