It is no surprise that you might find damp in your bathroom considering the typical amount of moisture that is generated in a bathroom. Damp problems can lead to further issues such as mould occurring but having damp patches on your walls is the least of your problems when there is also the potential for health issues or structural damage to the integrity of your property.
Most problems caused by damp are as a result of water entering from the outside of your property, for example penetrating damp, but having damp in the bathroom is often quite the opposite. The majority of damp issues occur as a result of moisture created within the house.
How to Tell if I Have Bathroom Damp?
The first step to stopping a damp problem is to know what type of damp problem is affecting the bathroom. Firstly, check where damp occurs most prominently in the room.
If your walls feel damp to the touch or the wallpaper is starting to peel off then it is a good indication you have a damp or condensation issue. There will be stained areas as well which will ordinarily be brownish in colour.
One of the clearest signs of condensation damp is that there will be a pool of water underneath the windows or there will be black mould occurring on the window seal.
If there is a damp, musty smell coming from the cabinets and cupboards inside of the bathroom then it is more than likely you will have damp. One of the most common areas for mould to start developing is around the sealant of your bath or sink. Mould growth can also be commonly found on the ceiling.
If there is water seeping through the walls, then this is a sign of a penetrating damp issue. Penetrating damp can occur when there are cracks in the walls of the building. These can occur for a number of reasons from damaged guttering to ageing brickwork.
If you are seeing tidemarks on the walls at about 1 metre high in your bathroom then this is a sign of rising damp. This form of damp only occurs on the ground level of the property and predominately affect older properties.
Walls and floors can usually prevent moisture from rising up the walls through the use of a damp proof course or membrane. A reason why rising damp affects older properties is that depending on the age of the property some were constructed when there was no such thing as building regulations regarding damp proofing and as a result may not have a damp proof course at all.
If you spot any of these signs, then there is a damp problem. If you are unsure of what type of damp problem, you may be suffering from then contacting a fully qualified damp expert to conduct a survey. You can contact us online or call us on 0800 288 8660.
How to Stop Damp in the Bathroom?
So now you know the problems that are associated with damp in the bathroom, how do you stop it? There are a few preventative methods that you can carry out by yourself that can help stop damp becoming a problem. These solutions are listed down below:
Keeping Your Windows Open
Bathrooms are prone to high humidity levels and if the moisture-laden air cannot escape then this will lead to damp issues. To allow the humid air to escape, the best way is for you to open your windows to allow fresh air to move freely.
Before you take a shower or bath make sure that you open your windows to ensure that the warm air can escape as soon as possible instead of lingering in the room.
Turning Your Extractor Fan On
It is common for homeowners not to have the extractor fan turned on while showering or bathing however, if you have one fitted this is something you should be utilizing. Using an extractor fan is even more important if there is no bathroom window at your property.
Without having a window to allow warm air to escape then this the air will land onto the nearest cold surface leading to puddles of condensation and creating the ideal environment for mould to start to develop.
Make sure that you not only use the extractor while showering but also leave it on after as well to make sure as much moisture as possible is removed from the room. Cleaning out the extractor fan is always a good idea as well as dust tends to collect inside the fan and when this happens the fan will not work to its full capacity.
Wiping Cold Surfaces
Wiping the cold surfaces after you have bathed or showered can help reduce the amount of excess water that is left on the surface. You can simply wipe off the moisture from the surface with a dry cloth.
Fixing Building Defects
If your property is suffering from penetrating damp then you will first need to locate where moisture is entering the property. You will need the help of a building contractor to fix the guttering, damaged roof or repair windows if they are poorly installed.
Once the moisture has been removed, this is when ventilation solutions such as: extractor fans can be introduced to remove any further moisture that is still in the room.
Having a Damp Proof Course or Membrane Installed
If your bathroom is located on the ground level of the building and was built pre 1950s then there is a chance it is susceptible to rising damp. If your property is suffering from rising damp, then the best solution is to have a damp proof course installed.
While it is not the cheapest of fixes, it will ensure that your bathroom is left rising damp free. The installation of a damp proof course or damp proof membrane should be carried out by a specialist. A specialist will inject a damp proof course into the wall which will then act as a barrier to stop moisture from rising.
Stop Bathroom Damp Today and Prevent Further Damage in the Future
We hope our useful tips have helped you understand how damp can enter your bathroom and what measures can be used to stop and prevent damp from occurring. The earlier you have noticed the damp problem the faster it is to get rid of it. There are small adjustments you can make to your daily routine but if the damp issue is more severe then contact a specialist.
A damp proofing specialist will not only be able to identify what the damp problem is but provide the correct solution to ensuring that it is a healthy and safe environment for you and your family to live in. You can contact our specialists at Timberwise by calling 0800 288 8660 or contacting us online via the form.
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