10 Oct 2024

Damp is one of those problems that really can creep up on you. You might spot a patch of moisture here, a musty smell there, but what you might not realise is just how dangerous damp can be. The hidden dangers of damp can cause havoc in your home and badly damage your health if you’re not careful. Let’s look into why it’s such a threat – and how you can fight back.

The health risks of damp

One of the most hidden dangers of damp is its impact on your health. Damp environments are breeding grounds for mould, which releases tiny spores into the air. Breathing these in over time can lead to respiratory issues, including asthma and other lung conditions. If you or a family member have allergies, mould can aggravate symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and coughing too.

We’ve seen it happen. A friend of mine kept ignoring a patch of damp in their spare room, thinking it was harmless. Fast forward a few months, and their daughter, who had never had any health issues before, developed this really nasty and persistent cough. Once they sorted the damp, the cough cleared up like magic. It’s a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of damp lurking in plain sight.

The impact on your home

Damp isn’t just bad for your health – it can also seriously damage your home. If you’ve noticed peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint, that’s often an early sign of penetrating damp. Over time, damp can weaken walls, cause timber to rot, and create a cold, uncomfortable living space. Nobody wants that.

People often think of the phrase “rising damp,” but the real issue is often “penetrating damp.” This type of damp comes from rainwater soaking into your walls, especially in cold, shaded areas that don’t dry out in winter. That’s where our Extreme Climate Masonry Water Seal comes in. It was designed to tackle these tough-to-reach damp spots, even in coastal or highland areas. It’s not like other products you’ve seen – it’s breathable, invisible once cured, and provides a 10-year seal, actually protecting your home from the elements.

How to combat damp

The key to beating damp is tackling it early and effectively. Here are a few tips:

1. Ventilate your home: Keep air flowing by opening windows and using extractor fans in damp-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens. This can reduce the moisture that leads to mould.

2. Use the right products: When it comes to penetrating damp, not all products are created equal. Our Extreme Climate Masonry Water Seal is the solution you’ve been searching for. With just one coat it gives 100% breathable protection for damp brick walls, sandstone, limestone, granite and more.

3. Seal vulnerable areas: North-facing walls or places exposed to driving rain are particularly susceptible to damp. Stormseal is designed to stop lateral penetrating damp dead in its tracks. AND it can be applied to damp walls, which is ideal because waiting for walls to dry out is definitely not always possible in winter. 

Protect your home, protect your health

Don’t underestimate the hidden dangers of damp. It’s not just an eyesore – it’s a serious threat to your home and health. But if you take action now and use products like Extreme Climate and Stormseal, you can stop damp in its tracks and enjoy a safer, drier home.