Damp proofing your property so it’s ready to sell

With the wettest start to the year since 1766, it is no surprise to find out that damp is the biggest deterrent for property hunters.
A recent survey carried out by Gocompare found that 70% of people stated damp and stained walls and ceilings as they reason for not purchasing and moving into a property.

This will prove to be a huge obstacle for people wishing to sell their homes before the storms struck them and infested them with damp. Residents have tried to control the damp and condensation problem by placing kitchen towels on window sills and strategically placing buckets and pans to futilely catch drops of water dripping from their ceilings.

To see a home that has been destroyed by water, with damp walls and ruined furniture and personal belongings drifting away in the layer of water submerging the carpet, is a personal loss of a home built on the foundation of hard work and love.
There are however, several steps you can take to prevent further or future damp and mould issues:
1. Heat your house and keep it warm
During the winter, it is advised to keep your property warm in order to ward off further condensation, as it caused by cold surfaces. Therefore, even a small amount of heat can go a long way, especially if it is run regularly.

2. Get rid of any existing mould in your house
Any areas effected by damp and mould such as ceilings, walls and hard floors should be thoroughly cleaned with an anti-fungi wash. Damp leads to the growth of mould and the only way to get rid of it is to kill it and be rid of it. Once these areas have been targeted, it is also recommended that you carefully dry them. Undiluted white vinegar is a natural method of killing any bacteria.

3. Keep good ventilation
It is one of the best methods of removing excess moisture from your home. Simply opening windows in the affected rooms and closing the doors to prevent the spreading of moisture will ventilate them. Ventilating any furniture that is not completely damaged from the water can also help to remove any moist air.

4. Ensure you have proper insulation
It is an effective method in preventing condensation which is often a frequent problem with older buildings. You may want to draught proof doors and windows and well as insulate your cellar and loft. Secondary glazing is also an effective measure.

5. Take steps to prevent excess moisture
Most bathrooms have a fan and that is for a reason. Turning of the fan whilst having a bath or shower can reduce the amount of water vapour in the air. Leaving the window open for a short while following your shower will also help. Another simple step such as using lids on pans whilst cooking and turning on the extractor fan will also help and avoid drying clothes on radiators.

Ensuring that your property is adequately ventilated, heated and insulating should help in deterring damp and mould, and are steps that can be used to help the recovery of flood-ruined homes.