Damp in the Home: The 4 Main Causes

A recent study found that more than 14% of the Italian population has damp problems in their home.

High humidity at home can have various negative consequences, for both the health of the occupants and the condition of the building itself. Damp encourages the growth of mould and dust mites, causing respiratory problems such as allergies, asthma and airway irritation. It can contribute to skin fungal infections and a general feeling of malaise such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

As for the building, damp can cause the formation of mould, damage surfaces through condensation and accelerate the deterioration of building materials such as wood and paints. These effects can lead to structural and aesthetic problems, with a resulting increase in the energy consumed to fight damp and limit the damage. Unpleasant odours and corrosion processes can also develop, compromising the quality of indoor spaces.

But what causes lead to mould forming at home?

4 reasons why your home has mould

Condensation

Condensation occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with colder surfaces, causing water vapour to turn into water droplets. This phenomenon is fuelled by everyday activities that release water vapour into the air, such as cooking or showering, together with inadequate ventilation. The consequences of condensation include mould, stains and deterioration of materials, leading to discomfort and respiratory problems.

To prevent condensation, good thermal insulation, regular ventilation of the room and, if necessary, the use of dehumidifiers are essential. It is also important to remove mould promptly to prevent greater damage.

Thermal bridges

Thermal bridges are critical points in a home’s insulation, allowing outside cold to penetrate and create areas with lower surface temperatures than the surrounding areas. These gaps form mainly because of construction defects, such as wall corners or joints between different materials, and an uneven distribution of insulating materials.

The consequences of thermal bridges include condensation, heat loss, mould growth and deterioration of materials. To prevent them, careful building design, efficient thermal insulation and the use of thermography to identify and correct any thermal bridges are essential.

Rising damp

Rising damp is caused by groundwater which, driven by capillary action, rises through building materials, depositing mineral salts on the surface of the walls. A lack of waterproofing, damp ground, porous materials and construction defects favour this phenomenon. Signs such as stains on walls, flaking plaster, mould and damp floors indicate the presence of rising damp. It is crucial to act with waterproofing, drainage, damp-proofing plasters and, in some cases, dry-lining walls. Dehumidifiers can help keep the environment healthier.

Find out if it is rising damp and what to do about it.

Water seepage

If you notice stains on the ceiling or walls when it rains heavily, you may have a seepage problem.

Water seepage is a serious threat that requires immediate action to avoid significant damage to the building’s structure and to the health of the occupants. It can come from various sources, such as burst pipes, damaged roof tiles, cracks in the walls or roof, and condensation problems. Signs of seepage include visible drops of water, water stains on walls or ceilings, the presence of mould, flaking plaster and excessive dampness.

Dealing with seepage requires a prompt response. This may involve repairing pipes, replacing damaged tiles or sealing cracks. It is also important to repair the damage caused, such as removing mould and repairing plaster. Preventing future seepage involves regular maintenance of the plumbing system, checking the condition of the roof and gutters, adequate ventilation and the use of dehumidifiers if necessary. In complex situations, it is advisable to consult a qualified professional, such as a plumber or builder, for a detailed assessment and targeted intervention.

Thermal insulation: a fundamental ally against damp

To fight damp at home, several solutions can be adopted: using dehumidifiers, installing a controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) system, carrying out waterproofing to solve water seepage, removing mould promptly and adopting correct habits such as not drying laundry indoors, airing rooms and properly regulating heating humidity.

However, the most effective solution to counter rising humidity inside your home is thermal insulation.

Insulation, in construction, refers to the set of interventions and materials used to reduce heat exchange between an indoor space and the outside. Put simply, insulation creates a “barrier” that stops heat from escaping in winter and heat from entering in summer, ensuring a more comfortable indoor climate and contributing to considerable energy savings.

This type of intervention ensures better living comfort by maintaining a constant temperature, eliminating draughts and the unpleasant feeling of cold or hot walls, and reducing condensation. Remember that a well-insulated property acquires a higher market value than one that is less energy efficient. Insulation work can involve different parts of the building, such as walls, roof, floors and windows, and can be carried out with different insulating materials and techniques, from both the inside and the outside.

Thermal paint against damp

Thermal paint, also known as breathable paint or thermal insulating paint, is a specific wall coating designed to improve the thermal insulation and breathability of a home’s interior walls.

Thanks to its low thermal conductivity, it helps reduce heat loss to the outside, creating a warmer interior surface and helping to reduce condensation. This phenomenon occurs when warm, humid air comes into contact with cold surfaces, such as walls, and condenses into water droplets. Thermal paint, by keeping the walls warmer, reduces the formation of condensation and prevents the growth of mould and fungi.

It therefore helps improve living comfort in two ways: by reducing condensation and improving the breathability of the walls, a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment is created, with less of a feeling of dampness and better temperature control.

Thermal paint, thanks to its insulating effect, can help reduce the energy consumed for heating and cooling the home. By keeping the walls warmer in winter and cooler in summer, the need to use heating and air-conditioning systems is reduced, with a resulting saving on bills and a lower environmental impact.

Decork Design by Diasen offers decorations for walls, floors and ceilings based on cork and water-based resins, guaranteeing high breathability and water repellency. Ideal for decorative effects, our product ensures excellent aesthetic impact and is easy and quick to apply. With LEED certification and CE marking, it is fire resistant, contributing to healthier and more sustainable spaces. Find out more in our online store.