Older homes have character, charm and a solid build quality that modern developments often struggle to match. But they also come with one recurring issue many homeowners recognise all too well: damp.
Moisture problems are more common in older properties for several reasons linked to how houses were originally constructed and how they have been altered over time. The good news? Damp isn’t something you have to learn to live with. When the cause is identified correctly, it can be resolved permanently.
This guide explains why damp occurs more frequently in older homes and what you can do to prevent it.
How Older Homes Were Designed to Handle Moisture
Before energy efficiency became a focus, houses were built to breathe. The materials used, including lime mortar, breathable plaster and porous brick, allowed moisture to move through the building and escape naturally.
Over the years, many older homes have undergone repairs or modern upgrades that unintentionally blocked this natural ventilation. Examples include:
-
Cement-based render applied over breathable brickwork
-
Non-breathable modern paints
-
Cavity wall insulation installed where it was never designed to be
-
UPVC windows without adequate ventilation
When moisture can’t escape, it stays inside the walls and begins to cause damp.
Where Moisture Builds Up in Older Properties
Rising Damp
If the original damp-proof course has deteriorated or is missing entirely, moisture from the ground can travel up the walls, leaving visible tide marks or damaged plaster.
Penetrating Damp
Weathered brickwork, cracked pointing, damaged guttering or failed cavity walls can allow rainwater to soak into the building fabric.
Condensation
Modern living creates more indoor moisture through cooking, showers and drying clothes indoors. Without proper ventilation, this moisture condenses on cold surfaces and encourages mould.
Damp Cavity Wall Insulation
In some older homes, insulation was retrofitted into cavities not designed to hold it. Once wet, the insulation holds moisture, causing damp patches and structural decay.
How to Prevent Damp in Older Homes
The key is not to mask the symptoms, but to identify and resolve the cause. A damp patch is rarely just a damp patch, it’s a signal that something is happening behind the surface.
A professional damp survey should:
-
Identify where the moisture is coming from
-
Assess whether the structure allows moisture to escape
-
Determine whether insulation, brickwork or the damp proof course is failing
-
Provide tailored recommendations based on the building’s age and construction
This is especially important in older homes, where incorrect repairs can make the problem worse.
How CavClear Can Help
At CavClear, we carry out thorough damp surveys, inspect and remove damp cavity wall insulation where necessary, and assess wall ties where corrosion may be present. The solutions we recommend are designed to work with the way the property was originally built, helping the building breathe properly again and reducing the risk of damp returning.
Protect Your Home, Without the Damp
Damp may be common in older properties, but it is not inevitable. With the right assessment and repairs, you can protect your home’s structure, appearance and value for years to come. Book your professional damp survey today.
Recent Comments