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With winter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to prepare your home before the cold and damp weather sets in. Dampness is a widespread issue in the UK, with nearly 20% of households struggling with excess moisture, condensation, and damp during the colder months.
If left untreated, damp can lead to problems like mould growth, structural damage, and costly repairs. Here are the 6 common causes of damp in UK homes, along with some quick and affordable solutions to fix them before winter arrives.
1. Poor Insulation: Cold Homes Are Prone to Damp
Older homes without proper insulation are prone to cold spots where condensation forms, leading to damp patches and mould.
Statistics from the UK suggest that nearly 60% of homes in the UK were built before modern insulation standards were introduced.
Quick Fix: Add insulation, especially in your loft. This can help keep your home warmer and prevent condensation from forming. If you are a homeowner, there is a very good chance you qualify for a free insulation grant through the Great British Insulation Scheme.
This is government-backed and only takes 1-2 minutes to check online. If you qualify, it is completely free. These grants cover roof and wall insulation and are part of the government’s push to net zero.
👉 Check if you qualify for a free insulation grant
2. Low Ventilation & High Humidity in Winter
Keeping windows and doors closed during the winter traps moisture indoors, raising humidity levels. This leads to condensation on cold surfaces, which can turn into damp and mould.
Ideally, windows should be opened occasionally to allow fresh air to circulate and excess moisture to leave the home. However, in the middle of winter this is easier said than done. Nobody wants their windows open when it is freezing outside
Quick Fix: Use a dehumidifier, to manage moisture levels. This will help you to keep rooms ventilated, even in colder weather. Plus, there are some affordable dehumidifiers on the market
👉 See our top recommended dehumidifiers here
3. Leaky Roofs: A Costly Problem
A small roof leak can quickly turn into a major issue, leading to damp patches, mould, and rot inside your home.
Roof leaks are the second most common cause of damp behind condensation.
Quick Fix: Many roofing companies offer free roof surveys at this time of year. This allows you to catch leaks early to avoid costly damage.
👉 Book a free roof survey here
4. Blocked Gutters: A Hidden Cause of Damp
When gutters become clogged with leaves and debris, water can overflow onto the walls. This can enter your home as penetrating damp, causing damp patches and mould.
Quick Fix: Regular gutter cleaning prevents water from damaging your home. This can be done yourself (if you have a head for heights).
Alternatively, hire a local gutter cleaning company. The service is usually very affordable, and a serious case of penetrating damp could be far more expensive.
Compare local gutter cleaning services to find reliable and affordable options.
👉 Compare local gutter cleaning services here
5. Exterior Waterproofing: Protect Your Home from the Outside
Without proper external protection, rain can penetrate your home’s exterior walls, causing damp inside.
This can enter through old pointing damaged bricks and any other defects in the exterior of your property.
Quick Fix: Waterproof brick sealants can protect your home’s exterior and prevent moisture from entering. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, check out our favourite brick waterproofing product below.
👉 See our recommended waterproofing products here
6. Rising Damp: A Common Issue in Older Homes
Rising damp occurs when moisture from the ground travels up through the walls due to a failed or missing damp-proof course (DPC).
If you have damp patches or tide marks at the base of the ground floor walls you likely have rising damp. This can be very expensive if not fixed early
Quick Fix: If rising damp is suspected, you may need to install or repair a damp-proof course. The good news! Most companies offer a completely free damp survey.
This can help you identify the exact cause of damp early.
Book a free damp survey to assess the issue and avoid costly repairs.
👉 Book a free damp survey here
What’s Next?
Stay tuned! Over the next 10 days, I’ll be sending you more detailed tips and advice on how to tackle these damp issues in your home—plus some easy DIY fixes and product recommendations.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!