Do you know the common signs of damp?

Common signs of damp in a property include:

Musty smells — a persistent earthy or mouldy odour, especially in cupboards, corners, or basements.

Mould growth — black, green, or white spots on walls, ceilings, around windows, or behind furniture.

Peeling wallpaper or paint — moisture causes finishes to bubble, crack, or lift.

Water stains or discolouration — yellow, brown, or dark patches on walls and ceilings.

Cold or clammy walls — surfaces may feel damp to the touch.

Condensation — excessive water droplets on windows or walls, particularly in winter.

Crumbling plaster or skirting boards — moisture can weaken building materials.

Rotting wood — window frames, floorboards, or joists may soften or decay.

Salt deposits — white, powdery residue on walls can indicate rising damp.

Tide marks — horizontal staining low on walls, often associated with rising damp.

Loose tiles or flooring — moisture underneath can cause lifting or warping.

Rusting metal — corrosion on radiators, pipes, or fittings due to excess moisture.

The main types of damp are:

1. Condensation — usually from poor ventilation and everyday moisture.

2. Rising damp — moisture travelling up from the ground through walls.

3. Penetrating damp — water entering from outside through roofs, gutters, cracks, or walls.

If you’re checking a property to buy or rent, it’s worth paying attention to:

corners behind furniture, around windows, ceilings below bathrooms, cellar/basement areas, external guttering and brickwork.

A damp meter or a professional surveyor can help confirm the cause, since some visible signs can also come from leaks or poor ventilation rather than structural damp.