Avoid Illness that comes with Rising Damp- Get to know all about the meaning, the causes, the effect, and the treatment

Does this image below look familiar in your house? If it does, then take immediate efforts to get it fixed immediately. What your building or any building you see it on is experiencing is what we refer to as damp. One of the most common damp building experiences especially in areas below water level is the rising damp

The foundation of a building is what determines how durable the structure erected on it will be. If the foundation is not well structured, the building erected on it will surely develop faults from time to time. And one of the major building defects that are bound to arise as a result of this is DAMP. 

Though, there are different types of damp namely penetrating damp, condensation, and rising damp. In this post we will be considering the Rising Damp.

In case you have rising damp issues in your facility, worry no more! In this article, we will be dealing extensively with its causes, signs, effects, and the possible solutions available in dealing with it.

WHAT IS RISING DAMP?

Before we begin, let’s take a look at what RISING DAMP means. Rising damp is a relatively rare form of damp that affects the walls of buildings. It occurs when moisture Before we begin, let’s take a look at what RISING DAMP means. Rising damp is a relatively rare form of damp that affects the walls of buildings. It occurs when moisture

WHAT IS RISING DAMP?

Rising damp is caused by moisture ascending through capillaries which are found in masonry. Capillaries are thin, lengthy tubes (pores) which are very small within the material. Within masonry, these tubes can often differ considerably in their thickness

Below are some other causes of rising damp:

A deficient construction with problems in the waterproofing.
Location in a humid zone
The aging of the materials.
Failed or non-existence of damp-proof course
Where a damp-proof course has been fitted in the wall but has been bridged by high ground level

Danger of a Rising Damp

Rising damp is a serious problem that affects all the inhabitants of the house which poses a great threat to the health and can even cause various illnesses, allergies, and diseases. This happens because the excess humidity leads to the appearance of molds, whose spores are the major cause of respiratory allergic diseases. 

The health issues associated with rising damp arises as a result of:

  • Air Quality: Excessive environmental humidity greatly increases the likelihood of contracting respiratory diseases, such as asthma, sinusitis, lung infections, and bronchitis. Other health problems, like physical discomfort, chills, extreme tiredness, cold feet, and headaches, can also be caused due to house dust mites and humidity.
  • Bones, Muscles, and Joints: If you suffer from rheumatic diseases, cold and humidity are your worst enemies, as they cause a considerable increase in pain.
  • Mold: Mold is a microscopic organism, which reproduces itself through the diffusion of spores in the air. These spores can cause asthma. Scientific studies have found sufficient evidence linking continued exposure to molds in indoor environments with respiratory problems such as cough and asthma. 
  • The proliferation of mites, fungi, and bacteria: The rising damp on the walls of the home is the ideal habitat for mites, fungi, and bacteria that can cause diseases and allergies. In the case of infants and the elderly, these problems may take on more serious contours. Mites are considered a common cause of asthma in infants. 

In addition to the dangers that rising damp poses to health, it is important to note that there are dangers it poses on the property. The problems it presents to the property are but are not limited to:

Weakening the structure
Damaging the structure or its finishes.
Damage to household items such as furniture, clothing, books, or any other goods.

SIGNS OF RISING DAMP