Being a homeowner means constantly fixing problems as they arise, from broken windows to faulty electrical outlets. Most of these problems are very visible and, therefore, let you know what to do to fix them. However, there are some problems that can affect your home with very few visible signs, and these are the ones you really need to be on the lookout for. Alternatively, these problems may be subtle enough that their symptoms may look like something else and confuse you when you try to fix it. No issue better fits this description than that of rising damp.

What Even Is Rising Damp?

Rising damp is a term given to a unique problem that occurs in the walls and structure of your home. Basically, it refers to water in the ground coming up through your foundations and into your walls and floors. This takes a long time, as it is groundwater which is not free-flowing near the surface. This is a problem because the water can damage the structure's stability, create a foul smell and eventually appear as a damp stain on your walls. 

What Are The Signs Of Rising Damp?

Unfortunately, the signs of rising damp are generally quite hard to pin down unless you are actively looking for it. Most people's first thought when paint on their wall cracks will not be to check for rising damp. However, cracked paint is an early indicator that you could have rising damp. If your house is very old, then there is a much higher likelihood that it will suffer from rising damp, and you should get it checked out even if you don't see any symptoms. If you notice bad smells, irregular cracks in your walls, sagging flooring or big stains, then you should think about getting an expert in. 

How Do I Fix This?

Rising damp occurs mostly in much older homes and in homes where preventative treatment (which all new homes must have) has failed. If you suspect you have rising damp, you should never be afraid to call up a rising damp treatment contractor to get your home tested. Rising damp treatment can generally fix all stages of rising damp by re-sealing the building from the earth and checking for weaknesses in the structure. If you have wooden floors or walls, this can be particularly dangerous as the water can cause them to erode quickly. Don't leave it until it gets worse; rising damp will not go away without treatment and letting it get bigger will only be more expensive for you in the future.