Bedroom (EE)

This type of damp is where water gets into your home through external walls, foundations, or roofs and ceilings. Penetrating damp appears when there is a defect which allows water to pass from the outside of your home to the inside, for example, through leaking pipes, wastes or overflows; damaged roofs and tiles; leaking or blocked gutters; or leaking around window frames. This type of damp is far more noticeable following a period of rainfall and the affected area will often look and feel damp to the touch. 

Damp can pose health risks as it can lead to high humidity and mould growth. Breathing in mould spores can cause respiratory problems and can worsen existing health conditions such as allergies and asthma. Some groups of people, such as children and babies and people with medical conditions such as asthma, can be at greater risk, so it is important to tackle damp and mould.

Free Keep an eye out for any signs of damp in your home, and act quickly if you see them. Have a look at your gutters and pipework, look for broken or missing tiles or problems with your chimney flashing, look for cracks in your rendering or between bricks, and check around windows and doors for gaps and cracking.

£-£££ Depending on the cause of the damp, the cost of making repairs can vary: for example, it may not cost much to replace a leaking pipe, but it might cost a lot to repair or replace a roof. Look at the Good Home Lincs pages on Paying for Works for information on how to finance repairs. Check out the Good Home Lincs pages on Finding Trusted Tradespeople

If you rent your home, you may not be responsible for meeting these costs. Shelter has information on your landlord’s responsibilities Damp and mould in private rented homes

Read the Good Home Lincs Guide to condensation, damp and mould

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Common hazards to find out more about how to manage damp and mould in your home.