Like homes, commercial properties in London are also exposed to damp problems. It’s a sneaky menace that can emerge anywhere, such as underfloor areas, walls, etc. Wherever signs of dampness occur, they should be checked and treated. Otherwise, you will risk the structural integrity of your property, inviting expensive repairs. Hence, you must always be alert whether you own a restaurant, a rental house, a factory, a warehouse, or an office. Spaces with poor ventilation and heat sources are most vulnerable. Let’s explore what can cause dampness in your building and how to manage it.

• Penetrating Damp

Water seepage from the walls is referred to as penetrating damp. Faulty gutters, leaky roofs, and damaged bricks can be held responsible. You can spot the signs of this type of dampness, especially after heavy rainfall. Walls and ceilings develop damp patches. The damage can extend to the interiors without proper attention and ruin them. It can involve fixing the origin of water penetration, such as a cracked wall. You can be tempted to take action all by yourself. However, dampness often brings mould growth. The areas around windows can be affected. Let the professionals clean them as these fungi are health hazards and require safe cleaning processes.

• Rising Damp

When the damp-proof barriers become damaged, moisture rises from the ground and covers the walls. Walls develop tide-style spots, and the space can suffer from a musty odour. Commercial properties need to get rid of this issue soon, as their structural integrity will be at stake. Workers will also suffer from health problems. If you notice signs like crumbling plaster or timber deterioration, seek professional intervention to clean the mess. Call damp proofing London services to rectify this issue. They can use damp-proof chemicals and replace the damp-proof membrane.

• Condensation

Offices, restaurants, and shops often face condensation issues due to the contact between warm air and cold surfaces. The humid air causes water droplets, manifesting as damp spots, mustiness, and mould growth. Building and workers’ health will be at risk if you don’t create a safe environment. If you own a rental property, you must be more careful about these situations. As a basic practice, you should improve your property’s ventilation by opening windows, using dehumidifiers, etc. The rooms should be heated to maintain the harmony between airflow and warmth.

Who should be responsible for dampness issues in a commercial property?

It’s a shared responsibility. However, knowing about the liability is crucial. Your lease agreement can solve this puzzle. In the UK, landlords must maintain their properties well. They should ensure that interiors and exteriors are safe from damp. It can involve fixing cracked walls, leaky roofs, and other structures. However, tenants may also have to manage it if the property faces dampness due to condensation or poor ventilation. Hence, be careful about how you use the property. Also, you can approach specialists like Crown Preservation to treat dampness. Local companies possess knowledge about city weather and its challenges inside out. Due to this, their treatment solutions can be more reliable.

These lingering problems in commercial properties can become a headache for anyone. With professional intervention, you can rectify the issues. The experts can detect the underlying causes of moisture in the workspace and recommend suitable treatment options.