For many people up and down the country, a damp house doesn’t come as a shock. The cool climate, combined with the rise in ageing houses still built means we have had to get used to the problems that comes with condensation, such as mould in the corners and the odd piece of peeled wallpaper.
What some people might not know is that damp usually accumulates primarily in the loft space as it’s the one area of the home most exposed to the elements of outside. The question to ask is how detrimental to our health can damp in loft space bring? How do we prevent such atrocities?
The Dangers of Damp in the House
Respiratory Problems
One of the most common health problems caused by living in damp conditions is respiratory issues. The blame doesn’t lie solely with the damp air, but more the fact that microscopic bacteria and fungi that reside in such environments are breathed in.
A pre-millennium study detailed whether there was a scientific pattern between damp homes and asthma. The results show that people that live in damp environments are twice as likely to be diagnosed with asthma when compared to occupants living in adequate living conditions.
Other illnesses with links to damp include: chest pains, breathing difficulties and even bronchitis.
Eczema
The micro-organisms that can be found in damp air can do more damage than what it already causes within damp homes. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in America found a crystal clear pattern between damp living conditions, and the occurrence of skin conditions such as eczema.
It’s evident that those who already suffer with skin conditions can put themselves at further risk of harm by living in damp conditions.
But vulnerable occupants who live in damp conditions could experience skin complaints that can develop into eczema, much like breathing difficulties can lead to asthma. Fixing the damp issue could and should result in an improvement in conditions such as these.
Fever & Vomiting
Perhaps unsurprisingly, research up in Scotland suggests that those living in damp in loft space homes are more at risk of developing problems linked with fever – symptoms such as high temperatures, aches and even fainting.
To give you an idea of the severity the research suggests, children are 7% more likely to suffer from blocked or runny noses in mouldy homes and there’s a significant in the occurrence of vomiting amongst those living in damp, loft space environments.
Concluding this, it appears crystal clear that a damp home can lead to an array of negative consequences towards an occupant’s health. Fixing issues such as leaks and damp should be paramount for either those already affected or those who are cautious about their own and their family’s health.
One effective solution to consider is to consult with a damp proofing company who will be able to pinpoint the problem areas, and suggest a permanent measure to ensure that your family and your home are protected from the dangers that damp in the loft space can bring.
Consider Replacing Your Existing Loft Insulation
What should motivate you to replace the insulation in your loft? How about putting an end to the 25% heat loss you could be currently experiencing! Heat rises, and a poorly insulated roof is the ideal destination for all that nice warm air to dissipate to.
Ensuring your loft has adequate insulation will guarantee you reduce the heat lost above you. If you’re looking to cut down on your energy bills, the loft is the perfect place to start!
You would be right to question the need to replace your insulation if it’s already been put into place. Well, it isn’t immortal! Each set up of insulation has a lifespan of approximately 40 years.
This is a generalised estimate, and the true lifespan depends on factors such as water damage and moisture, as well as wear and tear over time.
Imagine this – each time you take the Christmas decorations down and put them back up, the corners of the boxes rip into the insulation piece-by-piece. Eventually, you’re going to have insulation not fit for purpose.
