Ever noticed dark patches on your walls or a musty smell that won’t go away? That might be black mould. Scientifically known as Stachybotrys chartarum, black mould is a toxic fungus that thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas—which, let’s be honest, describes many student homes. According to Shelter and the National Union of Students (NUS), …
Manchester’s older terraces and 1930s semi-detached houses have a rich history, but they also contain miles of pitch-pine joists—ideal for wood-boring insects. If you spot tiny round holes across the loft timbers, the concern sets in: Is this just ordinary woodworm, or something more serious? Here in this guide you’ll learn how to tell common …
Woodworm vs. Furniture Beetle: How to Spot, Treat & Prevent Loft Joist Damage Read More »
Buying, or simply looking after, a home in Britain often means confronting that most British of nuisances: damp. But when the plaster starts bubbling or musty smells linger, the first question many people ask isn’t “How bad is it?”, it’s “Which survey do I actually need?” The terms damp survey, building survey, Level 3 survey …
Do I Need a Damp Survey or a Full Structural Survey? Read More »
Key Points at a Glance In England and Wales, the buyer is responsible — who arranges the survey when buying a house? It’s the buyer, while the lender only organises a valuation. A survey protects you from hidden issues such as damp, timber decay, or structural movement. Survey options: Valuation (basic), RICS Level 2 (modern …
Ignore rising damp for too long, and it won’t just stay hidden, it can damage your walls, ruin your décor, and lead to costly repairs later. If you’ve noticed damp patches, tide marks, or a musty smell near the base of your walls, especially in an older home, there’s a good chance rising damp is …
How To Use Damp Proofing Cream to Treat Rising Damp? Read More »
Damp isn’t just an eyesore. It fuels timber rot, mould spores and heat loss, all of which can nibble away at your health, energy bills and property value. Government data show that 5 percent of English homes had a damp problem in 2023, the highest figure in five years and one that rises to 9 …
DIY Damp Detection vs Professional Damp Survey: Pros and Cons Read More »
If your bed feels oddly moist or clammy to the point of being uncomfortable, it’s a sign something is not right with your bedroom’s living environment. You may also wonder, “Why does my bed feel damp?” It’s not a quick fix thing. You have to check your home’s humidity, air circulation, look for a structural …
You might have encountered damp patches, discoloured spots, peeling paints, or flaking wallpaper without any obvious source of water intrusion. In many cases, not only older properties but also modern constructions face this problem. What, then, is causing these wet patches when there is no leak? In this article, we explain the causes behind such …
Damp Patch on Wall But No Leak: What Could Be the Problem? Read More »
Basements can be a fantastic addition to your home, offering extra living space, storage, or even a recreational area. However, they come with one persistent challenge: ventilation. Without proper airflow, your basement could become a damp, musty space, impacting not just the structure of your home but also your health and comfort. Basement Ventilation: At …
Top Basement Ventilation Solutions: For Improved Air Quality and Comfort Read More »
Your basement is a crucial part of your home, but it can quickly become a source of frustration if it’s damp or wet. Water issues in the basement not only jeopardise the structural integrity of your house but also invite health hazards like mould and mildew. Identifying the warning signs early can save you from …
