Soggy buy-to-let properties

Damp is a fact of life for landlords at this time of year.  I know the rain has been particularly bad over the last few weeks and it does cause problems.  I've had several tenants contact me.  The main problems I find are:

1. Blocked gutters or leaking gutters causing water to gush and constantly wet an area of external brick work.  This results in damp occurring inside as the porous bricks allow water ingress over a period of time causing internal damp patches.

2. Drains and rising water table.  The constant rain has caused the water table to rise generally as the natural aquifers fill and leaks or inadequacies in the storm drains are exposed often resulting in problems with rising damp as water is absorbed through the superstructure of the building.

3. Condensation is the other major damp problem as tenants keep window tightly shut and crank up the heating.  The wonders of UPVC windows and our modern obsession with cleanliness (2 showers a day) mean there is no way for the high levels of moisture to escape resulting in condensation and then mould.

4. Expanding doors and windows that jam as a result of the absorption of increased humidity and moisture levels.

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