Water ingress in your home is when water from outside makes its way into your home. There are a few common areas in the UK where this happens including:

• Leaking roofs- we get a lot of rain in the UK and rain can make its way into your home via holes in your roof, sometimes this will only happen with driving rain when it is incredibly windy. It is a good idea to get your roof checked out as your roof may need some attention, even if it is only a slipped or missing roof tile.

• Broken or blocked gutters- You will often see marks on ceilings or the upper part of your walls and see a tide water mark. Blocked gutters allow rain to spill over the guttering into the top-floor rooms of your property.

• Holes in walls- Over time mortar joint in your brickwork starts to degrade which allows damp to penetrate into your property, re-pointing of the mortar joints is the solution to this issue. It can also be caused by cracks in rendering on the outside of the property or even a small hole where a TV aerial feeds through the wall. 

Water ingress occurs when moisture from outside the property penetrates through the building fabric and enters the internal structure of the home. If left unresolved, penetrating damp can lead to damaged plaster, mould growth, timber decay, heat loss, and long-term structural deterioration.

There are several common causes of water ingress within UK properties, including:

Due to the high levels of rainfall experienced throughout the UK, roofs are constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions. Water can enter through slipped or missing roof tiles, defective flashing, deteriorated mortar joints, or damaged roof coverings. In many cases, leaks may only become apparent during periods of heavy wind-driven rain.

Regular roof inspections are recommended to identify defects early before significant internal damage occurs.

Blocked, damaged, or overflowing gutters and downpipes are one of the most common causes of penetrating damp. When rainwater is unable to drain correctly, it can overflow onto external walls and penetrate internally.

Typical signs include:

• Damp staining to ceilings and upper walls
• Water tide marks
• Peeling decorations
• Damp chimney breasts
• External staining to masonry

Routine gutter maintenance is essential in preventing water ingress issues.

Over time, mortar joints and external finishes can deteriorate due to weather exposure. Failed pointing, cracked render, porous masonry, and gaps around service penetrations can all allow moisture to penetrate through external walls.

Common causes include:

• Eroded mortar joints
• Cracked external render
• Defective sealants
• Poorly sealed cable or pipe entry points
• Damage around aerial or utility penetrations

Professional repointing and external repairs are often required to restore the weather resistance of the property.

Older or poorly maintained windows can allow water to enter around frames, seals, or glazing units. Defective sealant, failed rubber gaskets, and gaps around window frames can all contribute to internal dampness.

Signs may include:

• Damp patches beneath windows
• Black mould growth
• Water staining around reveals
• Condensation between glazing panes
• Water penetration during rainfall

Proper sealing, maintenance, or replacement of defective window systems may be required to prevent ongoing water ingress.

At NW Damp & Mould Specialists Ltd, we carry out detailed investigations to accurately identify the source of penetrating damp and recommend the most effective long-term remedial solution for your property.