UK homeowners warned to watch for damp as weather extremes take their toll on properties

Homeowners and landlords are being urged to check their properties for early signs of damp and timber decay after a year of extreme weather.

One property expert says small maintenance issues could develop into costly structural problems if left untreated.

Property care expert George Edwards, managing director of Timberwise, says prolonged heat, heavy rainfall and storms can expose weaknesses in buildings and create the conditions for damp, mould and timber decay.

His warning follows a year of significant weather extremes across the UK. Last winter was England’s eighth wettest since records began in 1836, while summer 2026 went on to become the UK’s warmest on record. In late October, storms Austen and Boelo arrived in quick succession, contributing to rainfall levels 13 per cent above the average for the month.

Mr Edwards said the contrasting weather conditions highlight why identifying problems early is so important.

“The cheapest damp problem is the one you catch early,” he said. “A blocked gutter or a cracked patch of render costs very little to sort out. If water’s been getting in through it for two winters, though, you could be replacing joists or replastering a whole room.

“We’d always say get the outside of the house checked before the worst of the weather. And if something inside doesn’t look or smell right, have it properly investigated rather than painting over it.”

Edwards explained that the transition from prolonged hot weather to heavy rainfall can put particular pressure on buildings.

“Over a long hot spell, timber shrinks, render and pointing can crack and gutters fill up with debris,” he said. “When the storms come, that’s where the water gets in. Where moisture persists, rot and mould can take hold behind skirting boards and under floors long before anyone notices a musty smell or a soft floorboard.”

Damp problems on the rise

The latest English Housing Survey suggests damp is becoming an increasingly common issue across the country.

In 2024, an estimated 1.4 million homes in England – around five per cent – had a damp problem, an increase compared with 2022. The figures also reveal that privately rented properties are particularly affected, with damp reported in 10 per cent of homes in the sector, compared with seven per cent of social housing and four per cent of owner-occupied properties.

At the same time, the cost of putting property problems right is continuing to increase.

Building maintenance costs rose by 4.3 per cent in the year to the second quarter of 2026, according to the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), which forecasts a further 15.3 per cent increase over the next five years.

Edwards warned that delaying repairs could leave homeowners facing significantly higher bills.

“Repair costs aren’t going backwards,” he said. “Every year a problem is left, the job gets bigger and the price of doing it goes up too. Putting it off is rarely the saving people think it is.”

Five things to do if you suspect damp in your home

With damp affecting millions of properties, homeowners and landlords are being encouraged to look out for early warning signs and take action before moisture problems become more serious.

If you suspect your home could be affected by damp, here are five steps to consider:

1. Look out for the warning signs

Check walls, ceilings and floors for damp patches, peeling wallpaper, bubbling paint, discoloured plaster and black mould. A persistent musty smell, condensation that keeps returning or unusually cold, damp-feeling walls can also indicate a problem.

2. Check the outside of your property

Inspect gutters and downpipes for blockages, leaks or overflowing water. Look for cracked render, damaged roof tiles, deteriorating pointing and gaps around windows and doors. These can all allow water to enter the building, particularly during heavy rainfall.

3. Keep rooms properly ventilated

Reduce excess moisture by opening windows when practical, using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms and avoiding drying clothes indoors without adequate ventilation. Keeping a consistent level of heating can also help reduce condensation. However, ventilation alone will not solve damp caused by leaks or water penetrating the building.

4. Don't simply cover up the problem

Painting over damp patches, replacing wallpaper or cleaning away mould without identifying the underlying cause is unlikely to provide a lasting solution. Take photographs of affected areas and keep a note of when and where the problem appears, particularly if it worsens after rainfall.

5. Contact a professional

If damp persists, keeps returning or you suspect hidden timber decay, arrange an assessment with a suitably qualified damp and timber specialist. A professional investigation can help establish the source of the moisture and identify the appropriate remedial work, rather than relying on guesswork or unnecessary treatments.