How to get rid of damp in houses — and keep it away for good

man inspecting damp on wall
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Knowing how to treat damp is essential, as is understanding how to prevent it, what causes it, the signs that you have a problem and getting to grips with the best ways of removing any mould that might have formed because of it. 

Damp can damage much more than a building’s appearance. It may lead to the deterioration of plaster and masonry, promote timber decay and create unhealthy conditions for occupants. Unfortunately, inappropriate treatments for damp commonly cause greater harm to old buildings than centuries of other kinds of degradation.

Douglas Kent is a chartered building surveyor specialising in building conservation and is  technical and research director at the Society for the Protection of Ancient (SPAB), where he has worked since 2000.


He has held surveying roles in the private and public sectors, including the military. 


Douglas publishes and lectures regularly on building conservation and has contributed to various radio and television programmes. He has also renovated a listed property.