The build up of damp is one of the most frustrating types of damage that can occur within a home.
It’s such a deeply frustrating feeling when you see damp and condensation wreak havoc on your walls and interiors. What’s more, if your home is prone to this type of damage, there’s very little that you can do about it.
This is because the occurrence of damp is almost always caused by issues or flaws within the house’s structure. As a result, it is indicative of the house being in a poor condition.
One of the most common questions that we get asked is, ‘Can you claim damp proofing on house insurance?’.
And, the simple answer is probably not.
The majority of home insurance policies (covering either the building itself or the contents within it) will not provide you with any compensation for the damage that occurs as a result of rising damp.
What’s more, it is essential that you report signs of any rising damp to your home insurance provider. It is a requirement of the agreement with your insurance provider that you declare the condition of your property, and this encompasses a range of different factors, including rising damp. If you do not declare this, then the insurance company could be in their rights to invalidate your home insurance.
We’re sorry that it’s not good news. But, the best advice that we can give you is to thoroughly check the condition of a building before you commit to purchasing it. Find out in advance (either from the landlord or the owners of the property) whether or not the house is prone to damp. If not, you may want to think about whether or not this property is the best choice for you.
Although there is the possibility of opting for a home insurance cover that includes damage caused by damp, the best way to limit and control the impact that damp or condensation has on your property is to properly maintain the building and seek advice of a professional.
At British Damp Proofing, our specialist team of damp prevention experts is on hand to help you limit the cost, damage and frustration that damp or condensation causes you. So, if you have any further questions, or if you would like to enlist our services to help resolve a damp problem in your home, don’t hesitate to get in touch.