top of page

Damp Problems & The Demand for Plasterers
In Broadstairs
From our Thanet Plasterer

Located in Broadstairs, Kent, we have worked on many local projects, from rising damp to house renovations. However, over the years we have seen a rise in damp problems and a demand for plastering services, here are a few reasons why.

​

Popularity as a Coastal Destination

  • Tourism Appeal: Broadstairs is known for its charming beaches, historical character, and connections to Charles Dickens. This has made it a sought-after location for both second homes and holiday lets.

  • Desire for Coastal Living: Post-pandemic, there has been a rise in people seeking homes in scenic, quieter areas, with Broadstairs being a prime choice.

​​

Rising Property Demand

  • House Price Growth: Property prices in Broadstairs have seen steady growth, prompting homeowners to invest in renovations to increase property value.

  • Demand for Modernization: Many properties in Broadstairs, particularly older Victorian or Edwardian homes, require updates to meet modern living standards.

  • Buy-to-Renovate Market: Investors are purchasing older homes at lower prices, renovating them, and either reselling for profit or renting out as holiday accommodations.

​​

Local Development and Regeneration

  • Town Improvements: Broadstairs, like many parts of Kent, has benefited from local council efforts to boost the area's appeal. Improvements to public spaces and infrastructure encourage homeowners to upgrade their properties.

​​

Proximity to Thanet's Regeneration: Nearby Thanet has seen significant regeneration efforts, including upgrades to Margate and Ramsgate. This broader trend impacts Broadstairs, making it attractive for renovations and investments.

 

We have been working in the Broadstairs area for many years. Contact our plasterers in Thanet and Damp Solutions team for a free estimate.

Image by Simon English

Remote Working and Lifestyle Changes

  • Post-Pandemic Shift: The rise of remote working has enabled more people to relocate from cities like London to areas like Broadstairs, bringing a demand for tailored home offices and updated living spaces.

  • Focus on Home Improvements: People spending more time at home are motivated to invest in improving and personalizing their living spaces.

​​

Aging Housing Stock

  • Older Properties: Broadstairs has many period homes, which are charming but often require significant upgrades to improve insulation, heating systems, and damp-proofing.

  • Energy Efficiency: With rising energy costs, there is increased motivation to retrofit homes with energy-efficient technologies, such as better insulation, solar panels, or heat pumps.

​​

Economic Incentives

  • Government Grants and Schemes: Programs promoting energy efficiency or renovations may encourage homeowners to upgrade their properties.

  • Profitability of Holiday Lets: The lucrative short-term rental market in coastal towns like Broadstairs provides financial incentives to renovate properties for this purpose.

​​

Cultural and Lifestyle Trends

  • DIY Culture and TV Influence: The popularity of renovation and home improvement shows inspires people to update their homes.

  • Desire for Individuality: Renovations allow homeowners to put a personal stamp on properties, particularly in a desirable location like Broadstairs.

 

Broadstairs’ combination of historical charm, coastal beauty, and growing popularity as both a residential and tourist area makes it an ideal location for property renovations, spurred further by evolving lifestyle trends and economic opportunities.

 

Contact our Plasterers in Thanet and Damp Solutions team and they can give you a free estimate and guidance. Contact us here.

 

​

Image by Kate Russell

Rising Damp Problems in Broadstairs

Damp problems in houses in Broadstairs, Kent, or any coastal area, can arise from several factors related to the environment and the condition of the buildings. Here's a breakdown:

​

Coastal Climate

  • High Humidity: The proximity to the sea means the air often carries more moisture, increasing the risk of condensation within houses.

  • Salt-laden Air: Salt can attract and retain moisture, exacerbating damp issues, especially in porous building materials.

  • Frequent Rainfall: Kent experiences significant rainfall, and water ingress can lead to damp if properties are not well-maintained.

​​

Old Buildings

  • Broadstairs has a mix of old and modern housing. Older buildings often have:

    • Poor Insulation: Older construction methods may lack modern damp-proof membranes.

    • Solid Walls: Traditional solid walls are less effective at preventing water penetration than cavity walls.

    • Aging Materials: Mortar, render, and bricks in older properties may have deteriorated, allowing water ingress.

​​

Groundwater Issues

  • Being close to the coast, properties might experience rising damp due to high water tables. Water from the ground can be absorbed into the walls, especially if the damp-proof course (DPC) is damaged or missing.

​​

Poor Drainage

  • Inadequate Guttering and Drains: Blocked or inadequate drainage systems can lead to water pooling near the foundation, seeping into the walls.

  • Runoff from Sloping Areas: Broadstairs has areas with natural slopes, and water runoff may concentrate around buildings.

​​

Wind-driven Rain

  • Coastal winds can drive rain directly onto walls, increasing the likelihood of penetrating damp, especially in properties with poor external waterproofing or cracks in the exterior.

​​

Poor Ventilation

Inadequate ventilation in homes can lead to condensation damp, especially during colder months when heating is used, and windows are less frequently opened.

​

Contact our Thanet Plasterer or Damp Proofing Team for advice on projects you need support with.

​

Image by Rich Tervet
Safeguard Logo
Google Review Logo
bottom of page