Dehumidifiers are a must and they should be connected into the drainage system so they can work permanently on a suitable setting. The ideal setting is 60% and there should be at least one dehumidifier on each floor. It is worth buying good quality dehumidifiers, they last longer and work more efficiently. We tried cheap ones and they just don’t do the job.
Leave all wardrobe doors and drawers open.
Leave all internal doors open except bathrooms so that the dehumidifiers can absorb the water from all rooms. If using the bathroom to drain the dehumidifiers close the toilet lid.
Electric blankets, set on low, on the beds with a timer for an hour a day will ensure your bed is aired. Make a ‘tent’ with the bedding to accommodate pillows and duvets.
Central heating is not the answer to dealing with a damp atmosphere. It doesn’t work, all you end up with is damp warm air instead of damp cold air, a sure way to encourage mould to grow. Save your money – leave the CH off.
Regular visits mean that any problems can be caught quickly and dealt with.
Monthly cleaning keeps on top of any issues and the windows and doors can be thrown open on dry days to fully air the property.
To summarise – dehumidifiers, a weekly visit and regular monthly cleaning are the best ways of keeping your villa and contents free from damp and damage.
Follow these simple tips and you should be able to avoid costly cosmetic repairs or even more serious damage to your Portugal Holiday Villa.
Ennis Property Management …it is our job to bring Peace of Mind to owners of holiday properties in Portugal. We never forget that a property abroad is a massive investment and it is only with professional, on-going care that your investment is protected. We offer all the services you need to be able to rent out your property and all of our staff are legally-employed and fully-insured which is SO important to you
Land and construction prices are at a record low so now is the time to build that home you have always dreamt of. Ennis Project Management staff can make your dream come true and within your budget.
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Sadly a lot of Portuguese construction leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to avoiding damp issues. If the property has not been built to the highest standards at the outset dealing with damp is an on-going battle. Wet and windy winters take their toll on properties and you need to be prepared and do the right things to keep damp under control
This is true – however sometimes installing guttering and drainage can help minimize the effects by taking water away from the walls of the property.