Damp is one of the biggest hidden threats in heritage homes. Here’s why tackling it with the right approach, from breathable lime plaster to expert damp-proofing, is essential before installing your new kitchen.
When most people dream of a new kitchen, they imagine elegant cabinetry, sleek worktops, and clever storage solutions. But in a period property, the real story often lies beneath the surface. Old houses come with character — and quirks. One of the most common and destructive of these is damp.
A recent project we carried out in Swavesey — in a 200-year-old home — shows just how important it is to deal with damp before fitting a new kitchen.
Why Damp in Old Houses Can’t Be Ignored
Unlike modern homes, older properties were built to “breathe.” Traditional materials such as lime mortar and lime plaster allowed moisture to pass naturally through the walls. When modern paints, plasters, or membranes are used instead, they can trap moisture, creating damp issues that affect your kitchen and your home’s structure.
Damp isn’t just cosmetic. Left untreated, it can:
- Damage finishes – causing bubbling paint, flaking plaster, and staining.
- Warp cabinetry – moisture causes wooden units to swell and distort, ruining the look of a bespoke kitchen installation.
- Affect worktops and floors – stone, laminate, and even engineered timber can discolour or warp.
- Cause odours and mould – which are unpleasant and can pose health risks.
- Undermine investment – no one wants to watch a new kitchen fail because of moisture behind the walls.
The Swavesey Example
Our Swavesey clients already suspected damp was an issue. They had spoken to other kitchen companies, but most brushed the concern aside and focused purely on the design. We took a different approach.
We confirmed the damp, explained why it mattered, and introduced specialist damp-proofing experts to develop a plan suited to a 200-year-old property. That plan included:
- Careful paint removal – stripping away non-breathable paint trapping moisture, starting with test patches and using gentle methods to protect the brickwork.
- Damp-proof membrane installation – to control rising damp and protect the wall structure.
- Lime plastering – replacing inappropriate gypsum with breathable lime plaster to restore the wall’s natural function.
By managing the project holistically and bringing in the right experts, we ensured the damp problem was resolved before the new kitchen was installed. This integrated approach reflects how we handle all kitchen design projects across Cambridgeshire.
Spotting the Early Signs of Damp in Period Properties
If you live in an older house, keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs:
- Tide marks or staining low on walls.
- Peeling paint or wallpaper that won’t stay put.
- Musty odours in cupboards or near external walls.
- Cold, damp patches that don’t dry out.
- Condensation build-up even with good ventilation.
- Crumbling plaster or soft skirting boards.
Our advice: Don’t ignore these signs. In a period property, they usually indicate trapped moisture — and covering it with new plaster or kitchen units won’t solve the issue. It’s best to address damp early, before starting your kitchen design visit.
Why Honesty and Expertise Matter
Not every kitchen company is equipped or willing to deal with damp in heritage homes. Some will simply fit the kitchen and leave you to deal with the consequences later. Our Swavesey clients chose us because we were upfront. We explained the risks and worked with trusted specialists to fix it properly using materials sympathetic to the building’s age.
That transparency, combined with expertise in design and installation, is why homeowners across Ely, St Ives, and Huntingdon trust Nicholas Hythe Kitchen Design Studio.
Do It Once, Do It Right
The Swavesey project is a reminder that fitting kitchens in period properties takes more than design flair. It requires respect for the building, an understanding of traditional materials, and the willingness to bring in the right expertise. By tackling damp first, we ensured the kitchen will not only look stunning on day one but stay that way for years to come.
That’s what “do it once, do it right” means — especially in homes that have already stood for centuries. For more insight, read our guide on choosing the right kitchen installer.
Planning a Kitchen in an Older Home?
If you live in a period or heritage property and are thinking about a new kitchen, don’t risk covering up damp that could undermine your investment. Talk to our team. We’ll provide an honest assessment, explain your options, and create a plan that respects your home’s history while protecting it for the future.
Visit our Cambridgeshire showrooms in St Ives and Ely, or contact us today to start your kitchen journey with confidence.
