Understanding Damp Coverage Under Sectional Title Insurance

In general, damp issues are not covered under sectional title insurance policies. While “damp” is commonly understood to mean “slightly wet” and often causes discomfort, it specifically refers to structural damp, which is the gradual penetration of water through the porous elements of a building's structure, such as walls, cavities, and bricks. 

Common Causes of Structural Damp

Structural damp can arise from several issues, including:

• Roof Defects: Problems such as faulty flashing, cracked or missing tiles, and other roofing issues.
  
• Brickwork Faults: Missing or cracked pointing and porous bricks or stones.
  
• Defective Sealing: Ineffective mastic or damp-proofing around windows and doors.
  
• Blocked Weep Holes: These can prevent moisture from escaping.
  
• Poor Workmanship: Issues in the construction of cavity walls or missing trays.
  

Claiming for Damp: Key Considerations

Damp is typically indicated by signs such as:

• Unpleasant odours (often described as dank)
  
• Swelling or decay in wooden structures
  
• Bubbling paint or visible mould (fungus) growth
  

For a claim to be valid, the damage must arise from a sudden and unforeseen event. Unfortunately, damp is often linked to long-term issues, such as defective waterproofing or slow leaks, which usually fall under wear and tear rather than sudden incidents like storms or floods.

Exceptions: There may be instances where a claim for damp is justified, such as when a sudden event—like a roof leak or storm—results in water infiltration that subsequently causes damp. In such cases, you may be able to argue for additional damage repairs as part of your claim.

Documentation for Claims

When submitting a claim for damp, it’s crucial to provide thorough documentation. If your situation aligns with the exception above, include a contractor’s report detailing the circumstances. A suitable example might read: "Repair of damp resulting from water penetration through concrete slabs and bricks following storm damage to the roof on [specific date]."

Keep in mind that typical signs of rising damp, such as mouldy walls, mildew, and flaky paint, are generally excluded from coverage under most policies.

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If you have any questions regarding your coverage or need assistance with a claim, please reach out to the ANGOR Team for support on insurance@angor.co.za.

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