Damp walls can be a homeowner’s nightmare. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also lead to water damage as well as serious respiratory health issues if left untreated. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to treat and prevent dampness on your walls. In this guide, we’ll explore common causes of dampness, how to treat it, and more importantly, how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Causes
Before you proceed with treating damp walls, it’s important to understand the underlying problem as some causes need to be treated differently to others. Dampness can happen for various reasons including:
Condensation – This occurs when warm, moist air meets a cold surface like the window glass, this leads to water droplets forming. It’s mostly common in bathrooms, kitchens and poorly ventilated spaces. These water droplets can form dark mould spots to appear if left untreated.
Penetrating Damp – This type of dampness forms when water from the outside penetrates through the walls. It can be due to poorly fitted windows or doors, roof leaks, faulty pipes, overflowing or damaged gutters or wall cracks. It can appear as damp brown wall stains, wet, crumbling plaster or large bubbles under the plaster.
Rising Damp – Rising dampness is caused by groundwater soaking up through flooring and walls. It’s often seen in older properties with inadequate damp-proof course or membrane. Signs of rising dampness include wall stains, peeling or blistering paint, damage to skirting boards and an unpleasant musty smell.
Treatment & Prevention
As we mentioned earlier, the method of treating and preventing damp walls largely depends on the cause. Once you have spotted the underlying problem, it can be treated properly. Here are some steps you should take to address each type of dampness:
1. Condensation
Ensure good ventilation in the room by using extractor fans and opening windows after cooking or showering. Proper insulation and maintaining a consistent, warm temperature in your home can help reduce condensation. If that’s not possible, a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture in the air. Anti-condensation or anti-mould paint can also help to prevent condensation by adding an extra layer of insulation.
2. Penetrating Damp
Ensure your roof is in good condition and that gutters are free from debris and blockages. Exterior waterproof paint can be applied to protect outside walls from excess moisture. It works by creating a barrier and preventing moisture from seeping through. If any damage has occurred, for instance, a leaky roof from a loose tile, have it repaired by a professional immediately before dampness gets worse. As a temporary fix, cover it with a waterproof tarp or polythene plastic sheets and weigh it down with large rocks or duct tape.
3. Rising Damp
Because rising dampness is mostly common in older properties, you will need to consult an expert to fix the existing damp-proof course or install a new one to prevent it from worsening. A damp-proof course is usually installed at the base of modern properties during the initial construction. If the wall is severely damaged, you will also need to have it replastered.
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