Damp Walls: Causes and Remedies

Damp walls are not something to be ignored – they can become a serious health threat to you and your family if left untreated. Before you attempt to rid your walls of damp, you’ll need to determine the cause. Here’s our guide to the top three most common causes of damp walls, and how to fix them.

1. Condensation

Here’s a quick test you can perform to determine whether the dampness on your walls is caused by condensation. First, dry the wall with a heated fan (a hairdryer works perfectly). Then, use tape to secure kitchen aluminum foil to the affected area. Leave the foil for 24 hours. If the foil is wet, then you have an issue with condensation. If the foil is dry, something else is causing the dampness.

Dampness from condensation occurs when there is too much humid air in your house. Inadequate ventilation is usually the problem.

Remedy

Ensure extractor fans are installed in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. These will suck moist air outside before it has the chance to cause wall dampness.

2. Leaks

Leaks caused by damaged or dodgy roofing, tiles, gutters, and drainpipes can lead to damp walls. It’s usually obvious when a damp patch is caused by a leak, as the affected area will correspond with external piping, or will be located on the ceiling.

Remedy

This one’s simple: repair the leaks. You’ll need to call in professionals to assess the damage and to repair it properly. There’s no point doing a DIY job because the leaks will likely return if you haven’t repaired and sealed all the sources effectively.

3. Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp is caused when water from the outside finds its way inside through gaps in brickwork, cracks, or faulty seals around windows and doors.

Remedy

There are a few things you can do to prevent penetrating damp:

• Ensure external walls are in good condition, including the brick and paintwork.
• Seal windows and doors.
• Create ‘drip grooves’ below windows

Repainting Damp Walls

Dampness can damage your interior and exterior wall paint, which can require special preparation during the repaint process. We know all about painting over damp walls, so why not leave it up to us. Give us a call on 07 3829 5735 or fill out the form at the top right of this page for a fast, accurate quote.