Damages incurred from dampness on the walls are a commonly faced issue in buildings. Walls can become damp for a multitude of different reasons. Damp problems in walls are often only noticed once internal damp symptoms become apparent. Such symptoms include damp patches, black mold growth, increased salinity, and crumbling plaster. It is important to note that the source of the damp problems could be caused externally or internally, even though the most visible symptoms of dampness are most apparent internally.
It is similar to waterproofing, but the main difference is that waterproofing keeps water out entirely while damp-proofing keeps moisture from building up. Dampness in buildings, if left untreated, can lead to structural deterioration and timber decay, spoil decorations, and can have problematic health effects through the development of molds and mites.
There are several problems related to having damp internal walls. For starters, dampness makes your home feel less comfortable. It damages your interior decorations and furnishings, and the musty damp smell is unpleasant. Damp walls also mean that your home is less energy-efficient and will cost you more to run. Additionally, there are health risks associated with living in a home with dampness, particularly for the young, elderly, or those affected by asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Causes of dampness in walls
Damp patches on walls can be caused by a number of underlying issues, such as:
- Salinity in construction Materials
- Condensation
- Rainwater penetration
- Defective roofing
- Leaking gutters
- Faulty downpipes
- Vegetation damaging masonry and render
- Roots damaging foundations or damp proof courses
- Rising damp
- Defective sealing of windows and doors
- Cavity Wall Insulation
Once you have identified the source of the problem, you should resolve it before tackling the effects of dampness inside your home.
Preparation for damp proofing
Preparatory works for damp proofing include the removal of dampness, deteriorated or salt contaminated plaster, raking out mortar joints for re-plastering and exposing external face mortar joints if required. It is advisable to leave the internal walls exposed for as long as possible to promote drying.
- Identify the damp area, remove the plaster
- Identify the source of water penetration (if any) and prevent further seepage
- Select the best quality damp proof solution available in the market
- Apply the damp proof solution
- Allow sufficient drying time
- After drying properly, apply fresh plaster
- Allow a minimum of 7 days curing period for the plaster
- Apply paint or wallpaper of your choice
Preventing Damp Walls
With these small steps, you can start to reduce the chance of dampness in your home:
- Ensure good ventilation and minimize creating moisture internally
- While drilling anywhere on/ close to the bathroom walls, be extra careful to let any holes remain for further mositure building
- Good outdoor maintenance of your property
- Monitor external vegetation to reduce the risk of it damaging masonry and render
- Rising damp – ensure external ground levels are 150mm below DPC level
- Check windows and doors for defective sealing
It is advisable to allow the walls to dry out for as long as possible before redecoration following chemical damp proofing. After 3-4 weeks a coat of matte emulsion can be used although permanent decoration especially wallpapering should not be applied for 12 months or until such time as all residual moisture has dried out of the wall. Cracks in the new plaster should be filled with fine filler as part of the redecoration.
If you have any questions about damp proofing walls – interior, exterior, or foundation – get in touch with our expert team on16604. bti Property Management will advise you on the correct products and methods you need to get your home back to how you want it.