Damp and wet walls are more common than you think within homes across the UK, not only does this problem cause architectural damage to your property but can create health issues in the long term. Below is a list of the possible causes of damp and wet walls.
Condensation
One of the most common causes of damp or wet walls is condensation often in the bathroom or kitchen. Any trapped warm and humid air will cause excess water to build up within the pores of the walls causing a host of problems in the future including mould and degradation.
Ventilations
Poor ventilation is another considerable problem, especially amongst older buildings from the 1960s and 1970s. It's often a combination of inadequate insulation and ventilation that contributes to the epidemic of damp and wet walls.
Rising damp
When a DPC (Damp proof course) has failed or no longer malfunctions as it should, rising damp from the earth beneath the property can cause an increase in water within the foundations of the property. This water can dramatically affect the building's substructure and cause rising mould within the home.
Penetration wetness
Water from the outside can seep through the walls and into the building, this could be a result of damaged gutters leaking roofs or wall fragmentation. This is more prevalent in older buildings that need consistent maintenance.
Leaking pipes
Leaking pipes is often unpredictable, and something that is out of the control of the homeowner's hands. However, considering use and the occasional inspection can be a help to see if a burst pipe is imminent. Â
Identifying when you have wet walls
There can be many signs of damp walls the most common are chalky or bubbly paint, discolouration of the walls and mould growth. There can be many types of mould growth but the two most common are black mould and white raised mould that appears slightly fuzzy. Mould will keep reappearing if the root problem is not resolved so fixing your damp problems will not only help your home's infrastructure but your health as well.
Tips for dealing with damp or wet walls
Improve ventilation
Using extraction fans
Opening windows
Trickle vents
Maintain heating (keep your home at a consistent temperature throughout Winter to avoid having extreme cold and extreme heat)
Use dehumidifiers
Repair any leaks
Maintain property (clean guttering and maintain the basement ventilation)
Upgrade insulation
Reinstall a DPC
Preventing damp or wet walls
Prevention is the best way to combat damp or wet walls as they are often hard to get rid of once they creep their way into your house. Some top tips include
Waterproofing
Applying Andura Coatings will not only transform your home but waterproof it from the external environment, with its breathable technology and thermal benefits coating the external walls can help prevent dampness.
Landscaping
Appropriate gardening and landscaping are important to prevent damp and wet walls, although this is often overlooked, identifying ways to prevent this through gardening can be more crucial than first thought. Making sure garden paths and any new adjustments to the garden are done below the DPC is exceptionally important to eliminating dampness as well as removing any weeds and plants growing up the wall.
Overall, this blog post should briefly explain how to avoid getting damp and wet walls or give you concise information to combat these problems you have ahead of the winter months.
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