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Wall dampness, seepage, moisture whatever word you call it is one of the most common problems many homeowners face. Dampness can seep through your walls and can be more than just an eyesore. Untreated moisture in walls can weaken your wall structure, damage the paint job, and even cause health issues.
Dampness in walls is a common issue, but it’s preventable and easily fixable too. This guide will help you understand what is dampness, its types, what causes it, and how you can fix it for good!
What is Dampness?
Dampness is the excess moisture that seeps into the walls, ceilings, or floors of your home structure. This moisture can have various sources such as leaks, condensation, and even poor ventilation. If this dampness is left untreated, then it can weaken your house or building’s structure and create an unhealthy indoor environment.
Types of Dampness in Walls
Not all moisture or seepage through the walls is the same. Knowing the type of moisture or dampness can help you fix it and prevent it in the future. There are three types of dampness that you should be aware of:
1. Rising Dampness
This occurs when water from the ground comes up the walls through capillary action. This type is more common in old homes and buildings where there is no dampness proofing. Moreover, rising dampness can cause paint to peel off, salt deposits on the walls, and tide-like stains.
2. Penetrating Dampness
This type of dampness in wall is caused when moisture seeps through external walls, rooftops, or cracked masonry. Penetrating dampness is most common during rainy or monsoon season and can lead to patches that grow with time, peel off wallpapers, and ruin woodwork.
3. Condensation Dampness
Condensation dampness occurs when hot air inside touches cold surfaces. This causes moisture to form and is a common occurrence in kitchens and bathrooms. This type of moisture on walls can cause mould to grow and lead to a musty smell.
What Causes Moisture in The Walls?
1. Poor Ventilation in Home
When there’s a lack of proper airflow in your home or building, it can trap moisture indoors. This a common problem in bathrooms and kitchens, if there is poor ventilation in those areas.
2. Leaks in Pipes
Hidden leaks in pipes inside the walls or floors can also cause dampness to grow that worsens with time. This issue can also impact the strength of concrete and brick structures.
3. Cracks in Walls
If your house rooftops are damaged, if there are cracks in walls, or if the windows are not properly sealed, then rainwater can seep in through the damaged areas, leading to penetrating dampness.
4. Lack of Dampness Proofing
When old buildings and homes do not have regular damp proof or DPC, moisture can seep through the walls and floors from the ground.
5. Poor Water Drainage System
Sometimes, poor drainage systems in or around the house can cause standing water. This can slowly seep into the walls and floors causing dampness.
Related Read: How to Stop Water Leakage from the Wall: A Step-by-Step Guide
6 Ways to Fix Dampness in Wall
Dampness in the walls can damage concrete and bricks, causing wall cracks and weakening the house structure. Moreover, untreated dampness can cause mould growth, causing health issues and breathing problems. To prevent and fix wall dampness, here are some ways:
1. Allow More Fresh Air
One thing that can help you prevent and fix moisture on the wall is to improve the ventilation of the house. Open windows and let fresh air in. For areas like bathrooms and kitchens, where open windows are not always an option, you can use exhaust fans to reduce moisture and better air circulation.
2. Fix The Leaks
If the water seepage is because of leaks or other plumbing issues, then immediately fix those to avoid moisture buildup. To prevent dampness in the walls, you can get regular plumbing inspections and repairs.
3. Waterproof Your Walls and Rooftops
Another way to fix and prevent moisture seepage is to waterproof the terrace and walls. You can use dampness proofing paints and coatings to create a waterproof barrier. Make sure the areas where leakage and water seepage are possible have proper damp-proofing done.
4. Have Proper Water Drainage
With monsoon season comes a lot of drainage problems, so make sure the gutters are clean. This will help prevent water from collecting in and around the foundation, also stopping dampness in walls and floors.
5. Apply Guniting
Guniting is a technique where you apply a thin coating of concrete on pipes and walls to make them waterproof. This can help reduce porosity, preventing dampness. Guniting also lasts longer and can be quickly done.
6. Apply Pressure Grouting
Another way to fix dampness is to apply pressure grouting. This technique is about filling cracks and crevices with cement mix and can help water seepage. Along with that, pressure grouting can help strengthen the house structure.
Also Read: Best Waterproof for Cement Techniques to Protect Your Home from Dampness
Final Words:
Dampness or moisture in walls is more than just a building concern. Untreated dampness can cause the house structure to weaken and impact your indoor environment. Identifying the type of dampness and its causes can help you apply the right techniques to save expensive repairs in the future. The ways mentioned in this guide can help keep your home dry and comfortable.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. How do I know if I have a damp issue?
You can easily know if you have damp issues. Dampness causes stains on the walls and has a cold and clammy feel to them when you touch them. In some cases, black mould can grow around doors and windows. Apart from that, dampness in walls often causes a musty smell.
Q. What is the best material for damp proofing?
Different materials can be used for damp-proofing your house. Materials like bitumen, plastic sheets, mastic asphalt, brick, slate, or cement concrete can be used to prevent dampness from seeping into the walls.
Q. Do damp walls affect your health?
Damp walls can have mould growth which can be harmful to your health. People with a weak immune system, more than anyone else, can experience respiratory conditions or other health problems because of prolonged exposure to moisture on the walls.
