Damp Proofing Walls
Many people have had some experience with damp in their homes and it’s never a positive one.
Damp can damage your internal decoration such as flaking paint, crumbling plaster, curling wallpaper and rotting skirting boards. The biggest impact is that it changes the atmosphere of your home from somewhere cosy and welcoming to an uninviting and unsightly space.
If your damp problem is not dealt with, it can lead to more serious complications further down the line. In this guide we look at damp proofing methods for interior walls.
Problems with damp walls
There are several problems related to having damp internal walls. For starters, damp 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. There are also health risks associated with living in a home with damp, particularly for the young, elderly or those affected by asthma and other respiratory conditions.
What Causes Damp Walls?
The first step in fixing damp walls is identifying the source of moisture. To do this, you will need to carry out checks of your home both internally and externally.
Damp patches on walls can be caused by a number of underlying issues, such as:
- Condensation
- Rain water penetration
- Defective roofing
- Leaking gutters
- Faulty down pipes
- 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 identifed the source of the problem, you should resolve it before tackling the effects of damp inside your home.
Here’s some more information on the common causes of damp:
Condensation
If you suspect that your home is damp because of condensation – you are likely to see excess moisture on your windows and black mould on surfaces – you can combat this by ensuring that your house is well ventilated. This may involve the installation of a positive input ventilation unit or increasing the ventilation with a passive vent.
Rising Damp
If rising damp is the cause of your damp walls, you are likely to see tide marks of salts and dark patches on walls that can be damp to touch. We suggest reading our guide to treating rising damp for further information.