Wall dampness is a common problem in many homes. It causes damp ugly stains and bad smells, and it will eventually damage the structural components of your house if you don’t fix it. Knowing what dampness is, the different types, and how to stop it can help you keep your home healthy and comfortable.
What is Dampness and Its Types?
Dampness is the presence of unwanted moisture in the structure of a building. It typically manifests as patches of wet or moist areas on walls, or ceilings. There are various types of dampness, each with its own qualities and causes:
- Rising Damp: This happens when moisture from the ground rises up through the walls. It often results in tide marks on walls and can damage plaster and paint.
- Penetrating Damp: Water infiltrates through walls from the outside face of the wall, and penetrating damp often leads to damp patches on walls and ceilings. It can be due to faulty roofing, damaged brickwork, leaking gutters or plaster cracks in the wall.
What Causes Dampness on Walls?
Dampness on walls appears because of several factors:
- Poor Ventilation: Insufficient airflow can lead to condensation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where humidity levels are high.
- Structural Issues: Cracks in walls, roofs can allow water to seep into your home, causing penetrating dampness.
- Faulty Plumbing: Leaking pipes and overflowing water tanks can introduce moisture into walls, leading to damp patches.
- Ground Water: Rising dampness is often caused by groundwater moving upwards through the building’s structure due to the lack of an effective damp-proof course.
- Weather Conditions: Heavy rainfall and prolonged wet weather can worsen existing issues or introduce new sources of moisture.