{"id":855,"date":"2021-07-15T08:09:52","date_gmt":"2021-07-15T08:09:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-799591-2908548.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=855"},"modified":"2024-08-29T15:50:02","modified_gmt":"2024-08-29T10:20:02","slug":"what-causes-damp-walls-and-how-to-prevent-dampness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orientbell.com\/blog\/what-causes-damp-walls-and-how-to-prevent-dampness\/","title":{"rendered":"What Causes Damp Walls and How to Prevent Dampness?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/p>\n

A problem that every property owner and homeowner encounters, especially during monsoons, is wall dampness. In simple words, wall dampness is the presence of moisture or water in the walls of your property that, along with being unsightly, can lead to many major issues over a long period of time if left unattended. <\/span>Several factors like water seepage through the walls or leaking plumbing pipes can create a damp and mouldy environment. The biggest disadvantage of damp walls is that it creates an unhealthy indoor environment which can cause damage to fabrics, books, shoes, and other household items that are within closed cabinets.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can Damp Walls Cause Health Problems?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Yes, damp walls can cause various health issues including allergies, respiratory problems, can trigger asthma, and even have an impact on your overall immune system and mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is necessary to understand the causes of damp walls and rectify them as soon as possible to avoid any further damage. This post will help you understand how and why dampness is caused and how you can prevent it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

What Causes Wall Dampness?<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are multiple factors that can be considered as the causes of dampness in walls. Let us take a close look at some of the major factors. For the benefit of the reader, the reasons can be divided into two categories: External and Internal.<\/span><\/p>\n

External Factors<\/b><\/h3>\n

Rainwater Penetration<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Rainwater<\/p>\n

If you live in an area that is prone to heavy rain, water may seep through the ceiling and the walls due to constant showers. Minor penetration of water is observed in almost all regions of the nation, but an increased amount of moisture in the wall can prove to be quite harmful to your house.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Groundwater Seepage and Flooding:<\/strong><\/p>\n

In places where houses are constructed at a lower level, the water may seep through the floors into the house, leading to flooding and seepage. This is especially common in houses that have basements or are built on lower grounds without a proper foundation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Condensation from temperature variations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another external factor that can lead to wall damping is fluctuating temperature. Temperature and weather fluctuations such as heavy rains (or snow\/fleet) may lead to water droplets finding a home in pockets of your walls. These droplets then evaporate and travel through the walls on hot days. Similarly, regions that are situated next to large water bodies such as the sea have high levels of humidity in the atmosphere, which may turn into water droplets in the walls during winters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Internal Factors<\/b><\/h3>\n

Plumbing leaks or pipe bursts:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Damaged<\/p>\n

Faulty or old pipes can burst and flood your home with water. In case the pipelines are not of potable water, the leaky pipes can prove to be even more severe, making immediate action absolutely necessary. Apart from making the walls damp, this can cause bigger problems too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Poor ventilation:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The level of moisture in the air goes up during monsoons and winters, even in dry areas. Houses\/rooms that do not have proper ventilation, such as windows, do not get ample flow of air and sunlight, which makes the room damp as the moisture has no place to evaporate and escape into the atmosphere. This issue is also common in poorly ventilated kitchens and bathrooms and can cause dampness on internal walls.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moisture-producing activities:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another reason for damp wall problems is activities such as cooking and showering which produce moisture. Without proper ventilation and drainage, these activities can lead to condensation dampness on internal walls, which in the long term can prove to be harmful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Methods to Check Wall Dampness<\/b><\/h2>\n

Here are a few tips that you can use to check whether you have damp walls or not. If you observe any of the following issues, then you may have damp walls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Person<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Lay your palm flat against a wall. If the wall feels cold and slightly moist to the touch, it is a sign of dampness.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. If you observe fungal growth or mould on your walls, especially in the form of black speckled dots on woodwork, wallpaper, and similar materials, you have a longstanding issue of dampness.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Another sign of dampness is the flaking of paint from the ceiling and walls.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Dampness may also lead to brown stain marks, patches, and discolouration on walls and the ceiling.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Dampness often causes a musty and unpleasant smell quite similar to the stench of a garage, basement, or storeroom.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Effects of Wall Dampness<\/b><\/h2>\n

    \"A<\/p>\n

    Wall dampness can prove to be a major concern for the property as well as the people who live or use the property. Here are three major problems that are a result of dampness.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Structural Damage<\/strong>: <\/span><\/h3>\n

    The dampness of the wall can make the overall structure of the house fragile over time. Constant dampness may ruin the foundation of your property, especially if you have wooden framing in your house. Similarly, it may reduce the health of bricks and other materials used for construction, leading to minor as well as major cracks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Mould and Mildew Growth<\/strong>: <\/span><\/h3>\n

    Mould and mildew thrive well in moist areas that receive low sunlight. Thus, damp walls provide a perfect atmosphere for these organisms to grow. These can be hazardous for your furniture, books, clothes, etc. They may also produce a strange stink.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Health Risks<\/strong>: <\/span><\/h3>\n

    Damp walls can serve as a breeding ground for various bacteria, fungi, etc. These organisms can be quite harmful to the health of humans as well as animals. This issue becomes even more severe if you have children or elders in your home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Prevention of Wall Dampness<\/b><\/h2>\n

    While treating wall dampness is possible, it is always better to prevent dampness completely. Here are a few tips that you can follow to avoid dampness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Proper Construction Practices<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Using good construction materials, following proper plans, and building a structure with proper outlets can help you prevent water dampness. This includes having ample windows installed in the house so that you have ample sunlight and air in the rooms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Exterior maintenance<\/b><\/h3>\n

    \"Rainwater<\/p>\n

    Gutters and downspouts<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Improper drainage can lead to leaks and seeping of water. With proper gutters and downspouts around the house and the terrace, you will be able to prevent water from stagnating and thus seeping into the walls or the ceiling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Exterior waterproofing<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Chemical waterproofing is another method that can be considered, especially if you live in an area that is prone to heavy rains.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Interior maintenance<\/b><\/h3>\n

    –Good ventilation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Along with proper windows and doors, do install fans and exhausts wherever there is a high chance of build-up of moisture. Change your curtains and drapery from time to time to avoid trapping moisture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    –Proper insulation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Proper insulation will prevent moisture from building up. It will also prevent the problem of condensation.<\/span><\/p>\n

    –Avoiding excessive moisture build-up<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Install exhausts in your bathrooms and kitchen to prevent excessive moisture. Keep doors and windows open when you cook. Once you are done using the bathroom, keep the door slightly ajar to help it dry quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Treatment of Wall Dampness<\/b><\/h2>\n

    \"Assorted<\/p>\n

    Damp walls can be a major problem, but they are preventable and can be treated as well. Let us have a look at the steps that you must undertake for damp wall treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Also Read: Monsoon Wall Seepage Solutions: Preventing and Treating Water Leakage from the Walls<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n