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Dampness in walls is a very common problem that many independent homeowners face during monsoons. It is extremely vital that it is taken care of before monsoons begin. If not prevented, seepages start forming in the walls. Dampness causes multiple problems in the house like leakages, paint peeling, cracks, etc. If it is not dealt with properly, the moulds and fungus that form it can result in a negative impact on your health. Dampness can also cause damage to the structure of your house. This is why it's important to prevent it.
This blog will take you through the ins and outs of wall dampness and how you can prevent your walls from it, and safeguard your health and your home from the problems that it brings with it.
There are 3 types of dampness in walls :
Penetrating Dampness
Rising Dampness
Condensation Dampness
Let’s understand these types in detail.
Water may be entering the walls for a variety of reasons, including the following :
Your roof's rain gutters may be broken or clogged.
Bricks losing their ability to withstand the weather
Broken bricks
External wall cracks
Window and door frame fissures
Dripping pipes
Broken or missing roof tiles
You must identify the causes of the dampness and address each one individually in order to eliminate it :
Repair and clean out damaged gutters
Replace and repair any missing or damaged roof tiles.
Patch up dings in the walls and the frames of the doors and windows.
Fix the pipes that are leaking
Replace porous bricks with water-repellent materials, or paint over them.
Water from the ground rises into the house as a result of capillary action, causing rising dampness. Structural problems with the building, specifically with the damp-proof course or membrane. The damp-proof course is a waterproof layer that is installed in a building's wall close to the ground to stop rising damp. It is typically a horizontal strip, built into the wall at least 15 cm above ground level, made of plastic or bitumen felt. To shield the home from rising groundwater, a waterproof sheet called a damp-proof membrane is positioned beneath the concrete floor. Rising dampness happens when the damp-proof course and membrane aren't working properly. Possibly no course or membrane exists.
To fix rising dampness, you'll probably need a professional.
First, make sure your home has a damp-proof membrane or course. If you want to know if you do, you will need to consult an expert. A high ground level will also be problematic because water can seep into the walls through the earth. The damp-proof course should be 15 cm above ground level; however, if the ground level is too high, you will need to dig away the soil around the damp wall's exterior to a level below the course. To shield the wall from moisture, you can also seal it with asphalt.
Moisture in the air condenses on walls, resulting in condensation dampness. When warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, like the walls, the air is unable to contain the moisture, which results in water droplets appearing and the growth of mould on your walls.
Lack of ventilation, cold surfaces, and insufficient central heating all contribute to condensation.
Condensation can be easily managed by you by :
Setting up double glazing ( rather expensive )
Using a dehumidifier.
Opening windows and adding air vents and fans will improve ventilation
Increasing the temperature when it's cold outside (if you live in the north of India)
Wiping down windows and the affected areas with a cloth to clear them
The use of subpar raw materials or a failure to take waterproofing precautions seriously during construction may be the cause of water seepage in walls. Because the concrete building's exterior walls are exposed to the elements, prolonged exposure to rainwater can cause cracks in the outer covering and allow moisture and water to seep into the wall. The walls are damp as a result of the seepage. If wall seepage is not addressed quickly, this moisture seeps into the interiors and ruins the wall paint.
Some other reasons why water seepage happens in walls are :
Wall seepage can be caused by leaks in the sewage system, bathroom, kitchen, or water tank.
Now that you have all the information regarding wall dampness, you can easily prevent your walls from it and ensure that your home and you are always healthy.
1. What leads to dampness in walls ?
When low-quality building materials are used during construction, walls become damp. If there are leaks in the water or wastewater pipes, wall dampness may also result.
2. How to prevent dampness in walls ?
Installing waterproof tiles or a damp-proof course to stop moisture from penetrating the walls are two treatments for dampness in walls.
3. Is wall seepage harmful to one's home and health ?
Yes, seepage promotes the growth of mould and fungus, which has an impact on one's health. These damp walls also eventually have an impact on the building's structure, which has an impact on how the house grows structurally.