How to Stop Damp From Passing Through Walls?
Let's get real — finding damp patches on your wall isn't just annoying, it's intimidating. If it's coming into your bedroom or giving your living room that damp smell, damp is certainly something no one has time for. The good news? You're not alone, and better still, you can fix it.
If you’ve been searching for things like how to stop damp coming through walls or how to stop damp coming through external walls in bedroom, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down what causes it, how to spot it, and — most importantly — how to get rid of it for good.
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What Causes Damp to Come Through Walls?
Damp can find its way into your property in a few different manners. The largest culprits are:
Rain coming through cracks in the roof or wall (this is known as penetrating damp).
Moisture rising from the ground if the damp-proofing within your property has failed (rising damp is indeed a thing).
Condensation, which exists when there's not enough air movement, especially around kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
So before jumping to the fix, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with.
How to Stop Damp Coming Through Walls
Once you’ve spotted it, here’s what to do:
Step 1: Identify the type of damp
It sounds simple, but it’s a crucial step.
If the damp is low down and forming tide marks – it’s probably rising damp.
If it shows up after rain, it’s likely coming from outside – that’s penetrating damp.
If you see it around windows or after taking a shower – it could be condensation.
Knowing the type will cost you less and time.
Step 2: Check for leaks or cracks
Next, take a tour of your home – both inside and outside.
Inspect the walls for cracks, broken roof tiles, or loose gutters. Small gaps can also permit rainwater to penetrate and make walls damp. These can be the simplest methods of preventing damp penetration into walls.
Step 3: Seal with waterproof sealants or damp-proof membranes
If the issue is internal, a watertight sealant can serve as a barrier. For more intransigent problems, such as damp rising, you may have to insert a damp-proof membrane behind the wall or beneath the floor.
Step 4: Ventilate better
Fresh air is an excellent damp deterrent. Open your windows often, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Make use of extractor fans if you have them, and don't dry clothes inside. Good airflow means less condensation, which means less damp.
Step 5: Consider professional damp proofing treatment
Still struggling? Sometimes, it’s time to call in the pros. Damp specialists can do things like chemical damp-proof injections or full wall tanking — not DIY-friendly, but very effective.
How to Stop Damp Coming Through External Walls
If the damp is coming from outside (especially into bedrooms), the wall itself may be letting in water. Here’s how to sort it out:
Using of exterior waterproof coatings
Think of it as a raincoat for your house. These porous coatings keep water out while letting walls "breathe" — a must for old houses.
Repairing cracked brickwork
Blistering mortar or cracked brickwork can let water in. Removing cracked bricks and repointing is a good idea if you want to eliminate damp penetration by means of outside walls.
Inserting cavity wall insulation
This is an investment, and it's worth it. Proper insulation fills the hole in your walls, allowing moisture out and heat in.
Best Methods to Stop Damp from Entering Walls
These are a few handy tools and products that can help:
Anti-mould paint
Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms — this mould-resistant paint stops damp from entering.
Internal sealant sprays
These are easy to apply and perfect for small trouble areas. A squirt and dry and you're ready to go in stopping dampness from seeping through wall surfaces.
Wall ventilation kits
If air movement is poor, especially in older homes, these packs can be a godsend. Better air flow = less moisture = less damp.
Damp meters for detection
Use this as your advance warning system. A damp meter helps you keep an eye on moisture levels before damp becomes visible.
When to Call a Professional?
If the damp keeps on coming back, even after seeking help, then chances are you need professional help. A damp professional can properly diagnose the issue and offer lasting solutions — especially if you're dealing with preventing damp coming through external walls in bedroom zones where it affects comfort and health.
Damp might be common, but that doesn't automatically mean you can't fix it. If you have to seal a wall, turn up the ventilation, or simply call in the experts, there is a solution. The key to remember is to take action sooner rather than later — the sooner you do it, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix.
So if you've been puzzling over how to stop damp from entering through a wall, now you've got a plan of action. Still stuck? Don't be afraid to seek help. HomeRun is here for you! Your walls — and your lungs — will thank you.
