While dampness is a common issue in many households, it can be a nuisance to eliminate and can cause damage to your walls and, in severe cases, your health. Certain types of mould can develop as a result of damp walls and are listed as one of the main home decor features that deter potential home buyers.
Lucy Steele, a paint and interiors expert from Valspar Paint, shares a straightforward trick for removing damp from your walls and how to prevent it from returning.
What causes damp?
Lucy explained that there are three different types of damp. Condensation is inevitable and occurs when hot air hits a cold surface.
It’s most prevalent in kitchens and bathrooms after cooking or showering, but it can also appear on windows after the heating has been on, for example. If condensation is left to sit on surfaces for too long, it will cause damp and mould.
How to get rid of damp
The solution to the damp depends on the cause of the problem. If you suspect there’s an issue with your exterior wall, roof or you have rising damp, call a specialist who will help identify the cause and fix the problem.
However, if it’s something you can handle at home, try using white vinegar for areas of mould found on porous surfaces – available for around £1.30.
This tip is particularly useful if the damp has spread below the surface. The vinegar will penetrate to kill the mould and mildew at the root, preventing it from regrowing.
How to paint over damp
When painting over a damp patch, you should always use a specialist paint. Paints designed for damp often have properties that treat the problem as well and stop it from coming back.
They also let moisture escape meaning there won’t be a build-up of damp. So if you’ve fixed the root cause, using a specially formulated damp paint should put a stop to the problem for good.
Lucy said: “Damp stains can be difficult to paint over, but specialist paints should make this job easy. Our damp seal permanently seals and blocks damp stains from spreading, so it won’t ruin your topcoat.
“Some damp paints let you paint it directly straight onto the damp patch whereas others might need a dry surface to adhere to. You should also check that the paint you’re using lets you add another layer of emulsion on top.
“Some paints are most effective when they act as the topcoat, but that drastically narrows your colour choices. So do your research before you choose your paint!”
How to avoid damp in the future
Fixing leaks and also controlling ventilation of your home, to eliminate condensation inside windows, for example, is crucial to stopping black mould from developing.
Keep troublesome areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms heated, as this will help to decrease the likelihood of mould growth simply because mould has an optimal temperature and moisture range in which to survive and flourish.