Bubbling paint, a musty smell or a tide mark low on the wall all point to damp. Painting over it never lasts. Fix the source first.
How to do it
- Work out the type. A tide mark up to about a metre from the floor is usually rising damp. Patches high up or near windows are often condensation or a leak.
- Check outside: blocked gutters, cracked plaster, soil or paving built up above the damp-proof course, and leaking downpipes.
- Scrape off loose paint and salts, and let the wall dry out properly.
- Treat rising damp with a damp-proofing injection cream, then use a breathable, damp-resistant plaster and paint.
Pro tip: Tape a square of plastic to the wall for 48 hours. Moisture on the room side means condensation; moisture behind it means damp coming through the wall.
Watch how it’s done
Video by Skill Builder on YouTube.
Rather leave it to the pros? The ZSP Plumbing & Maintenance team is on call 24/7. WhatsApp or call 081 522 6098.