If you’re a homeowner you are bound to come across damp at least once in your life. And you probably know that leaving damp untreated is a big mistake and will make the situation much worse. But simply painting over the damp to hide the evidence won’t do any good either which is why you should consider damp proofing.
There are many signs that damp could be present in your walls such as peeling paint, brown stains as well as mold growth. Not only is damp an eyesore, but mould growth can also be harmful to your health. Here’s how you can damp proof your walls before painting them:
- Find the Damp Source
Inspect the affected and surrounding area thoroughly to determine where the damp is coming from. If damp is lower than one metre off the ground, the source might be a leaking pipe. If the damp is closer to the ceiling, you are probably faced with a roof leak.
- Prepare the Wall
You might have to scrape some of the paint off the wall right down to the plaster. A dark grey tinged plaster suggests an extremely wet wall. The next step is to drill holes in the wall for the moisture to escape. Give your wall enough time to dry completely. Once the wall is dry, fill the holes with exterior crack filler.
- Apply Damp-Proof Course
The final step is to apply the damp-proof course. This step will be repeated every 24 hours for the next few days to allow it to dry and cure. It is vital to stick to prescribed drying and curing times for maximum results.
Keep in mind that different types of damp need different treatments. If you’re not sure which type of damp you’re dealing with it is best to get in touch with a damp proofing specialist. Hydrostop SA offers damp proofing in Pretoria and surrounding areas at affordable prices. For more information or a free quote, get in touch with the team today.