What is Penetrating Damp and How to Stop It?

October 06, 2024
What is Penetrating Damp and How to Stop It? - PaintOutlet.co.uk
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Introduction

Penetrating damp occurs when water infiltrates the walls of your home, usually through cracks, porous brickwork, or damaged exterior surfaces. This type of damp can cause peeling paint, mould growth, and even structural damage if left untreated. Unlike condensation or rising damp, penetrating damp is caused by water entering the home from the outside. Addressing the source of the water and using the right materials to treat the walls is key to stopping penetrating dampness.

In this guide, we’ll explain what penetrating damp is, how to recognize it, and how to treat it to protect your home. 

Step 1: Identify the Signs of Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp is usually easy to spot, and common signs include:

  1. Damp Patches on Walls: These damp patches often grow in size after rain or heavy moisture and are most commonly found on external walls.
  2. Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Moisture can cause paint to bubble, blister, or peel off the wall.
  3. Mould Growth: Black mould patches may form on damp areas, especially in corners or near windows.
  4. Drips or Water Stains: In severe cases, you may see water running down the walls or stains forming in a specific area.

Step 2: Find and Fix the Source of Penetrating Damp

Before treating the affected areas, you must find the source of the water ingress:

  1. Check the Roof and Gutters: Damaged or blocked gutters, broken roof tiles, or leaking flashing can allow water to enter the walls.
  2. Inspect the Exterior Walls: Cracks in brickwork, damaged pointing (mortar between bricks), or porous bricks can allow water to penetrate. Sealing these areas will prevent further water ingress.
  3. Look at Windows and Doors: Check for gaps in window or door frames where water might be getting in. Reseal or repair these areas as necessary.

Step 3: Dry and Clean the Affected Area

Once the source of water ingress is fixed, dry out the area before repairing the wall:

  1. Dry the Wall Completely: Use a dehumidifier or allow for plenty of ventilation to dry out the damp patches.
  2. Clean the Surface: Remove any mould or mildew with a Fungicidal Wash to ensure the surface is clean before making repairs.
  3. Scrape Off Loose Paint: If the paint is blistering or peeling due to dampness, use a scraper to remove any loose paint. Sand the surface smooth.

Step 4: Repair the Damaged Wall

After drying the wall and cleaning the surface, repair any damage caused by the penetrating damp:

  1. Fill Cracks and Holes: Use a filler to repair cracks in the wall where water may have entered. Once dry, sand the surface to smooth it out.
  2. Prime the Wall: Apply HQC Stabilising Universal Primer to the repaired areas. This helps seal the surface and prepares it for paint.

Step 5: Apply a Damp-Proof Paint

To protect your walls from future water penetration, apply a damp-proof paint (IMPORTANT: BEFORE PAINTING YOU MUST FIX THE ROOT ISSUE OF THE WATER INGRESS)

  1. Choose a Moisture-Resistant Paint: Use HQC Anti-Damp Paint or InsOpaint Ultra. These paints are designed to prevent moisture from seeping into the walls.
  2. Apply the First Coat: Use a brush or roller to apply the paint evenly. Let it dry for 4-6 hours.
  3. Apply a Second Coat: For better coverage and long-lasting protection, apply a second coat after the first has fully dried.

Step 6: Prevent Future Penetrating Damp

To prevent penetrating damp from reoccurring, take the following steps:

  1. Seal External Walls: Apply a waterproofing solution or InsOpaint Masonry Protection Cream to seal the exterior walls and prevent moisture from penetrating.
  2. Maintain Gutters and Roofs: Ensure that gutters are cleaned regularly and that any broken roof tiles or damaged flashing are repaired quickly.
  3. Regularly Inspect Walls and Windows: Check for cracks or gaps around windows and doors and make necessary repairs to keep water out.

Recommended Products

For the best results when treating and preventing penetrating damp, we recommend the following products from PaintOutlet.co.uk:

FAQ Section

Q: What causes penetrating damp?
A: Penetrating damp is caused by water entering your home through external walls, roof tiles, damaged brickwork, or poorly sealed windows and doors. It occurs when moisture is allowed to seep into the walls from the outside.

Q: How can I prevent penetrating dampness?
A: You can prevent penetrating dampness by maintaining your roof and gutters, sealing cracks in walls, and applying waterproofing coatings to exterior walls.

Q: Can I paint over penetrating damp?
A: No, you must first fix the source of the water ingress, dry the wall, and repair any damage before applying a moisture-resistant paint like HQC Anti-Damp Paint or InsOpaint Ultra.

Conclusion

Penetrating damp can cause serious damage to your home if left untreated, but by following this guide and using high-quality products from PaintOutlet.co.uk, you can fix the problem and protect your walls from future water ingress. With the right preparation and protective coatings, your walls will remain dry and free from damp for years to come. Just remember to fix the source of the water ingress before treating the walls to ensure long-lasting results.

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