Penetrating Damp Treatment- Put an End to Moisture Damage for Good

Noticed some damp patches on your wall, peeling paint, or a musty smell that just won’t give up? These could lead to penetrating damp, a widespread yet frustrating problem causing permanent damage to your home. If untreated, moisture comes from outside and seeps into the walls, leading to mould formation, structural damage, and expensive repair jobs.

The good news is that penetrating damp can be treated and prevented! Whether leaky roof, poor drainage, or porous walls, there are effective ways to stop it just there and then. This guide will take you through the penetrating damp treatment options, including instant solutions and long-term strategies for prevention.

💡 View UK new guidelines for Damp and Mould Prevention.

Let’s define it first..

What is Penetrating Damp?

Penetrating damp shows how moisture seeps from the outside through walls, ceilings, or floors and gives rise to damp patches, mould growth, and even the weakening of the structure. Unlike condensation or rising damp where the source lies within the home, penetrating damp originates from outside due to:

✔ Cracked walls or damaged pointing that allows assisted ingress of rainwater.

✔ Leaking gutters or downpipes directing water into the building.

✔ Faulty roofing or missing roof tiles causing moisture to permeate.

✔ Poor drainage leading to water pooling beside the walls.

By time, penetrating damp will weaken plaster, spoil the paintwork, and provide a nice breeding ambience for mould and mildew.

Read on: How much damp can devalue a house?

Signs You Have Penetrating Damp

If you’re uncertain about whether you’re suffering from penetrating damp,  lookout for some of the usual warning signs.

✔ Damp patches on walls or ceilings after heavy rain.

✔ Peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint beneath the surface due to moisture.

✔ Mould or mildew on outer walls.

✔ Musty smell lingering on despite having aired the space.

✔ Water or stains dripping near windows, doors, or chimneys.      

If you see any of these issues, it is wise to act quickly so as to save yourself a massive repair bill in the future.

Now, let’s get to the solutions…..

Penetrating Damp Treatment-How to Go About Fixing It

1️⃣ Locate and Fix the Source of Moisture

✔ Check your external walls for cracks, damaged pointing, or loose bricks.

✔ Inspect your gutters and roof for leaks, blockages, or missing tiles.

✔ Ensure windows and doors are properly sealed against rainwater.

💡 Tip: Where a leaking pipe or poor drainage is indicated, rectify that situation before disturbing the affected area.

2️⃣ Improve Ventilation & Reduce Moisture Accumulation

✔ Open the windows whenever possible for fresh air.

✔ Damp areas, such as bathrooms, should be fitted with trickle vents or extractor fans.

✔ Use a dehumidifier for the removal of excess moisture from the air and hastening the evaporative process.

💡 Which? – Best Dehumidifiers for Damp Control.

3️⃣ Seal & Waterproof Your Walls

✔ Apply a waterproofing treatment or masonry cream onto the external walls. 

✔ Use damp-proof paints or sealants to avoid possible future moisture penetration.

✔ Ensure that the damp-proof course (DPC) in your home is intact and not compromised.

💡 Tip: Silicone-based waterproof coatings are an ideal choice for exposed brick and stone walls.

4️⃣ Fixing Damage Inside

Now that you’ve dealt with the cause of dampness, repair and restore the premises:

✔ Remove defective plaster and paint and allow the walls to dry out.

✔ Repaint using a mildew-resistant paint to prevent recurrence.

✔ Repair any decaying timber in the skirting boards or floorboards.

💡 Tip: Make use of a moisture metre to determine if the walls are dry enough for repainting or replastering.

Ways to Prevent Future Attacks of Penetrating Damp

✔ Regular checks should be carried on the exterior of your home to check for cracks, leakages, and missing roof tiles.

✔ Ensure that gutters and drains remain unclogged so as not to allow water accumulation.

✔ Make sure that walls are properly insulated and ventilated so moisture may evaporate.

✔ Breathable paints and plasters are only used to let the walls dry naturally.

✔ Keep an eye on humidity levels, as a dehumidifier will assist in maintaining proper moisture levels inside.

Have a look at our dehumidifiers:

T4 ES Turbine – Main aspects and advantages

✔ High Air Volume and Versatility – 300 m³/h can be applied all for small as well as big drying jobs.

✔ Adjustable Air Volume and Pressure – The amount of airflow can be tailored according to the given task.

✔ Automatically Regulated Output Temperature – It self-regulates to prevent downtime despite heavy loads.

✔ Integration in ES Family – It combines within ES working and control systems for energy-efficient drying.

✔ Rugged Compact Construction – High stackability and toughness combined with ergonomic design for easy handling and transport.

✔ Whisper Operation – It is a salon-built machine that ensures little noise disruptions.

SuperVision® ready- Convenient real-time tracking through remote monitoring. 

The T4 ES Turbo is the most powerful flexible tool that one can imagine in drying: speed and efficiency-this is going to change the game in moisture control!

View our full range of products

Conclusion

Knowing about penetrating damp treatment allows you to keep your home from surviving long-term disadvantages. Which is all about checking for causes, such as sealing cracks and covering leaks, or using a dehumidifier immediately.

In case wet conditions- do resurfacing, it is perhaps best to invite professional help. 

Dehumidifier Rental provides high-quality dehumidifiers to dry areas affected and act as a deterrent to any possible formation of future moisture.

📞 Do you need help in damp control? Speak to Dehumidifier Rental today for solutions. 

FAQs

1. How long does it take for a wall to dry after penetrating damp is treated?

✔ The time really depends on the severity, but it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before the walls go dry. Using a dehumidifier will hasten the process.

2. Can I paint over damp patches?

✔ Absolutely not! The leak must be dried out and treated before repainting, or else the issue will return.

3. Does a dehumidifier help for penetrating damp?

✔ A dehumidifier can help to dry out damp walls but won’t tackle the underlying cause -you need to fix the leaks and seal the walls properly.

4. How will I know if penetrating damp can affect my home?

✔ If you live in an older building, damaged brickwork, leaking pipes, or have poor drainage, then you are more likely to have a problem with penetrating dampness. 

5. Is penetrating damp an issue to health?

✔ Yes, long-term damp exposure will enhance mould growth, trigger allergies, and deteriorate respiratory conditions like asthma. 

📍 To date, let your home be secured by seeking assistance in getting professional damp control solutions from Dehumidifier.