Repsol YPF

Damp can appear in a property for various reasons: damage, rainwater getting in and capillarity. Along with these three issues, we must also mention environmental humidity, which is attributable to the weather and the environment, and that derived from condensation in specific rooms, such as the bathroom and kitchen.

Environmental humidity is more aggressive and constant in coastal areas than that found in dry areas, which is why it is advisable to thoroughly air all of the rooms in properties situated on the coast for 45 minutes per day, in order to renew the air and prevent a concentration of humidity in the rooms. In such cases, ventilation is the simplest and most effective resource for preventing damp in your home.  

Bathroom and kitchen

You will notice that there is more condensation  in the bathroom and kitchen, when the windows and mirrors steam up, and the tiles become damp; when it reaches an extreme level, condensation can lead to the appearance of fungi, damaging ceilings, walls and furniture in general. In order to prevent damp in both rooms, we recommend that you air both rooms thoroughly every day, especially after taking showers and preparing meals; be strict with the cleaning, check the pipes regularly and frequently pull out pieces of furniture which hide specific sections of the wall, in order to check what condition it is in. 

If your bathroom does not have a window, it is advisable to install a fan/dehumidifier which is able to switch itself on when it detects a high level of humidity, and using a sensor, can switch itself off again once the humidity level has dropped. It is also advisable to shut the bathroom door when you are having a shower, and that you do the same in the kitchen when you are cooking, in order to prevent the humidity from spreading throughout the house.  

Damage, leaks and damp due to capillarity 

Damaged water pipes, either due to a breakage, wear and tear or incorrect use, cause the water to cover the wall, generally forming concentric circular stains. In such cases, you must call the plumber so that he can repair the pipe, and wait for the damp to dry before painting the affected area. 

If the damp in your home comes from rainwater leaking through a defective external seal, roof or façade, you will notice a dark patch on the ceiling or on the wall which will spread over the surface. You should wait until it stops raining and then contact a company that specialises in roofs, external walls and façades. The professional will firstly have to detect where the problem is coming from in order to resolve it, and then he will have to treat the damp ceilings and walls, clean the mould and fill in the cracks. Bear in mind that the expert must explain the origin of the problem and the solution that is going to be applied, as well as the materials which are going to be used. All of these issues, as well as the guarantee period for the work, must be recorded on the quotation provided. 

Damp due to capillarity, meanwhile, is the most complicated, since this comes from ground floor properties and basements; in other words, the areas which are in contact with the land, this being the reason why the water seeps through the building materials. This damp mainly affects the flooring, and gradually rises up the walls. In order to get rid of it, you require the services of a builder, who will remove the flooring, correctly waterproof the area and replace the flooring. 

Related articles:

- What should be done if you have leaks?

- Making a building watertight