Where Did That Come From? Learn How to Prevent Damp Patches on Your Walls.
Why is there a patch of uneven colours on your walls? Guess what, it is actually just a damp patch seeping through the coat of paint. Not again!
If this is not the first time it has happened, before you consider repainting your walls and ceilings again, try troubleshooting the cause of these damp patches that keep appearing out of nowhere.
Damp patches on walls and ceilings inside homes are commonly the cause of a few reasons, mainly:
- Weak Piping Structure
Pipes that are not installed correctly without adequate support may undergo strong vibrations and pressure from strong water currents. This gradually weakens the pipe structure, potentially causing loose joints or cracks to form, which can result in leaks and moisture seeping through walls.
- Water Backflow
Weak piping can lead to problems with drainage or backflow. When water doesn’t
flow properly or backs up due to weak or improperly connected pipes, it can
overflow and affect the walls, causing damp patches. Water backflow may also
lead to low water pressure.
- Pipe Blockage
A common issue among landed housing, pipe blockage is due to damaged roofing material caused by fallen leaves or moss that grows on the surface over time. Target clearing the blockage from the piping instead of the outlet to prevent causing further blockage.
- Monsoon Season
Continuous harsh weather conditions in the monsoon season during certain
periods of the year may lead to above issues, especially affecting older home
properties.
Identifying Damp Patches in the Early Stages
Sightings of discoloured or clumped up paint stains will appear as mould and mildew growing on walls, ceilings and even floors. This is an early sign of damp patches caused by moisture damaging your walls.
Poorly ventilated indoors, most commonly shower rooms or kitchens where large amounts of water is involved are mostly likely to experience more moisture if the flow of air is constantly trapped in confined spaces.
Here are some simple methods to try at home:
- Keep your doors and windows of your rooms open to allow a smoother air flow. This will help moisture escape the room easily.
- Don’t let your wet floors linger for hours. Use a water broom or mop to dry the floors before the moisture seeps in.
- Depending on the level of severity, giving your walls a fresh coat of damp-proof paint is a straightforward solution to prevent the stains from appearing again. Not only does this protect the core surface of your walls, it gets a neat and new outlook too.
Like how the climate fluctuates in a tropical country like Malaysia, our homes require some simple maintenance from time to time for a smoother, more pleasant way of living with little to no disruption.
Hope these tips can help your walls at home stay strong and sturdy on the inside, and smooth and shiny on the outside. Take note before you coat!
