Handling damp wall problem during rainy season

” Damp wall is one of the most common problems during rainy season. Though, it doesn’t bother you physically, but it makes the wall not looking its best. We can prevent such problem by understanding and choosing the right method for the building solution“

During rainy season, the house owner will face problems such the toilet cannot be flushed and the water leak through the roof and other parts of the house. Also, damp wall is a very common problem causing the paint to peel off. Moreover, it allows fungus and lichen to grown along the wall too.

To prevent this problem, there are many methods but the house owner should understand the cause of the damp first. When it is raining, the amount of water in the soil increases. Some will leak through the concrete underground to the pillars, beams, and walls. Mostly found around the lower part of the house which is 1 meter above the ground and the house which its floor is lower than the surrounding or street level.

To explain, it is all because of the nature of the water; it flows downhill which applies to the soil level as well. Therefore, the soil under these houses will contain higher amount of water compared to the surrounding areas which located higher than these houses. Gypsum wall panels are therefore a good option for residential properties.

There are two methods to prevent the damp wall problems as follows:

The first one is to reduce the water underneath the house which can be done by installing sub drain around the house. The sub drain should be installed quite deep under the ground level so that the water could flow to this rail then drain it out through the public drainage. 

The soil is dig to a trapezoid shape leveling the incline from the beginning to the end of the drain and has the Geotextile laid around the drain. After that, pour the construction stones then lay the drainage pipe which is porous at the top and sides.

Pour the construction stones again and cover it with the Geotextie sheet before filling the sand. The top part would be pebbles (with the mesh sheet under) or you could plant the grass to suit your liking. Think about long lasting wall board to keep it protected from rain.

Another way to solve the damp wall problem is to make the wall breathable. It is a way to evaporate the moisture out of the house focusing on the wall one meter above the ground. This, moisture resistance system building products should be your top priority.

There are many ways to do so, for example, using anti-condensation paints (moisture free property), using pebble wash /sand wash, as well as excavating the plaster until reaching the brick layer then install steel framing and clapboard siding afterwards (wire mesh should be installed in the back to prevent animals) or using the pre made lattice panels which have already been decorated to create dimensions to your house.

Reducing water in the soil under the house and making the wall breathable (especially 1 meter above the ground area) are the choices for the house owner to choose and apply for when they want to change up the whole ambiance of the house and to make it more beautiful; the model of the house could be the factor to consider which method to go for. Moreover, they help prevent the damp wall problems for the under construction house as well.