Moisture within walls is a relatively common issue in many households. The
resulting damage is apparent: paint deterioration due to chipping, unsightly stains,
the presence of saltpeter, or even mold growth on the walls, among other effects.
Aside from its aesthetic drawbacks, moisture also poses health risks, negatively
impacting one's quality of life.
For a definitive solution to eliminate wall moisture, it is essential to identify its source
and effectively address the root cause. To determine the appropriate remedy, it's
advisable to consult moisture specialists who can guide you through the proper
steps to permanently eradicate wall moisture.
TYPES OF MOISTURE IN WALLS
The moisture within the walls can stem from various origins,and the approach to resolving it depends on these factors. Essentially three types of moisture can be distinguished:
Rising-damp:
This moisture originates from the soil beneath or adjacent to the walls,
infiltrating through the pores of the building materials. It then dissolves and weakens
these materials, resulting in the emergence of visible symptoms like stains and chipping.
Condensation moisture: Results from water vapor that originates within a house and subsequently deposits
in colder areas.
Filtration moisture: Arises due to water leakage from pipes or drains, or the infiltration of rainwater
through cracks in walls and ceilings.
What produces moisture in the walls?
Moisture within walls results from the transmission of water through the pores of building materials, which absorb it akin to a sponge.
The causes of moisture can include:
Underground streams impacting foundations or walls.
Generation of water vapor indoors, which is not ventilated to the exterior,
leading to material saturation and subsequent condensation in colder parts of
the house.
Cracks in water downspouts causing water to pour over walls during rainfall.
Leaks in flush water pipes, that start by wetting a single point and then
spreading.
that start by wetting a single point and then
spreading.
Symptoms of moisture on walls
The most obvious symptoms of moisture on the walls are:
Moisture deteriorates electro-mechanical circuits of household appliances.
Consequences of moisture on walls
The effects of moisture on walls have implications for both household finances and the
well-being of the occupants living within it.
The primary risks associated with wall moisture are:p>
Gradual deterioration of walls leading to their eventual destruction if remedial actions are
not taken.
Concealing moisture by using coverings like sheets, plasterboard, wood, ceramics,
marble, or waterproof paints should be avoided. This is because hidden mold on the
walls can pose significant health hazards.
Appliances are adversely affected by moisture.
Damp walls cause paint and plaster to separate from the surface, necessitating ongoing
restoration.
A moisture-affected house loses its value, making it challenging to either rent or sell.
How to avoid moisture walls?
It is important to take the following precautions to avoid the appearance of moisture:
If the moisture is due to capillary action, rising from the floor through walls
and columns, the definitive solution is installing the HS-221 System.
Pay close attention to the moisture generated when using the kitchen, shower,
microwave, dryer, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.
Minimize Ventilation on days characterized by high external humidity, as this
can introduce more moisture into the interior of the house.
Enhance wall insulation against the exterior to mitigate the impact of outdoor temperatures.
Swiftly address the source of moisture, as deterioration within the house
occurs rapidly.
Avoid creating deep perforations in roofs, ceilings, and walls that lead to the
exterior.
Regularly verify that the water meter remains stationary when all taps are closed.
How to remove moisture in walls?
Moisture poses a significant challenge for numerous households, making its
definitive eradication a coveted objective. Below, we elucidate strategies for
eliminating moisture from walls.
SOLUTION FOR THE RISING DAMP
The optimal solution for rising damp is the installation of the HS-221 system.
This groundbreaking system operates directly on water molecules, repelling them
into the subsoil to preempt their resurgence in the future. Within a few months of
installation and subsequent wall drying, rehabilitation can be undertaken. You can
compare diverse drying systems by consulting the reference table provided in this
link..
Not recommended alternatives for addressing rising damp in walls
There are alternative approaches, neither effective nor recommended for treating
rising damp, that regrettably persist within the practices of certain professionals.
Even though these alternatives may seem functional initially, they invariably
demonstrate their ineffectiveness within a year or two. Such solutions merely mask
the issue without rectifying its core:p>
Applying a good primer and waterproof paint. The outcome is the emergence
of wall blisters and paint flaking within a year. Paint does not adhere to a
damp wall! Always apply paint to a dry wall free from salts or compromised
materials.
Conceal moisture using drywall or wood, covering walls entirely with panels of
these materials. Within one or two years, these panels are susceptible to
moisture, with mold forming between the panels and the wall. Since this is not
visible, it remains unaddressed and ultimately impacts health.
Tile walls with ceramic or marble. If tiling is confined to a specific height,
moisture will manifest above it. If tiling extends to the ceiling, tiles on the wall
might eventually detach.
Employ resin injections on walls affected by rising damp. This approach, in
addition to causing aesthetic harm to the wall, proves notably ineffective on
stone walls. Moreover, it may result in the moisture previously absorbed by
those walls moving to adjacent ones.
SOLUTION FOR MOISTURE BY CONDENSATION
Condensation humidity can be greatly reduced by extracting all the water vapour generated inside.
Condensation moisture in ground-floors or in a basement improves when rising
damp is eliminated. This is due to the absence of water evaporation from the wall surface.
Another enhancement involves thermally insulating walls to prevent nighttime cooling.
A comprehensive solution to permanently eradicate condensation moisture
entails adopting a forced ventilation system. This system heats external air
upon entry and circulates it throughout the house. However, it's essential to
consider the cost of heating the incoming external air, which, in winter,
equates to approximately 500W.
SOLUTION FOR MOISTURE BY FILTRATION
The solution for filtration moisture requires the intervention of a professional plumber or waterproofing specialist equipped with a thermal camera. This tool is employed to
pinpoint the precise locations of water filtration issues.
Humitat-Stop, specialists in removing rising damp in walls
The Research and Development Laboratory at Humitat-Stop has successfully
conceived and achieved mass production of an electronic,
microprocessor-controlled device forming the core of the innovative HS-221 system.
Emitting very low-frequency waves, this system rejects water molecules towards the
subsoil, preventing their resurgence. We boast extensive experience in combating
wall moisture, both in residential settings and in iconic structures like the MUSEO del
PRADO in Madrid, where our HS-221 system effectively facilitated drying.
Our HS-221 system has been triumphantly exported to every continent since 2014.
Export figures have surged by over 50% annually, attesting to its prowess as the most
efficient and rapid solution for eliminating capillary moisture.
At Humitat-Stop we specialize in eradicating rising damp from walls. Our
commitment is to always offer the optimal solution, underwritten by a written
satisfaction guarantee. Reach out to us for a complimentary diagnosis to address
your moisture concerns. We will respond within 24 hours to assist you.
