How to get rid of mould on walls

Mould on walls can be of various colours – black, grey, green, etc. Mould and fungus are caused due to excess moisture in walls. Some common reasons are leaking pipes, rising damp, leaking roofs, seepage from window and door frames or humidity in areas like bathrooms. Any of these can cause mould formation, making the walls look ugly and giving out a damp foul smell.

Image source: Healthline

Long-term exposure to mould can cause serious allergies and respiratory illnesses. Some people are very sensitive and may immediately get throat irritation, and start sneezing, coughing or wheezing by just being present in a room with damp mouldy walls. Mould does not disappear on its own and hence it’s advisable to treat mould effectively and prevent it from reoccurring.

Let’s first understand the types of dampness to treat and remove mould buildup:

Penetrating damp:

Mainly caused by water leaking through the walls due to cracks in walls, cracked roof tiles, damaged bricks, blocked rain gutters etc.

Rising damp:

Caused by water moving up the walls due to capillary action. The main reasons are improper damp proofing, cracks in damp proof course or damp proof membrane, and improper application of DPC.

Condensation damp:

Caused by moist air getting condensed on walls due to lack of ventilation. When windows are closed and there is a difference between inside and outside temperatures, the air becomes very humid and precipitation occurs.

Some preventive measures that can help avoid mould or damp walls

• Use an electric dehumidifier
• Keep your kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces well-ventilated to avoid humidity buildup
• Try to identify and repair the leaks as early as possible
• Use good quality and trusted products during construction for damp proofing
• Prevent condensation on exterior walls of the building

While these measures are good to maintain clean and dry walls, the best seepage solution to avoid dampness in walls from capillary rise of moisture from floors is a good damp proof course underneath walls and floors. DPC is essential while building any structure and add to the strength and life of the building. If applied correctly, DPC can help avoid any structural issues, health hazards and aesthetic damages to the property.

Cementitious DPC is a popular method and is used widely due to its ease of application. However, it does not keep the property protected for a very long time. It develops cracks over time and eventually, the moisture rises up the walls due to capillary action.

Damp proofing membrane is also used widely. It provides better protection compared to cement DPC. But it also degrades and develops cracks over time and becomes less flexible. Therefore, there are high chances of seepage occurring through corners and junctions and eventually mould formation on walls due to dampness.

A highly effective method is using an elastomeric sheet which is monolithic i.e. bonds with the structure. It increases the strength of the building and provides long-term protection against seepage and damp walls. DampX has a service life of up to 25 years and is highly effective in preventing mould formation on walls. It is a preferred solution by architects and builders concerned about the quality of the homes they deliver.

DampX providing high coverage in corners and junctions