In addition to being harmful to health since it is the cause of repeated colds, humidity is expensive in renovation work because of the damage it causes to the materials. Not to mention that it can increase the heating bill by 25%. For all these reasons, it is essential to track down the potential causes of the problem and quickly resolve them.
Water infiltration
Water infiltration is manifested by damp spots that appear on the walls. It can be caused by different factors. Perhaps the building is so old that the walls have developed a very porous character. If the marks are visible in the attic or under the roof, suspect rainwater infiltration. This problem can also be explained by poor workmanship. If it is caused by dilapidated walls, it is better to consider a new coating. And why not kill two birds with one stone by renovating the facade while improving the insulation of the house.
Capillary rise
When the lower level of the walls is continuously wet, it may be a question of capillary rise. The walls become sponges and fill with water. A humidity problem frequently encountered in old buildings dating from before 1959. At the time, the installation of a crawl space was not an obligation. The capillary rises occurring in newer houses are due to a construction defect. Result ? The coatings are crumbling, the walls seem to swell and the baseboards are peeling off. Faced with this type of situation, it is best to inject a waterproof gel into the wall or make grooves in the latter in order to install an anti-humidity barrier.
La condensation
Condensation is one of the most recurrent phenomena in homes. It appears in the water rooms such as the kitchen, the bathroom and the laundry room and results from faulty ventilation in the dwelling. Poor evacuation of water vapor is indeed the cause of the problem. The latter end up being deposited on the walls since they are not eliminated. Even the breathing and perspiration of the inhabitants of the house ends up creating this effect of condensation. Fortunately, regular good airing of the house can be enough to solve the problem. If this does not work, it will be necessary to consider the installation of an efficient ventilation system of the VMC type. This device will facilitate and accelerate the elimination of water vapours.
water leaks
Damp spots that develop near drains or ducts means that a leak is the cause of the dampness. The pipes may be punctured or so old that they leak water. But beware, it is not always easy to detect the true origin of the problem on your own. Hence the interest of seeking the services of a professional who will make his diagnosis. This specialist will, for example, use a humidity meter to identify the source of the humidity. It is important not to let this scourge get worse, because it can weaken the structure of the house, especially when it affects the frames.