A Guide on How to Dry Damp Walls

Damp walls can be unsightly and potentially cause health concerns if left to sit, such as mould and rust growth. It is vital that you address the source of dampness before painting the wall again.

Opening windows and using fans are effective ways of speeding up the drying process. Dehumidifiers also serve a vital function by extracting moisture from the air, thus indirectly drying walls.

1. Dehumidifier

Damp walls can be an especially significant threat, leading to structural damage and potentially leading to mould growth on timber structures or plasterboard. Therefore, it’s crucial that damp walls be addressed immediately in order to minimize their effects and minimise potential damages caused.

Water penetrates drywall through capillary action and then rises up the wall surface due to its porous nature, moving upwards along its course by wicking. Moisture can penetrate up to 30 inches above its floor surface.

Drying drywall requires both fans and dehumidifiers for optimal results. Fans help move air around, speeding up drying times, while dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air to speed up the process even more. Be sure to double check with a moisture meter to make sure your walls have fully dried before proceeding further with drying them out.

2. Fans

Air circulation around damp walls is essential in expediting their drying out process, and fans can help accelerate this process by moving air around more effectively than stagnant spaces. Dehumidifiers are another useful way of extracting excess moisture from the air and thus indirectly drying out walls faster.

If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, using it on walls will also help collect excess moisture. As an alternative solution, desiccants are gels or products which can be directly applied onto the wall and absorbed quickly into it.

Opening doors and windows is another effective way to speed up the drying process, as this will allow any excess moisture to quickly exit the building. Moisture in walls and ceilings may come from rain pouring through roof eaves or being absorbed from ground moisture sources or condensation on cold surfaces.

3. Ventilation

Assuring sufficient air circulation around damp walls is vital to helping them dry out faster, thereby avoiding further damage or mold growth. Use fans in tandem with dehumidifiers to speed up this process.

Any coverings on damp walls such as wallpaper should be removed to promote airflow and help facilitate drying processes. Any wall-mounted cupboards should also be open so as to allow air to pass freely through them.

Rapid wall drying methods are crucial, as delaying can allow excess moisture to linger and lead to serious structural issues. Furthermore, fast drying methods help prevent mold and mildew growth that could become harmful for pets, children and elderly people with compromised immune systems.

4. Drying Agents

Drying agents work by extracting water from organic compounds found in solution, often through powders, pellets or liquid forms of their chemicals. One such drying agent available as powder is sodium chloride (Na2SO4); its water absorbing properties allow it to separate itself from pure compounds while simultaneously allowing evaporation to take place from salt solutions.

Promptly drying damp walls is essential, especially if drywall damage has occurred. Prompt restoration prevents structural damage, microbial growth and odor. Contact PuroClean office near you for professional drywall water damage restoration using moisture meters, infrared imaging devices and heavy-duty fans – these experts also know how to quickly strip away moldings, baseboards and wallpaper to speed up the process.

5. Tanking

Walls severely affected by water damage may require tanking as a solution to prevent further dampness issues. Professionals possessing all of the relevant qualifications, trade body accreditations and experience should apply it properly.

Tanking cellar and basement walls is an effective solution for preventing moisture ingress, reducing mould growth, increasing energy efficiency, and permitting plastering and painting of these spaces again. It is often utilized by people converting or renovating these spaces.

As you run your hand along the walls or look for signs of damp such as salty fluff, flaking paint, sagging skirting boards or wallpaper curling you can quickly check for damp. However, if your walls appear severely damaged or have an extensive leak you should contact professional services immediately.