Simple and inexpensive solutions to get rid of damp in your home

Damp is not only unsightly, it can also affect the health and comfort of your home. If you are looking for simple and inexpensive solutions to eradicate those pesky moisture problems, you are in the right place. Today I'm sharing with you a complete guide so you can say goodbye to damp and enjoy a dry and healthy environment.
Using specially designed products, such as the Tecpint Anticondensation by Tecno Prodist or the Imper Moisture from Tecno ProdistIf you do, you will be able to solve the problem at its root and avoid future problems.

Why does damp appear in the home and how does it affect it?

Damp can appear for many reasons: leaks, condensation or even poor ventilation in some rooms of the house. This problem, although common, can affect more than we think:

• AestheticsDark stains and mould can deteriorate the appearance of our walls.
• HealthThe humidity is the perfect environment for the proliferation of mould and dust mites, damaging people with allergies or respiratory problems.
• StructureOver time, moisture can weaken the walls, causing damage to the structure of the house.

Identifying the type of moisture

• Before applying products, it is essential to identify the type of damp we are treating, as the solution will vary according to the cause. The most common types are:
  Moisture or mould due to condensationIt occurs in poorly ventilated places, especially in winter, when warm, moist indoor air condenses on contact with cold surfaces.
• Moisture permeationWater penetration: Occurs when water from outside penetrates through walls or ceilings due to waterproofing failures.
• Capillary dampnessThis occurs in dwellings built at ground level, where water rises from the ground into the walls.

Knowing what type of damp you have in your home, you can choose the right treatment. Now, let's move on to the solutions.

Simple and cost-effective solutions for moisture removal

To deal with damp effectively, it is best to use specialised products. Here's how to use some practical and effective options.

If your problem is dampness or mould from condensation problems

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent damp is to apply a special paint to the affected surfaces. This is where the Tecpint anti-condensation by Tecno Prodist or in an ecological version Tecpint Termic Ecologicare an excellent choice. This paint, specifically designed to combat moisture, offers several benefits:

• Anti-mould effectFungicidal and bactericidal properties, preventing the formation of mould.
• Damp-proofing propertiesPrevents the formation of stains and mildew.
• Easy application with very low odourPerfect for indoor use, as it does not emit strong odours and dries quickly.

Applying this paint is very simple. Simply prepare the surface by cleaning the mildew with water and bleach (use a sprayer with a ratio of approximately 1 part bleach x 4 parts water, wear gloves and a mask), apply this mixture to the mildew stains and leave it to act for a few hours, then wipe with a damp cloth to ensure that the paint is clean and dry, and then apply three coats of Tecpint Anticondensation or Tecpint Anticondensation Ecologic, leaving a minimum of 8 hours between coats to dry. This paint is especially useful in areas such as the bathroom, kitchen or any other place where damp is a recurring problem.

If your problem is rising damp or damp in the walls (negative damp), etc.

If the dampness is caused by deeper problems, such as leaks in walls, the use of a special mortar is the ideal solution. Imper Moisture from Tecno Prodist is a coating mortar that waterproofs walls, preventing moisture from seeping into the interior.

This product is excellent for basements or exterior walls where ground water tends to seep in. Its application is simple and very effective in protecting walls for years to come:

Prepares the surface for the correct anchoring of waterproofing.: 

1.  If the rendering is made of cement and is strong and resistant, remove the mould and paint and make sure the wall is clean, free of paint and loose parts, the areas of mortar that are not strong can be removed and repaired with Tecnocem Hidro or Tecnocem Cal Ecologic
2.  If the rendering is plaster or cement and is not resistant, it will have to be removed until it reaches the original substrate (brick, concrete, etc.).

FinishingYou can paint over the mortar to give it an aesthetic finish and combine it with the rest of the decoration.

Apply the mortarMix the product according to the instructions and apply it on the surface.

Products to be used depending on the type of surface:

Surface 1.1 (Resistant cement rendering) Apply 2 coats of Imper dampness with a brush, each coat in one direction so that they are crossed (Hand 1 horizontal, Hand 2 vertical) and leave to dry for a minimum of 4 hours between coats.

With Imper Humedades, your walls will be protected against future leaks, creating a durable and resistant barrier.

Surface area 1.2 (Plaster or non-resistant cement plaster) Trowel apply a new rendering with Tecnocem Cal Ecologic or Tecnocem Hidro

In the case of rising damp, apply these products up to a height of 50 cm above the damp to prevent the damp from rising and appearing above the previous mark.

These mortars are white, if you decide to apply a paint on them, it is essential that they are breathable paints such as Tecpint Lime Ecologic o Tecpint Sol Silicato Ecologic

If your problem is dampness due to leaks in walls or ceilings 

This type of dampness occurs when water from outside penetrates through walls or ceilings due to waterproofing failures, in which case we should act on the outside.

Roof leaks:

It is common that over the years the waterproofing products that were used on the terraces deteriorate and consequently give the face by the roof of the lower part, for this we should review the state of the terrace, sanitize and apply waterproofing on it as Imper Fibre, Imper Polyurethane or Termoimper Anti-dripThe latter, in addition to waterproofing, will achieve a thermal reduction in the room below where it is applied.

Leaks in walls:

The same as the waterproofing of terraces, façade cladding or the cladding of facades or lightwells, if they have not been properly maintained they can even disappear, create cracks, etc., this causes leaks when the rain soaks through and even penetrates and appears on the inside. If the wall of your house that faces the outside has an interior chamber, this humidity will remain inside the chamber and will appear in the form of mould on your wall, if there is no chamber it will appear directly on your wall.

The best solution will be to renovate the exterior of the wall and apply a quality exterior waterproofing paint such as Relas Fachadas, Tecpint Extraliso Transpire or TermoimperThe latter, in addition to waterproofing, will provide thermal insulation and prevent cracking as it is elastic.

If you live in a building, you will have to notify the owners' association for external repair, if the repair takes a long time and you need to find a solution, as it would be a negative humidityIf you are interested, you can opt for the options listed in the previous section of:

If your problem is rising damp or damp in the walls (negative damp), etc.

Ensures proper ventilation and humidity control

In addition to applying the right products, maintaining proper ventilation is key to preventing moisture from returning. Some basic tips include:

• Ventilate every dayEspecially in bathrooms and kitchens, where more humidity is generated.
• Use dehumidifiersThese devices help to reduce the humidity in the room.
• Place dehumidifying plantsSome plants, such as ferns or cacti, can help absorb excess moisture in the environment.

If you combine good ventilation with the use of products such as Tecpint Anticondensation, Imper Moisturesetc. you will be able to keep your home free of damp in an effective and economical way.

Frequently asked questions on how to deal with damp in the home

Solving damp problems in the home doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. With quality products such as Tecpint Anticondensation o Imper Moistures by Tecno Prodist, you can achieve an effective, long-lasting and economical solution. Remember that the most important thing is to identify the type of damp, follow the recommended steps and maintain good ventilation, so you can enjoy a damp-free and healthier home!