Damp Walls–How to get them dry
In the past walls were rendered and plastered with lime. Lime is a truly wonderful material that can be bent to a whole series of uses, but as a render on stone it is unsurpassed. It 'breathes', allowing moisture to escape and suppressing damp walls. This is because it is very porous. So why are there damp walls in so many old houses today?
Fashion
In the 19th century gypsum plasters became available. In France they were produced in the area round the capital, which is where the term “Plaster of Paris” comes from. Gypsum plaster is easy to apply and can be polished completely smooth relatively easily. Furthermore it is ideal for wallpapering, which lime plaster is not. Fashion dictated that gypsum plaster and wallpaper were to become almost universal as internal finishing for walls.
The problem is that while gypsum plaster is porous too, it is also organic, and literally soaks up water, holding it within its structure, which lime plaster does not. This
Great article and full of home truths – thanks
I like how you mentioned that water has to go somewhere and that if you cannot stop it from getting in then it could soak up the walls. My brother is thinking about hiring a professional to treat the rising salt damp in his basement because the house was built using stone instead of concrete; and, he wants to stop moisture from accumulating in the carpet. It seems like a good idea for him to hire a reputable professional that could help with the dampness accruing in his home.
Probably pointless. There is no ‘cure’ for damp other than 1 stopping water getting in and 2 getting rid of it quickly if it does. Barrier techniques just don’t work, though they make plenty of money for builders