Dampness in walls

It is common in many homes to find dampness in the wall which is adjacent to the shower recess or where the bathtub is located. There can be a number of reasons as to why this dampness has taken place and is dependent on a number of issues.

The issue with this dampness is that it affects the floor coverings, skirtings, paint and plaster on the wall, and if left unchecked can impact on the brick work itself. Prior to any repairs be undertaken it is critical that the source of the leak is detected and that the moisture is allowed to dry out fully from the wall. Failure to do this will result in the repairs requiring rework in the future.

Most common source of leaks are:

1. Failed grout in the tiling which allows moisture to pass through to the rear of the tiles
2. Cracked tile or broken grout joint allowing mositure to pass through
3. A leak in the plumbing pipes located within the wall
4. Leaks in the tap seatings located in the walls allowing moisture to move into the wall
5. Unsealed horizontal joints between the bath tub and the walls.

Determining the source of the leak is the first step. Once this has been done getting the appropriate repair work undertaken to a standard that will prevent any future problems occuring in the future.

Careful selction of tile grouting and considering the application of a clear sealant to the tile surfaces can provide a better level of protection against in future mositure issues.