Eliminate Bedroom Damp: Tips For A Dry Space

Damp in the bedroom can be a real nuisance, causing musty smells, damage to property, and even respiratory issues. The first step to getting rid of damp is to identify its cause. Dampness in the bedroom is often caused by excess moisture and cold surfaces, leading to condensation and black mould.

The most common type of dampness problem in the bedroom is condensation, which occurs when warm moisture-laden air is not cleared and instead drops onto cold surfaces. This can be addressed by improving ventilation, such as by opening windows and using extractor fans.

Another possible cause of dampness in the bedroom is penetrating damp, which is caused by water entering through walls or floors due to issues like damaged roof tiles or cracks in external render. To address this type of dampness, it is important to identify and fix the source of the leak or external issue.

- Air out your home regularly.

- Use a dehumidifier.

- Wipe down condensation as it appears.

- Keep your bedroom warm.

- Dry clothes strategically, avoiding drying them on radiators.

- Make use of dehumidifying plants, such as spider plants and orchids.

Identify the type of damp

There are three main types of damp: condensation, rising damp, and penetrating damp. Knowing what type of damp you're dealing with is crucial as each type requires different treatments. Here's how to identify them:

Condensation

Condensation is the most common type of damp and is often the result of trapped moisture in a building. It occurs when warm, moisture-laden air comes into contact with cold surfaces, causing water droplets to form. In bedrooms, condensation can be caused by breathing and sweating during sleep.

Signs of condensation include:

• Black mould on walls and ceilings, particularly around window openings.
• Water droplets on window panes.
• Streak marks on walls.
• Steamed-up windows, indicating excess moisture in the room.
• Damp patches on walls, especially behind furniture and in corners.
• Wallpaper peeling off.
• Soft furnishings and fabrics becoming prone to mould and mildew.

Rising Damp

Rising damp occurs when water at ground level rises up through the walls. It is more common in older homes built before 1875 and is usually a result of a missing or compromised damp-proof course.

Signs of rising damp include:

• Damp patches that start at the base of a wall and move upwards.
• Wet and lifting floor coverings, such as tiles, vinyl, or carpet.
• Peeling or blistering paint or wallpaper.
• Tide marks or yellow/brown staining on walls.
• A white, powdery salt-like substance appearing on walls.
• Musty odour in the room.

Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp refers to any water that leaks through the wall, roof, or ceiling, spreading horizontally. It is usually caused by structural problems or external issues such as leaking roofs, overflowing or blocked gutters, damaged exterior walls, or leaking interior pipes.

Signs of penetrating damp include:

• Blotchy or dark patches on internal walls, often looking like brown stains.
• Wet and crumbly plaster.
• Large bubbles in the plaster, which can lead to holes in the ceiling if left untreated.
• Rotting skirting boards or timber.
• Excessive moss growth on external walls.
• Damp staining on external walls.

Improve ventilation

Ventilation is key to reducing damp in your bedroom. Here are some tips to improve airflow and reduce moisture:

• Open windows regularly, especially when cooking, drying clothes, or after taking a shower. This will allow moist air to escape and be replaced by fresh, dry air.
• Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove excess moisture from these rooms, which can otherwise spread throughout the house.
• Keep internal doors open to allow air to circulate freely throughout the house.
• Leave a gap between furniture and walls to improve airflow and reduce the risk of trapped moisture.
• If possible, move furniture away from radiators so that heat doesn't get trapped, which can lead to condensation and black mould on walls.
• If you live in a bungalow, flat, maisonette, or studio flat, consider buying a dehumidifier to absorb excess moisture in compact spaces. A humidistat fan is a good option as it will monitor the air moisture level and remove excess moisture as needed.
• Open windows and vents for at least one hour every day, especially during winter when heating is likely to be on a lot.
• If your bedroom is next to the bathroom, turn on the exhaust fan during and after showers to remove excess moisture.
• Seal the grout in your bathroom once a year to prevent moisture from leaking through.
• Keep furniture away from external walls during winter. A gap of 15cm will help discourage the formation of mould.
• Leave wardrobe doors slightly ajar to allow airflow and prevent mould from forming on clothes.
• Avoid drying clothes on radiators. Instead, use an airer in a well-ventilated room or outside.

Remove mould

Mould is a tell-tale sign of condensation, which is caused by a lack of ventilation. When water vapour is released, it needs a place to escape so that moisture can dissipate. If there is nowhere for it to go, it will form water droplets, which will cling to windows, walls and ceilings.

Black mould can be detrimental to your health. The spores can cause issues with your sinuses and may contribute to breathing problems, including severe diagnoses like bronchitis. If you have asthma, eczema or allergies, black mould can trigger them and aggravate your symptoms.

There are several ways to prevent condensation and, consequently, black mould from wreaking havoc in your bedroom:

• Regularly open windows and vents, especially in winter when the heating is likely to be on a lot more.
• Move furniture away from radiators so that the heat doesn’t get trapped, as this can cause condensation and black mould on walls.
• Relocate furniture against colder external walls if the room size and layout permit.
• Buy a dehumidifier to absorb excess moisture in a compact space. A humidistat fan is a good option as it will monitor the level of air moisture and remove excess moisture as and when it is detected.
• Make sure you open windows and vents for at least one hour every day and more so when you’re cooking, drying clothes or showering.
• Install an extractor fan in the kitchen and bathroom to remove excess water vapour from the air.

If you do find you have an issue with condensation, it can be rectified somewhat easily. If it’s a lifestyle issue that’s causing black mould (i.e. you don’t open windows or you cook/wash/dry clothes in a confined space), changing your behaviour could solve the issue fairly quickly.

Improve heating and insulation

Heating and insulation play a crucial role in preventing dampness in your bedroom. Here are some tips to help you improve these aspects and combat dampness:

• Maintain a consistent temperature: Keep your bedroom heated consistently. Ideally, aim for a temperature of around 18°C. Even if you're not in the room, try to avoid letting the temperature drop below 13-14°C. This helps prevent cold surfaces, which are more susceptible to condensation.
• Use an appropriate heating system: Consider installing infrared heating panels, which heat the fabric of the building and the people inside directly. This type of heating can help dry out walls affected by dampness and prevent surfaces from getting cold enough for water to settle on them.
• Insulate your walls: Insulation raises the temperature of walls, making it less likely for water vapour to condense on them. This is especially important if you have single-glazed windows or insulation gaps, as these can attract condensation.
• Choose the right insulation materials: When selecting insulation materials, consider options like sheep wool, which has the added benefit of helping to regulate humidity.
• Consider external wall insulation (EWI): Rendering your external walls can be a great fix for penetrating damp caused by rainwater leaking through cracks in the brickwork. It forms a protective waterproof barrier, repelling water and preventing future water ingress.
• Ventilate your bedroom: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture build-up. Open windows regularly, especially when cooking, showering, or drying clothes indoors. If possible, keep windows slightly open even during cold weather.
• Use extractor fans: Install extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and consider externally vented fans for your bedroom. These will help remove excess moisture and improve air circulation.
• Keep furniture away from walls: Create a gap between your furniture and walls to allow for better airflow. This helps reduce the risk of trapped moisture and encourages air circulation, preventing condensation and mould growth.
• Maintain your home: Regularly check and maintain your pipes, drains, guttering, roof tiles, and exterior walls. Fix any leaks, blockages, or damage that could contribute to dampness.
• Seal your home: Ensure your home's outer boundary is properly sealed to prevent moisture infiltration. Check for gaps or cracks in external walls and seal them appropriately.
• Use exhaust fans in adjacent bathrooms: If your bedroom is next to a bathroom, turn on the exhaust fan during showers to remove excess moisture that could otherwise enter your bedroom.

Repair cracks in walls

To repair cracks in walls, you'll need to identify the type of wall, as this will determine the best approach to fixing the issue. Here's a detailed guide for repairing cracks in drywall, concrete, and plaster walls:

Repairing Cracks in Drywall:

• Purchase a joint compound that is either premixed or 'setting-type'.
• Cut a V-shaped notch along the cracks you intend to fix.
• Clean the area surrounding the crack to eliminate debris or dust.
• Apply a thin layer of joint compound to the crack, spreading it evenly.
• Keep applying additional coats as needed.
• Allow at least 24 hours for the compound to dry.
• Once dry, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots or excess compound.
• Finish by painting over the repaired area to match the surrounding wall.

Repairing Cracks in Concrete Walls:

• Slightly widen the crack using a chisel or hammer.
• Clean the area around the crack with a wire brush to remove loose debris.
• Apply a bonding adhesive to prime the cracked area using an old paintbrush.
• Apply multiple coats of concrete patching compound with a putty knife, pressing it into the crack and levelling it with the rest of the wall.
• Ensure that the repair blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall.

Repairing Cracks in Plaster Walls:

• Gently press over the wall to check if the plaster is loose or unstable.
• Clean the area and widen the crack using a putty knife.
• Spread a ready-mixed or setting-type joint compound over the crack, filling it completely.
• If the crack is large, apply a self-adhesive fibreglass mesh tape before applying the compound.
• Apply two to three layers of compound over the taped area.
• Paint over the patched area to match the surrounding wall.

By following these steps, you can effectively repair cracks in your bedroom walls, helping to prevent dampness and maintain the integrity of your home.

Frequently asked questions