Why Does My House Have Wet Walls?

Have you ever asked yourself “why does my house have wet walls?” If you notice that the walls in your home tend to be consistently damp, wet, or sweating, you may have a moisture problem. Moisture problems are never a good thing. Too much moisture can lead to mold or mildew that can damage your home and make your family sick. Even if you don’t see visible signs of mold, mold spores are always floating around in the air, and it could still be growing in hidden spaces. Master’s Home Solutions is here to help!

If your home is showing signs of moisture intrusion, you need to act immediately. Not only will this tell you what repairs are needed as soon as possible, but it can also help you protect yourself from serious problems in the future.

What causes wet walls and how to fix it?

Treating the wet walls problem requires identifying where it’s coming from and fixing the source.

Here are the most common causes of excessive moisture in homes, along with tips for fixing them:

Condensation

When warm air meets a cold wall (or window), it causes condensation — often resulting in a damp spot — especially if there’s excess moisture in the air. This is especially common in your bathroom during or after a hot shower or bath. The easiest way to fix this is to prevent moisture from getting into your home in the first place by caulking and weather stripping all external cracks and openings, including windows and doors to keep cold out and warm air in.

Overhead leaks from plumbing

A faulty toilet, sink or dishwasher can leak, allowing water to drip down walls and create wet spots. Fixing plumbing leaks requires knowing exactly where they’re coming from so you can make repairs or call a plumber who will be able to tell if there are issues with your plumbing system and make recommendations for repairs as needed.

Damp basements

The basement is one area where moisture can build up quickly. If you have a sump pump installed, make sure it’s working properly and that there’s no standing water in the basin. If you don’t have a sump pump, consider getting one or adding one to your list of home-improvement projects. You might also need to waterproof your basement walls.

Inadequate drainage

If you have a water-based heating system like a hot water heater or a boiler, it needs to have some way to get rid of excess water. If it doesn’t have good drainage, that water will build up causing moisture problem and damage your home’s foundation as well as everything else inside it.

When you’re getting ready to install your new heater, make sure the manufacturer included a solution for drainage. You can also purchase one separately that will connect right to the appliance.

Roof leaks

Leaks in your roof can be one of the major sources of moisture in your home. A leaky roof can cause all sorts of problems, both cosmetic and otherwise, and if you don’t do something about it quickly, it can lead to some expensive repairs down the line. If you are uncertain whether your roof has a problem, check the ceiling. If you do find water damage in these areas, visible leaks or wet spots in your ceiling, and discoloration; it is time to call a professional for repairs as soon as possible.