How to repair a damp wall yourself – Step by step
We know that humidity is one of the biggest enemies of our home, but with these tips you can combat humidity easily and economically.
You need: iron cutter, hammer, trowel, large brush, cement, sand, water, plaster, steel trowel, notched trowel, plumb line or spirit level, meter saw, pencil, wooden strips, nails and insulating fiber boards.
1- Locate the wet area and mark the contour:
If the wall is wallpapered, remove the wallpaper. If it’s painted, you don’t need to scratch the paint because it will come off when you remove the plaster. With a pencil mark the outline of the affected area.
2- Eliminate the damp area until the wall is very clean:
With an iron cutter and a hammer, chip the damp plaster. You may find yourself with a wall also plastered with coarse mortar. If it is wet, remove it carefully so as not to damage the brick. Remove the dust from the wall with a large brush so that the new mixture has a better grip.
3- Prepare the mixture and start plastering the area:
Start at the bottom and apply the loaded trowel in an upward direction. If you have to apply 2 layers of mixture to achieve the right thickness, scratch the first layer of mortar with a notched trowel so that the second one adheres well. Level with plumb line or spirit level.
4- When the mixture dries well, start with the plaster:
Before applying the plaster it can also be done with putty, you must wait a minimum of 1 week, the time necessary for the mixture to be completely dry. Mix the preparation and start plastering following the same method used in the previous step applying the layer from the bottom up.
5- Cut the plates to the size of the opening:
If it is persistent damp, you can make a false wall with insulating fiber boards or similar before plastering. Take the measurements of the hole well, mark them on the plates and cut them so that when they are installed they are half a centimeter from the floor or ceiling so that air can pass through.
6- To lay the insulation, nail some strips to the wall:
Take care not to damage the bricks when nailing the wood battens. The plates are installed on top with a separation of about 30 cm. Nail the sheetrock over the battens. Remove any dust that may be. When the plates are very firm on the wall, you will be able to pass the plaster.
