Say Goodbye to Roof and Wall Humidity: 5 Foolproof Tricks for Rainy Days
The arrival of the rainy season often makes us think about the condition of our home’s roof and walls. We become acutely aware of the need to waterproof our home, especially as unsightly stains begin to appear due to mold growth.
This issue isn’t just an aesthetic concern; it can lead to leaks, water seepage, saltpeter, and even peeling paint over time. Moreover, it can impact our health. According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, mold promotes the proliferation of spores, which can pose health risks when inhaled.
Symptoms may include nasal congestion, eye irritation, itching, and throat irritation. Therefore, it’s crucial not to take it lightly and address the issue promptly.
5 Tricks to Combat Rain-Induced Humidity
These are simple homemade solutions that can help you prepare for rainy days:
1. Fix Leaks
Materials:
- 200g Cement
- 200g Marble dust
- 150ml Liquid roof sealant
- 1/2 liter of water
- Gloves, bucket, broom, brush, spatula, etc.
- Wooden stick (for mixing)
Procedure:
- Begin by sweeping away old sealant and any debris, then thoroughly sweep the area clean.
- Next, mix the cement, marble dust, sealant, and water in the bucket. Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands. Mix the ingredients well with a wooden stick.
- Apply a layer of the mixture to the area you’re working on, spreading it evenly across the surface. Ensure thorough coverage, even in tight corners.
- For deeper cracks, use the thicker part of the mixture to fill them.
- Allow the material to harden and waterproof the roof for about 12 hours.
2. Homemade Waterproofing
Materials:
- 1/2 kg Lime
- 2 bars of grated white Zote soap
- 1/2 kg Potassium alum (in chunks)
- Water (as needed)
- 20-liter bucket
Procedure:
- Start by sweeping and cleaning the roof you’ll be working on, ensuring it’s completely dry.
- Prepare the mixture by adding lime and half the required water to a container. Heat the mixture until it boils.
- Remove it from the heat and add the grated white Zote soap and alum. Stir until dissolved.
- Apply the waterproofing mixture generously across the entire roof using a soft-bristle brush.
- Let it dry, then apply a second layer in a crosswise pattern for reinforcement.
3. Remove Saltpeter and Wall Humidity
Materials:
- Wire brush
- Hydrochloric acid
- Water and soap solution
- Cement
- Brush
Procedure:
- Wear protective gear, including a mask, gloves, and goggles.
- Use a wire brush to remove saltpeter from ceilings and walls.
- In a bucket, mix one part hydrochloric acid with three parts water. Be careful when mixing, and use a brush or wooden stick.
- Apply the mixture to the affected areas and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with a water and soap solution, then allow the wall or ceiling to dry.
- Cover the area with a cement mixture and let it dry completely.
- Apply a moisture-resistant sealer and wait for it to dry before painting.
4. Moisture-Control Paint
Materials:
- 1 kg Kaolin
- 1/2 liter Acrylic resin
- Water (as needed)
- Bucket
Procedure:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bucket, stirring constantly. Ensure that the mixture has a semi-liquid consistency by adding the necessary amount of water.
- Use this mixture as a moisture-resistant primer before painting the walls.
5. Flooded Sofa Cleaning
Materials:
- 1/2 cup dried Lavender
- 1/2 cup dried Thyme
- 1 cup Baking soda
Procedure:
- Sprinkle the mixture of lavender, thyme, and baking soda on your sofas.
- Allow it to sit overnight.
- Vacuum the sofas the next day to remove any moisture-related odors.
Apply these methods and bid farewell to humidity on your home’s roof and walls with these 5 foolproof tricks for rainy days!