How to Protect Interior Wall Surfaces from External Dampness

Damp patches and fungal formation on interior walls? Paint flaking? Damp odour in your room? Its probably due to water leakage in your walls.

A simple procedure to arrest leaks from the inside is to provide a breathable water barrier. Breathable meaning that water vapour is allowed to pass through the barrier but liquid water is not. Any latent moisture in the walls is thus allowed to evaporate and any liquid water is blocked from entering beyond the barrier. 

Epoxy coatings are an excellent choice for the above. 

Materials required

. 2 part epoxy coating.

. White cement (for severe leaks)

. Wire brush, sand paper 80 grit.

. Putty knives

. Paint brush

Application

. Sand or wire brush the surface to remove all paint and loose materials, to expose the plaster.

. Slighty wet the surface with water.

• For normal leaks 

. Mix the 2 part epoxy thoroughly in its individual containers. 

. Now create a mix of the proportion 1 epoxy resin : 1 epoxy hardner : 1 part water. Mix thoroughly to gain a uniform consistency.  Note that the thus created mix should be consumed within an hour.

. Apply the first coat of this mix with a brush on the affected surface.

. After about 5-6 hours, create a second batch of the mix and apply the second coat in a direction perpendicular to the first coat.

. Allow the latent moisture to breathe out. The drying out time period can vary from 1 to 7 days.

. Normal paint and putty work can be undertaken after the drying out period.

• For severe leaks

. Mix the 2 part epoxy well in its individual containers.

. Now create a mix in the proportion of 1part epoxy hardner : 1 part epoxy resin : 4 part white  cement by weight. The thus created mix is an epoxy putty and must be consumed within an hour.

. Apply the epoxy putty using putty knives over the entire surface. 

. Allow to dry for 5-6 hours.

. Now create a fresh batch in the proportion of 1 part epoxy hardner : 1 part epoxy resin : 1 part water and apply using a paint brush over the entire surface. 

. Allow the latent moisture to breathe out. The drying out time period can vary from 1 to 7 days. 

. Normal paint and putty work can be undertaken after the drying out period. 

No more leaks!