Winters in and around Fethiye are wet and humid, and homes close to the coast can be damp all year round. That is why stained walls, blistering paint and mould are common problems in houses in the area. Wiping off the mould and painting over it works for a short while, but if the source of the moisture isn't dealt with, the stain comes back within a few months. A lasting fix starts with finding out where the moisture is coming from.
The four main sources of damp
1. Condensation
When warm, moist indoor air meets a cold surface, it turns into water. This is most common in the corners of outside walls, around windows, behind wardrobes and in bathrooms. It gets worse in winter and in houses that are shut up. The stains usually gather in corners, where walls meet the ceiling and in poorly ventilated spots.
2. Rainwater getting in
A damaged roof, a blocked gutter, a cracked facade or failed sealant around a window lets rainwater into the wall. These stains usually grow after rainy days and shrink in dry weather.
3. Rising damp
In ground-floor walls without adequate damp-proofing, moisture from the soil can be drawn up through the wall. Typical signs are staining, blistering paint and salt deposits (white crystals) on the lower part of the wall, up to a certain height above the floor.
4. A plumbing leak
A leaking pipe inside a wall or floor creates constant moisture regardless of the weather. If a stain keeps growing even when the weather is dry, suspect the plumbing. For a simple check, see the guide on signs of a hidden water leak and the meter test.
How to tell which one it is
- Where is the stain? Corners and wall–ceiling joins usually point to condensation, the lower part of a wall to rising damp, and areas around windows and the roof to water getting in.
- When does it grow? If it grows after rain, it is likely penetrating water; if it grows over winter in a closed house, condensation; if it grows whatever the weather, the plumbing.
- What is on the surface? Black spotted mould is usually linked to condensation, white salt deposits to rising damp.
More than one cause can be at work at the same time. If you're not sure, the wall should be inspected on site with a moisture meter.
The order for a lasting fix
- Deal with the source. Repair the gutters and roof, seal facade cracks, fix any plumbing leak and, if needed, add damp-proofing.
- Improve ventilation. Use extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen, air the house regularly, and don't push furniture flat against outside walls.
- Let the wall dry out. Any work done on a wet wall will not last.
- Replace damaged plaster. Crumbling, salt-stained plaster should be removed and, if necessary, replaced with a breathable plaster.
- Paint last. Anti-mould and breathable paints work once the source of the moisture has been fixed; on their own, they are not a solution.
Safety when cleaning mould
Safety: Wear gloves, a mask and eye protection when cleaning mould, and keep the room ventilated. Never mix bleach with hydrochloric acid descalers, ammonia-based products or other cleaning chemicals, as toxic gas can form. If the mould covers a large area, or someone in the house has breathing problems, leave the cleaning to a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Is anti-mould paint enough on its own? No. If the source of the moisture is still there, even the best paint will stain again quickly. Paint is the last step.
Does a dehumidifier help? It helps with condensation. But its tank must be emptied regularly, and it will not solve damp caused by rain getting in or by plumbing. For houses that stay closed, see the guide on winterising an empty house.
How long does a damp repair take? It depends on the cause and on how long the wall takes to dry. You need to allow drying time between repairing the source and painting.
For damp repairs, plastering and painting, see the painting and renovation page.
This guide is for general information. Every home is different; for your own home, ask a company that has seen the work on site for a written quotation.