Damp internal walls in an old house: what to check before lining them

A new lining can hide the marks without resolving the water affecting the wall. In an older building, start with the materials and alterations rather than the new finish.

Before choosing equipment, prepare a plan and dated photographs. Help Humidité provides product pages and instructions so you can examine the reference and positioning before purchase. If the moisture cause remains uncertain, clarify it before deciding on treatment and identify any independent repairs still needed.

Reconstruct the history of the work

Look for dates and photographs of floors, renders, linings and ventilation changes. Raised outside ground or a different coating may affect the situation. Examine accessible floor junctions, timber in contact with the wall and nearby services before closing the substrate. A single surface reading does not necessarily describe the full thickness of old masonry. Record products applied previously as well.

Separate treatment from finishing

Where rising damp is identified, consider ATE and ATG with the plan and model instructions. A device does not mechanically remove damaged plaster or repair lateral water penetration. Arrange comparable photographs and check substrate suitability before painting or lining. Existing salts and coatings can complicate preparation and interpretation of the changes. Concealing an active defect makes later observation less useful, so define the sequence before covering the wall.

Before you decide

• Document the walls and possible water sources.
• Check the model and installation instructions.
• Separate fitting, monitoring and reinstatement of finishes.

A practical question

Is a surface that looks dry enough to redecorate?

Not always. The condition of the substrate and the application requirements of the chosen finish also matter.

Compare our wall drying devices

The range includes mains-powered ATE LC15, ATE LC30, ATE LC30 PULSE and ATE MAX, alongside ATG LC15 and ATG LC30 without electricity. The devices are manufactured in Castres, France. Compare the diameter with the building layout and follow the instructions. The manufacturer’s 10-year warranty applies under its conditions. The device does not replace independent interventions on leaks, penetrating water or ventilation.

ATE LC15 · ATE LC30 · ATE LC30 PULSE · ATE MAX · ATG LC15 · ATG LC30