Guide to common home problems

Common questions about damp, stains, cracks and mould, with the likely causes and what to do first.

• Does anti-damp paint fix a damp problem?

  Anti-damp paint holds back surface mould but does not fix water coming from inside the wall. See when it helps and when it does not.

  Read: Does anti-damp paint fix a damp problem?

• Why has a stain appeared on my ceiling after the rain?

  A ceiling stain usually has one of three likely causes: water from above, a leaking pipe or condensation. Learn to tell them apart and what to do.

  Read: Why has a stain appeared on my ceiling after the rain?

• Do I have damp or condensation on my wall?

  Condensation needs ventilation, damp getting in needs a repair. Five signs to tell which one is on your wall before you spend any money.

  Read: Do I have damp or condensation on my wall?

• Why does mould come back after I clean it?

  Mould that returns almost always has an unresolved cause. See whether it is condensation or water getting in, and what to do in each case.

  Read: Why does mould come back after I clean it?

• Can I paint over a damp stain?

  Painting over a stain only hides it. Follow the right order: find where the water comes from, repair the cause, and only then paint.

  Read: Can I paint over a damp stain?

• Is the crack in my wall cosmetic or structural?

  Not every crack is serious. Learn how to tell a plaster crack from a structural one and when to ask a structural engineer for an opinion.

  Read: Is the crack in my wall cosmetic or structural?