One of the most problematic areas in a bathroom is the area of drywall around that bathtub or shower because it has the potential to cause major problems in the future if not dealt with straightaway. Whether you have lived in the same house for years or have just moved into a new place, the area around the bath should definitely be checked regularly to ensure that you catch any problems that crop up in the early stages. Moisture around the tub is easy enough to prevent and resolve as long as the damage is kept to a minimum before tackling. This article will highlight what to look for and the steps to take to resolve the issue.

How to Identify Dampness

In order to identify damp, you have to be familiar with the elements that can bring it to your attention. Damp is especially prevalent around that bathtub because of the constant temperature changes in the room itself. It is easy for the steam to affect the walls and a rapid increase in temperature will have a similar effect to that occurring when accelerant is added to an open flame.

There are several signs to look for, including mildew, the grouting receding from tiles, cracking and swelling and of course the fact that it is wet to the touch. One of these factors on its own should be investigated but two or more should inspire you to take action.

Actions To Take To Eliminate Dampness

There are several steps that should be carried over two days to get your wall damp free. They are as follows:

1. Firstly, you need to remove any tiles on the area and then dry the wall out. This can take a few hours, depending on how much damp is present. You should ventilate the area and then hire drying equipment. There are a number of handheld tools that can do the job for you if it is a mild case of damp or a larger heater if it is extensive.

2. After the wall is dry, assess the level of damage. If it is localised damage then you can get on with the next step. If not, it may be worth hiring in a builder that can best tell you how to proceed because the dry wall may need replacing.

3. Use a spackling compound to even out the wall if there are any dips. Allow that to dry before coating the entire area in a thin coat of the spackling compound.

4. Leave the compound overnight so it is solid and then use fine sandpaper to remove any excess before cleaning it off, ready for waterproofing. It is advisable to apply a coat of sealant and allow it to dry before applying a further coat to ensure that damp does not occur in that particular wall again.

5. After the sealant is applied, you should check to make sure that the manufacturer does not require it to be left for hours before doing any further work on the wall. Leave it for the appropriate amount of time before moving on to the next step.

6. Paint the wall in the colour of your choice and then allow that to dry before applying caulk around the bath to ensure that no excess water is able to run down the side of the bath and pool there.

After the caulk is set, you are done! The wall is protected and you can resume use of the bathroom again! Avoid using it as far as possible during the work, just in case you compromise it in the meantime.