Damp Stain on Wall
A persistent discoloured patch on an interior wall, often yellowish or brownish, that may feel damp to the touch.
What Is Causing This?
- 1Penetrating damp from outside due to failed pointing or render
- 2Leaking pipe hidden within the wall
- 3Rising damp from a failed damp proof course
How Urgent Is This?
This should be fixed in the coming weeks. Leaving it may allow the problem to worsen and cost more to repair.
What Needs to Be Done
The source of damp must be fixed first by the relevant trade. A decorator will then apply a stain-blocking primer and repaint. Heavily affected plaster may need replacing.
How Much Will It Cost?
National average estimate
Labour: £575 – £1,700 | Materials: £108 – £455
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Ask a QuestionHow to Prevent This
Fix damp issues at the source before redecorating. Ensure external walls are well maintained. Improve ventilation in affected rooms.
Related Problems
Damp patches appearing on inside walls, particularly after rain, often with a musty smell.
Damp and discolouration on ground floor walls, typically up to about one metre from the floor, with a tide mark.
Paint flaking, bubbling, or peeling away from interior or exterior walls in sheets or patches.
Black or dark green spots spreading across the bathroom ceiling, sometimes extending down the walls.
Other Painter & Decorator Problems
Paint flaking, bubbling, or peeling away from interior or exterior walls in sheets or patches.
Fine or wide cracks appearing in the paint on the ceiling, sometimes with flaking edges.
Wallpaper lifting at the edges, seams, or in patches, sometimes curling away from the wall.
White ceilings gradually turning yellow or brownish, particularly noticeable in kitchens and bathrooms.