Prime
Why walls peel off and what to do about it
A peeled wall due to weather. File Photo
What you need to know:
After investing in proper finishing and paint , it is very irritating to find wall paintings peeling off after sometime or shortly after house construction
Bea Nantume had paid Shs1m to rent a very nice apartment that she had been eyeing for some time. However, she was disappointed when she discovered that the room she slept in was musty and had peeling walls. Peeling walls are a common annoying occurrence. There is a difference between paint peeling off and paint leaving the wall. Paint leaves the wall together with the plaster when the wall is weak. Irrespective of whichever circumstances, there are many causes as to why the paints peel off but the major ones, as Joseph Etiu, a builder with Roko Construction Company outlines them.
No time to dry
The painting of walls before the plaster is given time to dry is a key cause. Usually when you apply paint immediately after plastering, the paint may never stick to the wall for a longer time because it contains water and still wet fit not to be painted. The situation worsens if the paint applied is miscible with water.
Harsh conditions
Too much exposure of the wall to harsh and unfavourable weather conditions and elements such as excessive rain water and hot scorching sunshine also compels the paint to peeling off. This is because the wall is exposed directly to these harsh elements thereby penetrating through the wall and causing it to become loose and hence peel off.
Leakages from water pipes that are constructed passing through walls is also a possible cause of paint peel off, and if not fixed quickly can cause the wall to collapse most especially the ceilings. But in most cases when there are wet patches through the wall, it indicates leakage thereby calling for quick attention.
Ratios
Improper use of the correct ratios used when mixing cement for plastering also causes paint peel off. A wall that has been constructed using little cement cannot be strong enough to hold paint for a long time as compared to one with more cement that holds paint for a long time.
Ignorance of some builders about application of a damp proof course, DPC (applying of a thick bodied polyethylene bag) immediately after laying the foundation also causes paint peel off. This is because the DPC acts as a barrier to water which may be moving up the wall and hence will not find a way upwards to have an effect on the wall
Preventive/control measures
Opt for tiles instead
The construction of wall tiles in places like bathrooms and around kitchen sinks where water is used regularly is an advisable measure in controlling paint peeling off. Etiu says tiles are not easily affected by water and stick to the wall for a long time if they are laid using the right mechanisms and criteria.
Weather guard paint
He further says that the use of weather guard paint, proper identification of the type of paint whether it should be used internally or externally as directed to use according to the manufacturers is also another key factor to control wall paint peel off. Alternatively, the paint applied inside or outside can be applicable when mixed with paint weather guard.
Dry house
Also avoiding water logging on the floors is important in controlling paint peel off.” You do not have to guarantee that there is a damp proof course underneath to stop the water, you have to stop the penetration yourself”, says Etiu
Mix the ratios right
Paint peeling off a wall depends on the quality of the wall in terms of the ratios of mixture of sand to cement before the plastering is done. It is therefore advised to use proper ratios of sand and cement mixture so as to improve on the strength and quality of the wall. This is because when the wall is strong, its hard for paint to peel off. If you are to add strength to the wall, the ratio of cement to sand mixture should be one bag of cement to two wheel barrows of sand (1:2) and if you are to decrease the strength, you use the ratio of 1:3 and adjust the thickness of the plaster.
Columns and fences
The use of columns when constructing fences also prevents paint peel off. Alternatively, the usage of rough cast on fence walls also protects the fence wall. Face bricks when painted with varnish, can also be an alternate means to prevent and control walls from harsh weather conditions.
Wall top caps
Fixation of wall top caps to prevent too much penetration by rain water and constructing of the fence leaving gaps in between since they are in most cases long and exposed to all weather conditions also is another preventive measure to paint peel off.
Use primer
The application of primer to the dry plastered wall before applying the final layer of paint is also important in preventing paint peel off. This is because prima creates a bondage between the plaster and paint. The painting should also be done by a trained and skilled person if it is to be effective.
