How do I tell if damp is drying out?

Question

Treated a damp patch in the corner of the room but not sure if it’s improving. Should it change colour or feel any different as it dries?

Doug · Answer

Best way is to outline the current damp patch with a pencil and see if the patch reduces however there’s a reason for the damp that you should get looked at it might reduce in the dryer weather but most likely return when the weather changes

Craig · Answer

feel any different as it dries

Levente · Answer

Good morning.

Utilizing a moisture meter for repeated assessments is the most effective and secure method. This approach facilitates the monitoring of dampness levels to determine the drying progress.

Mike · Answer

Yes, the patch should gradually lighten in colour. Damp areas often appear darker due to moisture saturation. As the water evaporates, the surface typically returns to its original tone — though this can vary depending on the wall material and paint type.

• Texture and Feel:
A damp patch usually feels cool and clammy to the touch. As it dries, it should feel warmer and more like the surrounding wall. If it still feels soft or crumbly, that might suggest deeper damage or lingering moisture.

• Smell:
A musty smell should fade as the area dries. If it persists, it could indicate hidden moisture or poor ventilation.

• Size Reduction:
The patch may shrink as the moisture recedes. If it stays the same size or spreads, it might need a second look.

Robert · Answer

Should be getting brown color as it dries.  How did you treat a damp patch ?

Dave · Answer

The patch should go lighter .You can draw a pencil line around it and check if the patch gets bigger when it rains.Also you can put some gloss paint over it which you should do anyway as a stain blocker and when it dries it shouldn’t peal of

Gavin · Answer

Did you treat the inside? I suppose this was after fixing the cause?

Generally the feel will change as the moisture is relieved. The wall will feel cold as its wet..
When it dries out there will generally be a chalky feel.

As was already stated, a moisture gauge would the mosy accurate way to see the extent and the retreat of the damage.

How do I tell if damp is drying out?

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