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• How do you determine the moisture level of a wall or other surface before painting?

It is very important to ensure that the moisture levels of walls or wood surfaces are suitable for paint. Damp can cause discolored plaster, the loosening of wallpaper, peeling paint and the tell tale damp patch. Some damp can be noticed by mould growth or a musty odor. Often damp can not be seen which, left unchecked, will cause problems. The most accurate way to determine moisture levels is with a damp detector. It will assess acceptable moisture levels and indicate excessive moisture requiring remedial action. Damp testing should be done methodically. Start outside, determining strategic places for damp. Examine the inside for potential problem areas. Important areas to test: floors and joists, door and window frames, skirting boards, walls, chimney breasts, inside cupboards and under the stairs, ceilings, especially under flat roofs, bathrooms, loft space. The detector can locate the source of moisture by taking different readings on the same wall. Paint & Décor can assist you with damp testing.