A lesson from a 100-year-old UK home
Recently, we watched a fascinating video showing the exterior decoration of a 100-year-old UK house being stripped away. The result? The bare walls were allowed to dry naturally, letting the damp evaporate efficiently. This traditional technique is a powerful reminder of what we at Survey Spain have been advising our clients for years—especially when it comes to the traditional white pueblo houses in Andalucía.
Traditional whitewashing vs. modern coatings
Modern renovations often involve applying plastic paints and decorative tiles, sometimes lasting over a decade, to external walls. However, this method traps moisture inside the structure, causing persistent damp issues. In contrast, traditional whitewashing was never about aesthetics alone—it was about allowing the walls to breathe. The breathable finish helps dissipate moisture, ensuring damp doesn’t compromise the integrity and comfort of your home.
Tackling damp effectively
Damp remains one of the most common issues in traditional Spanish pueblo townhouses. Typically, the absence of a proper damp-proof course in the lower walls and inadequate guttering leads to rising damp. Modern interventions such as silicon injection or an electro-osmosis circuit can address these issues, while properly installed guttering and downpipes help divert roof water away from the foundation.
Traditional ‘whitewashing’ allows the walls to breathe, whereas modern plastic paints and decorative external tile coverings force the damp inwards and upwards, making houses feel cold and damp.
It may seem counterintuitive to strip off paint, but when damp sources are cut off, we have plenty of heat from the sun, which will dry out the walls and improve the property’s appearance and comfort.
Aerial view of famous white Spanish village Frigiliana in Andalucia, Spain
Rethink your renovation strategy
When considering purchasing a pueblo townhouse purchase, look for properties with potential that simply need a traditional touch. By opting for proper damp remediation and avoiding heavy modern coatings, you decrease running costs but also increase your property’s long-term value.
Managing damp
Modern renovation trends may favour flashy finishes, but sometimes the old ways are the best ways. So, why not embrace traditional whitewashing and let your pueblo townhouse walls breathe? With proper damp management, you can transform a modest property into a charming, value-enhanced home.
Curious about how to get started? Contact Survey Spain today for a comprehensive building survey and expert advice on restoring your pueblo home to its natural glory!
