Penetrating Cold Spots
Cold masonry invites damp. Rainwater working through old solid brick will quickly turn gypsum adhesive into soft mush, ruining dot and dab in Braintree homes where exterior repointing was neglected. Sort external brickwork before boarding inside.
Chimney Breast Damp
Old flues carry hygroscopic salts. If you paste boards directly across unvented fireplaces, rising soot salts migrate through adhesive mounds, leaving brown rings on finished walls. Sealing surfaces with salt-retardant barrier coats keeps the binder dry and prevents seasonal staining after heavy autumn downpours.
Vapour Barrier Choice
Bathrooms require vapour boards. Warm steam condenses behind drylining on external walls, causing unseen mould patches behind untreated boards. Foil-backed sheets prevent air moisture from reaching cold exterior brickwork, protecting wallpaper and paint from bubbling away.