Why old walls need to breathe
Most older British homes have solid walls of brick or stone, bedded and plastered in lime rather than cement. These walls get damp in wet weather and dry out again through their surfaces. That cycle is normal, and it's how the building has stayed sound for a century or more.
Problems start when the surfaces are sealed with materials that don't let moisture out – cement render, gypsum plaster in the wrong place, or plastic-based paints. The water has nowhere to go, so it builds up behind the paint, causing bubbling, peeling, salts and damp patches.
The main breathable options
There are several traditional and modern paints designed to let walls breathe. Each has its own look and quirks.
- Limewash – the most traditional. Soft, chalky and slightly uneven in colour, it's often used on old render, stone and internal walls. It needs several thin coats and periodic renewal.
- Mineral (silicate) paints – bond chemically with mineral surfaces and are very durable and breathable. Popular for exterior render on period buildings.
- Clay paints – lovely soft matt finish for interior walls, highly breathable.
- Distemper – an old-fashioned finish found on ceilings and walls in many period homes. Modern paint doesn't stick to it well, so it often has to be washed off.
- Breathable emulsions – some manufacturers make 'breathable' matt emulsions for older plaster.
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Signs the wrong paint is causing problems
If paint keeps blistering or flaking on the same wall, white powdery salts appear, or damp patches won't dry out, the paint could be part of the problem. It's worth getting any actual damp source – leaking gutters, high ground levels, a failed downpipe – checked too, as paint alone rarely causes damp on its own.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
If your home is listed, changes to its finishes – inside and out – may need listed building consent, and using inappropriate modern materials can cause problems. The council's conservation officer can usually give advice before you start.
