Avoid damp & mould on the Costa Blanca

When the days get shorter in autumn and the first damp nights set in, the tricky time begins for many house and flat owners on the Costa Blanca: mould and damp make their appearance. Whether it's a musty odour in the bedroom, stains on the walls or peeling plaster - it's not just old fincas that are affected, but also modern new builds. The combination of high humidity, inadequate insulation and infrequent heating creates ideal conditions for mould growth. The construction of many houses that stand directly on the ground without continuous waterproofing is particularly problematic.

Two main causes: Condensation and rising damp
Condensation occurs when warm indoor air meets cold walls. Typical symptoms are steamed-up windows, dark spots behind furniture or mould in the bathroom.
Capillary rising damp mainly affects ground floor flats and older buildings. Without a moisture barrier, the walls absorb the water from the floor like a sponge. The consequences: salty deposits, flaking plaster and a musty odour - often without visible mould.

Prevention - with simple but effective methods
Complete isolation as in Central Europe is rare on the Costa Blanca. Nevertheless, there are proven measures that significantly reduce the risks:
- Shock ventilation instead of permanent tilting: Open all windows several times a day and ensure a draught - especially after cooking, showering or sleeping.
- Use electric dehumidifiers: They are indispensable in bedrooms, bathrooms and cellars.
- Keep temperatures stable: Fewer extreme fluctuations mean less condensation.
- Move furniture away from external walls: a distance of 5-10 cm allows air circulation.
- No boxes or carpets directly on the tiles: Particularly important on ground floors to avoid waterlogging.