Humidity Problems We
Solve Every Day
At Econova, we specialise in humidity and salt problems in Maltese buildings – from traditional Globigerina limestone houses to modern apartments in concrete blocks. On this page, you’ll find the main issues we deal with every day, what typically causes them, and how we approach a solution.
Proper Diagnosis First
We assess before we prescribe
System-Based Solutions
Every layer works together
Breathable Materials Only
No impermeable quick fixes
Lasting Results
Solve it once, solve it properly
Rising Damp & Salt Damage
The most common and destructive humidity problem in Maltese buildings
Rising damp pushes moisture and salts through walls, causing crumbling plaster, peeling paint, and white salt deposits near floor level.
Learn how breathable lime systems help stop salt damage and allow masonry walls to dry naturally.
Signs & Causes
Common Causes
- Absence or failure of damp-proof course
- High groundwater table in coastal areas
- Salt-laden soil in contact with foundations
- Impermeable cement renders trapping moisture
Warning Signs
- Tide marks on lower walls (typically 0.5–1.5m high)
- White salt deposits (efflorescence) on surfaces
- Plaster crumbling or hollow-sounding
- Paint peeling from the bottom up
- Musty smell at ground floor level
Recommended Solution
Rising Damp Solutions
Condensation & Mould
A growing problem in modern and renovated Maltese properties
Condensation and mould often appear when humid indoor air meets cold surfaces and poor ventilation.
Discover how proper ventilation and humidity control can stop mould growth and improve indoor comfort.
Signs & Causes
Common Causes
- Impermeable paints and renders blocking vapour movement
- Thermal bridges in concrete-frame construction
- Insufficient ventilation in airtight modern buildings
- Cold north-facing walls without insulation
Warning Signs
- Black or grey mould patches on walls and ceilings
- Condensation on windows and cold surfaces
- Musty or damp smell indoors
- Respiratory issues or allergies in occupants
- Peeling wallpaper or paint on cold walls
Recommended Solution
Condensation & Mould Solutions
Flaking Paint & Trapped Moisture on Limestone
A symptom of trapped moisture — not a painting problem
Paint peeling or blistering on limestone walls is often caused by non-breathable coatings trapping moisture.
See how breathable mineral paints allow stone walls to release moisture and prevent recurring damage.
Signs & Causes
Common Causes
- Vapour-impermeable acrylic or plastic paints
- Painting over damp or salt-contaminated surfaces
- Inadequate surface preparation
- Moisture ingress from behind the wall
Warning Signs
- Blistering or bubbling paint surface
- Paint peeling in sheets or flakes
- Recurring failure after repainting
- Hollow sound when tapping painted surface
- Visible salt deposits under paint film
Recommended Solution
Breathable Paint Solutions
Humidity Problems in Traditional Maltese Houses
Concrete construction creates unique moisture challenges
Traditional Maltese houses often develop damp and salt problems due to incompatible repairs and modern materials.
Learn how lime-based breathable systems restore balance and protect historic limestone structures.
Signs & Causes
Common Causes
- Thermal bridges at concrete structural elements
- Airtight construction without mechanical ventilation
- High occupancy generating moisture (cooking, bathing)
- Insufficient insulation on cold external walls
Warning Signs
- Mould at wall-ceiling junctions and corners
- Condensation on windows and cold walls
- High indoor relative humidity (>60%)
- Damp feeling in bedrooms and bathrooms
- Recurring mould despite cleaning
Recommended Solution
Solutions for Traditional Houses
Humidity & Comfort in Modern Apartments and New Builds
Inappropriate modern materials accelerate historic building decay
Modern airtight apartments can trap indoor humidity, leading to condensation, mould, and poor comfort.
Find out how ventilation systems and breathable finishes improve indoor climate in new buildings.
Signs & Causes
Common Causes
- Cement renders applied over historic lime plaster
- Impermeable sealants blocking natural drainage
- Loss of original breathable lime finishes
- Inappropriate modern insulation methods
Warning Signs
- Spalling and crumbling limestone blocks
- Cement render cracking and detaching
- Damp patches behind modern finishes
- Accelerating deterioration after recent repairs
- Salt damage to historic stonework
Recommended Solution
Improve Apartment Ventilation
Poor Indoor Air Quality & Stuffiness
Persistent moisture in underground and semi-underground spaces
High indoor humidity and stale air can cause discomfort, odours, and respiratory irritation in homes.
Discover how better airflow and humidity control can create a healthier indoor environment.
Signs & Causes
Common Causes
- Direct soil contact on multiple sides
- High water table in low-lying areas
- Lack of external waterproofing
- Impermeable internal coatings trapping moisture
Warning Signs
- Persistent damp smell in basement spaces
- Water seeping through walls after rain
- Efflorescence on basement walls
- Rust staining from reinforcement
- Unusable space due to moisture
Recommended Solution
Improve Indoor Air Quality
When Should You Call Econova?
Early, correct diagnosis saves both money and original building fabric.
It’s worth contacting us if: