Is dry lining suitable for damp walls?

Dry lining should not be used simply to cover an active damp problem. Moisture can remain trapped behind the plasterboard, where it may cause mould, unpleasant smells, damaged insulation and deterioration of the original wall. The cause of the damp should be identified before work begins. Common sources include leaking roofs, defective gutters, damaged stonework, plumbing leaks, rising damp and poor ventilation. Once the source has been repaired and the wall has dried sufficiently, an appropriate dry lining system may be considered. Moisture-resistant plasterboard can cope with humid conditions but does not stop water entering a wall. Some properties may require a specialist membrane, ventilated cavity or breathable system. Older stone buildings need particularly careful assessment to avoid trapping moisture.