Monsoon-Proof Interiors: Protecting Your Kolkata Home from Humidity

Kolkata's monsoon brings months of high humidity that can swell boards, peel laminates, spot walls and make wardrobes smell musty. The right materials and a few habits make your interiors last for years.

Choose the right materials

• BWP or marine plywood for kitchen base units, vanities and anywhere near water.
• Edge banding on all exposed edges to stop moisture entering boards.
• SPC flooring instead of laminate in kitchens and utility areas.
• Vinyl or non-woven wallpaper with anti-fungal adhesive.

Protect wardrobes and storage

Leave a small gap between wardrobes and external walls, use silica gel or wardrobe dehumidifiers, and air out wardrobes on sunny days. Laminate interiors are easier to wipe clean than painted ones.

Walls and ceilings

Fix seepage and cracks before any interior work. Use waterproof putty and primers on external walls, and check terraces and bathroom joints before the monsoon.

Furnishings

• Choose synthetic-blend curtains that dry quickly.
• Use PVC or faux-wood blinds in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Roll up delicate rugs or air them regularly.

Daily habits

Run exhaust fans while cooking and after showers, use the dry mode on your AC on very humid days, and keep furniture slightly away from walls for air circulation.

Frequently asked questions