Prevent Water Damage In Homes
Water damage in homes can be from a variety of causes, including cracks in walls and foundations and loose or broken tiles on the roof. If these problems are not attended to immediately water can cause damage to furniture and other fittings as well as cause the appearance of dry rot, mold and mildew, all of which can have a serious impact on the health of the occupants of the home.
Water damage in homes usually occurs during the wet season when the usual protective measures against leaking fail because of the sheer amount of water in the environment. Some common sense precautions can prevent water damage to the home. A visual inspection of the exterior walls of the house can reveal cracks that were previously hidden and a good look over the roof of the house will reveal any cracked or broken tiles. Roof leak repairs are relatively easy to do yourself if you have the right equipment and some basic DIY knowledge. These problems need to be rectified, preferably before the rainy season in order to prevent water damage in homes. If cracks in walls are detected the first step is to use a trowel to cover the cracks with asphalt. In this way costly repairs can be avoided. However if the crack is especially deep or water seepage continues, then it’s time to call in a leak detection specialist.
If you’re not sure that you have a problem with water seepage there are several warning signs that you should be on the lookout for. These include clammy surfaces, condensation on piping, mold or mildew and basement humidity. Be on the lookout for gutter leaks as they can directly impact your home. The basement can be one of the most problematic areas in the house when it comes to the potential for water damage in homes. Fortunately problems with flooding and humidity can be solved by waterproofing the basement with one of the many sealants available on the market. Often these sealants can be applied by the homeowner themselves as a do it yourself project. If humidity persists then the homeowner should think about purchasing a basement dehumidifier. Excess water can also cause dry rot (which actually needs elevated moisture levels to thrive) which will degrade timber through the actions of mold. One of the most seriously affected fittings is hardwood floors.
When dry rot sets in it can damage hardwood floors to such an extent that they need to replaced completely. It is therefore essential that the homeowner seek professional help should mold become widespread in the home. Dry rot affects timber by removing cellulose from wood which can cause catastrophic failure in wooden fittings. In the case of hardwood floors this catastrophic failure can lead to severe injury and even loss of life.
Water damage in homes is an extremely serious matter, especially if the homeowner lives in a state where humidity levels are extremely high. Care should always be taken to adequately seal the roof and basement of the home in order to prevent water damage. Regular checks of the roof, gutter system and flashing will ensure that water damage is not a threat to the inhabitants of the home.
