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Signs that You Need to Waterproof Your Home
It is a beautiful sunny day. The sky is clear, and the sun is shining. You are enjoying a cup of coffee on your patio when you notice that the balcony furniture is wet. You look up and see that the roof is leaking. Water is dripping down onto the furniture and pooling on the ground.
Your day is ruined, and you are now faced with the task of fixing the roof and cleaning up the mess. Water damage is no joke. It can ruin your home and cost you a lot of money to repair. That is why it is so important to be proactive and waterproof your home before water damage has a chance to occur.
So, what are the signs that you need to waterproof your home? The following are a few signs that indicate that your home is in need of waterproofing:
Musty Smells
The first signs of leaks and moisture may not always be visible. They often present themselves as musty smells. If you notice that your home has a damp, musty smell, it is time to investigate the source of the problem. Musty smells are caused by mold and mildew, which can quickly take over your home if left unchecked.
To get started, check all the areas of your home that are susceptible to moisture. These include the basement, crawl spaces, attics, kitchens, and bathrooms. If you notice any mold or mildew growth, it indicates leaky pipes or cracks in your foundation, ceiling, or walls that need to be repaired.
Water Stains on Walls and Ceilings
Another surefire sign that you have a water problem is water stains on your walls and ceilings. These stains are usually brown or yellow and indicate that water has seeped through cracks or holes in your walls or roof. Water stains can also be caused by condensation from inefficient AC systems.
If you see any water stains, it is important to find the source of the leak and repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Once the leak has been fixed, you will need to remove the water stains and repaint the affected areas.
Cracks in Foundation
The major structural component of your home is the foundation. Cracks in the foundation are one of the most serious signs that your home needs to be waterproofed. Foundation cracks can be caused by a number of factors, including shifting soil, poor drainage, and excessive moisture.
They need to be repaired as soon as possible by a professional. Otherwise, they will only continue to grow and cause more damage to your home. Waterproofing your foundation will help prevent future cracking and damage.
Frequent Bouts of Sickness in Residents
If the members of your household are suddenly getting sick more often than usual, it could be a sign that your home needs to be waterproofed. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a host of health problems, including respiratory infections, headaches, and fatigue.
Moisture inside the home invites mold and mildew, which release spores into the air. These spores can cause a variety of health problems when inhaled. If you notice an uptick in sickness in your home, have your indoor air quality tested and take steps to improve it. One way to do this is by waterproofing your home.
Moreover, in order to purify indoor air, it is best advised to have some air-purifying plants at home, such as Aloe Vera, Snake Plant, and Areca Palm.
Wet or Chalky Walls
When water leaks through cracks in your walls, it can cause the paint to bubble and peel. In addition, the wall may feel wet or chalky to the touch. If you notice any of these signs, it is time to waterproof your home.
However, it can result in some serious home repair bills down the line. To repair a wet or chalky wall, it must be stripped down to bare drywall. Then, the wall must be repaired and waterproofed before being repainted. This is a time-consuming and expensive process, so it is best to waterproof your home before any damage occurs.
Pest Issues
Another sign that your home needs to be waterproofed is if you start to see an increase in insects. Insects are attracted to moisture, so if your home is leaking, it will be more likely to have an infestation. In addition, insects can cause further damage to your home by eating through wood and drywall.
Insects like termites can do a lot of damage to your home in a short amount of time. If you notice any insects in your home, it is important to have a professional inspect your property and identify the source of the problem.
Moreover, rodents like rats and mice are also attracted to moisture. Not only can they damage your home, but they can also spread diseases. If you see any rodents in your home, it is important to call a professional immediately.
Once the source has been identified, they will be able to recommend the best course of action, which may include waterproofing your home.
Warped and Cranky Doors and Windows
Finally, one of the most obvious signs that your home needs to be waterproofed is if you notice your doors and windows are warped or cranky. When wood gets wet, it swells and warps. This can cause doors and windows to stick or not close properly.
Water damage can also cause metal hardware to rust. If you notice any of these problems, it is important to have a professional inspect your home and determine the best course of action. In many cases, waterproofing your home will solve the problem.
Condensation on walls
Condensation on walls is one of the easily recognisable signs that you need waterproofing for your home. When warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces, like walls, it causes water droplets to form. Over time, due to the extra moisture, there can be structural damage, mould growth, and peeling paint. Suppose you consistently notice condensation forming, especially in places like your basement or in any room that is not well-ventilated. In that case, there is a need for urgent measures to be taken. Waterproofing blocks the buildup of moisture, which protects your walls and makes your indoor space healthy.
Infestation
Infestations by termites, ants, or rodents normally indicate a problem with moisture in your house. These insects are attracted to dampness in areas caused by water seepage through cracks or unsealed surfaces. If you spot signs of an infestation, it usually raises a red flag; this is a signal that your house may need waterproofing. Remove the source of moisture to eliminate the pests and avoid further problems it will save your house from further damage.
Toxic Mould and Mildew
Toxic mould and mildew create serious health problems. They form on damp, poorly ventilated surfaces. When you find a musty smell or darkened spots on the walls, ceiling, or floors, this means moisture might be seeping into your home. Mould and mildew can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions; therefore, it is very important to address the problem as soon as possible. A step toward keeping these fungi out would be waterproofing the home to provide a safer, healthier environment.
Peeling paint on walls
Peeling paint is often more than just an aesthetic problem; it can well be evidence that moisture is seeping through your walls. Water seeps into the layers of paint and causes the paint to bubble outward, peeling away from the surface. Not only does this make your walls look unsightly, but it also opens them to more damage. When you notice peeling mostly in the places where moisture primarily gravitates, it is a good indication that the home needs waterproofing to protect against water intrusion.
Rusting of metal fixtures
The rusting metal fixtures around a house, such as door handles, hinges, and plumbing components, are a clear indication of high moisture. The formation of rust on any metallic surface arises when the metal is exposed to water and oxygen over some time, causing corrosion and weakening of the material. If you start seeing rust forming in your metal fixtures, then you already know that there is moisture and it is likely seeping into the structure of your home. Therefore, you need to do waterproofing to prevent further rusting and protect your metal fixtures from rust-induced breakdown while protecting your home from water.
Spotting and Staining on walls
The visible signs of spotting and staining on walls indicate that water is seeping through the surfaces. These stains, often brown or yellow, can be caused by water leaks, condensation, or poor waterproofing. Over time, spotting and staining can result in mould and structural damage. When you see these kinds of signs, you have to investigate the source of the moisture problem. If your house is plagued by these problems, waterproofing will save your home.
Swelling of furniture
Moisturized wood furniture likely points to the fact that your home has a moisture issue. Swelling results when wood absorbs moisture, it expands, leading to warped or swollen furniture that can lose its shape and functionality. This is most likely due to high humidity or water leaks in your home. The manifestation of such signs within your furniture could mean it’s time you waterproofed your space. Proper waterproofing provides a guarantee that furniture is properly kept out of moisture damage, thus leaving it in an appropriate state.
Conclusion
There are a number of signs that your home needs to be waterproofed. If you notice any of these problems, it is important to have a professional inspect your home and determine the best course of action. Waterproofing your home will help prevent further damage and protect your family’s health.