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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.
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.