Hello World! Welcome Friends! It is important for homeowners to detect problems early enough in their homes. And a plan is required to maintain the integrity of the building. One approach can distinguish between getting a permanent solution for the problem and suffering financial losses from a work that was poorly done. However, some problems related to moisture may be difficult to detect on time.
Moisture does not lead to any good thing when your home and its foundation are involved. It can result in wood rot, molds that will peel the wall paint, and many other cosmetics and structural problems. This usually comes with huge expenses if allowed to linger.
In order to protect your property, you have to know if a moisture problem exists. You also need to know how to get a waterproofing contractor to help keep your property safe and dry. If you live in Los Angeles, you can check here for more on finding a professional waterproofing service.
How to Recognize Water Damage in Your Home
During the construction of your building, the contractor is expected to implement excellent waterproofing practices using quality materials. However, many contractors do not do this. Two of the reasons why moisture finds its way into your home include poor workmanship and the use of sub-standard materials.
Sadly, you may not notice it until after a few years. You may not even know that something is wrong until you experience a flood in the basement. So, here’s how to recognize water damage in your home:
1. Inspect the Exterior
When you begin outside, it will be easy to determine the cause of the moisture from external factors. You could check for any of the following:
- If the building is at the apex of the land and if the ground is tilting away from it. If this is not the case, water damage may occur in the foundation because water will accumulate on different sides of the building and seep in. You could get a professional to inspect your foundation regularly.
- Move around your building’s exterior. Ensure that the spouts that move water out of the gutters and the building are properly fixed. If they are clogged or leaking, you may have water damage.
- Look out for cracked or missing shingles on the roof. Leakage on the roof can result in leakage in your attic. And this can also lead to water damage on your ceiling
- Check the exterior door frames and windows for separation or soft spots – an indication of window leaks. If there is a little separation, humidity may find its way into your home and cause mold.
2. Inspect the Interior
Also check for the following in your home:
- Water rings forming on the walls or ceiling indicating a pipe leakage. These rings may not be difficult to see, but you need to look out for very tiny water stains. Move around the house regularly to check the plumbing areas. You can also listen at night to hear the sound of water in the walls.
- Sagging or soft spots near the shower, sinks, or tubs. This may be as a result of a leaking appliance such as a water heater, washing machine, or dishwasher.
- Warped or cracked tile, wood, or laminate flooring. Moisture can damage any type of flooring. Check for wet patches around the corners or places where you do not frequently use.
- Discoloration, warping, or watermarks under your sink in the cabinets. That may mean that some pipes are leaking. You can also confirm if there are molds or damp cabinets.
- Patches on newly repaired windows and ceilings and heavy paint on walls. A quick fix may be hiding a spot that has water damage.
- Rust on your water heater. This may indicate a current or previous leak.
- If you notice a musty or mildew smell, there is definitely water damage.
3. Inspect the Basement
Water damage can happen in the basement. Whether it is from your foundation, water heater leakage, or flood from the washing machine. When there is a heavy storm, water may log around your building, gradually leading to damage. This damage can also be a result of a burst pipe outside or inside the building, leading to flooding in the basement.
It is therefore important to inspect all appliances regularly, check all connections and plumbing to know when you need to do a repair. When there is water damage in your basement, it can destroy storage items, furniture, drywall, and flooring. If it is not resolved properly, mold will grow, and a musty smell will envelop the space.
You can use the guidelines for inspecting your interior to check your basement. You can also get a professional to help you inspect it.
Why Your Basement Needs Waterproofing
Building a home is a huge investment and a flooded or wet basement can ruin that investment. Waterproofing the basement can protect your possessions, the foundation of the building, and the health and safety of your family.
When the basement is dry, you can use it as an extra living space or for your hobbies. It will also be hostile to termites, mildew, and mold. Additionally, it will not cost you much to create an extra living space in the basement compared to building an additional room. Hence, waterproofing the basement is economical.
You may want to read more on waterproofing your basement: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/tips-for-waterproofing-basement-walls/
Choosing a Waterproofing Contractor
Waterproofing your building needs significant skill. You can use the following tips when choosing a waterproofing contractor:
- Ensure they are certified, licensed and bonded
- Check their portfolio to see previous works
- Ask them to provide contacts of their previous clients
- Find out if they have a physical address, in case any issues arise later
- Find out how long they have been in business
- Let them provide a guarantee for their work
- They should provide a warranty for the materials they will use to carry out the task
Conclusion
Your home is an important asset and it holds memories for every family member. Water damage can negatively affect the health of your household. Therefore, you need to consider waterproofing your home.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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