One of the most overlooked problems in a property is water damage. It may not seem like a big deal at first, but a small leak can become a major structural problem in the future. If you are a homeowner, you should pay close attention to the signs of any water damage. Be on the lookout for these problems and fix them right away to avoid a major headache in the future.
1. Damp Floors
A damp floor is a sign of water damage. It occurs because of poor subfloor ventilation, water pooling under the house, and blocked ventilation. Damp floors are not always obvious: signs include timber decay for wooden floors, mould and mildew growth, plus an unpleasant odour.
When repairing damp floors, make sure that all vents are working properly to help dry out the moisture. Check the gutters under the house for any leaks and if there are any, fix them right away and drain the water pooling. You can use low-voltage damp rods, dehumidifiers, or subfloor ventilation to remove the damp on the floor. Create extra airflow under the floor if you can.
When all of these are done, you may need to replace the affected wooden floorboards. Moving forward, you can use a moisture metre to monitor the presence of dampness in your property.
2. Water from Balconies
Balconies are lovely but if you live somewhere with constant rain then they can also be quite a problem. Water can get indoors, especially if you have incorrectly installed doors, poor waterproofing, inadequate drainage, and incorrect balcony flooring.
Water from balconies is affecting your interior if you can see water stains and swollen wooden frames. Problems with opening and closing the balcony door or windows can be good indications, too.
The best way to solve this problem is to make sure that water can’t penetrate your door or windows. For one, if you have a wooden door opening out to the balcony, it may be time to replace it with a glass one. Ensure that there are no gaps between the door and the wall, and do the same with the windows. Protect the wall with an extra waterproofing layer, or better yet, cover it with outdoor wall tiles.
Make sure that there is sufficient drainage. Lastly, the balcony’s flooring level should be slightly higher near the door to ensure that the water will flow away from the door.
3. Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are another sign and problem caused by water damage. If not solved immediately, the water could reach the electrical wirings spelling big trouble for the inhabitants of the house. If you see water stains on the ceilings or the walls, it’s a sure sign of roof leakage. Mould will be present as well if the problem hasn’t been dealt with soon enough.
So, on a clear day, get up on the roof as soon as possible and look for any holes or damage that could be causing the leakage. Once you find them, use roof sealant or replace the part, whichever is necessary, although this is just a temporary solution. The best course of action is to get a professional to inspect and fix your roof to ensure that there will be no roof leaks in the future.
4. Gutter Leaks
Aside from the roof, the gutter is another potential source of water damage to your walls and ceiling. If the gutter is blocked or positioned in the wrong way, water will leak towards your home instead of away from it. As a result, you’ll see damp patches on your inner walls and ceilings. There will also be water at the base of the walls, too. If the problem is left unrepaired, mould and stains will appear on the walls. The structure can also begin to deteriorate.
The solution is simple for this problem: clean the box gutter regularly, especially if there are trees near your home. Make sure to remove leaves and twigs on a regular basis to prevent them from clogging the gutter. Don’t forget to clean the downpipe too.
Also, position both the gutter and the downpipe in angles that will allow the water to flow easily and correctly. Test the flow by pouring a bucket of water. If everything is in order, all the water should go down the drain effortlessly.
5. Bathroom Leaks
This problem is somewhat more difficult to deal with since bathroom plumbing is inside the walls or under the flooring. Nevertheless, there are clear signs of bathroom leaks that you will notice such as damp walls, tiles coming off, and the floor that never seems to dry.
Bathroom leaks happen when the plumbing is damaged either by the natural movement of the property’s foundation, deterioration of the plumbing material, temperature change and unregulated water pressure, and incorrect installation.
If not repaired right away, a bathroom leak can result in more than damping of the walls and flooring. It can damage the structure and cause it to collapse after some time. That’s why you need to act right away and there’s no better solution than calling your local plumber.
Cut off the water supply and try to trace the source of leakage. Naturally, this means you’ll have to dig or penetrate the wall to get to the pipes. It will be very helpful if you remember the position of your bathroom plumbing.
Breath new life into a water-damaged home with Renovare
These common problems caused by water damage will not affect your property’s structure if they’re repaired before it’s too late. Call in the professionals for help. If your water problems have been repaired but there is still evidence of water damage or, call the team at Renovare to help rejuvenate those damaged rooms and areas. Whether it’s a flooring restoration, door replacement, or a total bathroom renovation; you can trust that our team of expert renovation builders will make your property look as good as new.
Call Renovare now on 1300 049 516 to discuss your home improvement needs. We provide renovation services throughout South East Queensland from the Gold Coast to Brisbane (Chermside and Mount Gravatt), Toowoomba and Hervey Bay.