Signs That Your Home Needs Waterproofing

Waterproofing is a crucial component of home maintenance. Moisture damage is dangerous and can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Moisture erodes the protective coating of wooden walls and floors and deteriorates their fibres, weakening the material.

Moisture also induces rusting and corrosion in steel and iron materials. When moisture comes into contact with concrete, it can pick up minerals, leading to cracks and enlargement of concrete bubbles. All of these factors put your home at risk of collapse.

It is an inevitable process too, as most construction materials are porous and will absorb moisture over time. You can prevent these problems by waterproofing your home. At Waterproofing Direct, we offer a comprehensive set of building and waterproofing products designed to protect your home.

Here are some signs to watch out for to determine whether your home needs waterproofing:

Foundation cracks

Cracks in your home’s foundation are some of the principal signs of moisture damage. Their presence indicates your home is vulnerable to flooding and water damage. Foundation cracks can set off a chain reaction that can ultimately result in collapse, due to the weakened structural integrity of the house.

The presence of moisture under floorboards indicates the presence of mould in your house. Mould affects the air quality around you, putting you and your family’s health at risk. Aside from waterproofing your home, consider mould testing as well.

Musty smells

The smell of your home can be a potent signifier of moisture damage. While houses usually have a distinct aroma about them, homes with water damage tend to have a strange, musty smell that is atypical of most homes. If the musty smell persists, it means that parts of your home are regularly exposed to water and allowing mould and mildew to bloom beneath the walls and floors. Not only does it cause an unbearable stench, but it can also bring about considerable structural damage.

Stains

When water dries on a surface, it usually leaves behind stains or watermarks. When they begin appearing all over your house, it means water is seeping in from the outside, implying holes or cracks in the walls.

Excessive moisture sometimes leaves behind salt deposits collected from stones and concrete, which cause a slight shimmer along walls or floors.

Frequent bouts of sickness in residents

Excessive moisture allows mould, mildew and other microorganisms to proliferate in your home. Numerous chronic illnesses are linked to toxic mould varieties, so if your family is chronically falling victim to the flu, the culprit may be coming from behind the walls or under the floorboards.

Address these health issues first, and when you have determined that they are mould-related, invest in a better waterproofing strategy and mould test your home. As the name implies, toxic mould and the diseases they inflict can be fatal. Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, photosensitivity, morning joint pain and sinus congestion.

Moisture and water damage can result in catastrophic consequences if not dealt with properly. You can contribute to your family’s safety by waterproofing your home.

Waterproofing Direct supplies a comprehensive range of waterproofing and building products across Australia. Contact us today for inquiries.