Still waters run deep particularly if you fail to care for leaks in your home correctly. It may quickly intensify to become a major issue. Water damage and mould is often an ignored issue. As time passes, a tiny leak could be the beginning of a much more serious problem, from mould, to something worse. Check out of the most common forms of water damage and mould and what you can try to do about them.
The indications:
Water stains appearing on ceilings or walls, along with mould and puddles on the floor. This may danger you if you have some electrical cables in your attic
The cause:
No roof maintenance, blocked gutters (box gutters get blocked especially easily), a difference in metals on the roof, which causes corrosion, or punctured or poorly installed sarking under a roof
The remedy:
You need to work out where the leak is coming from, which can be much easier said than done. You can search for any big, wet area around the roof then divide it up and test each area with a hose one day at a time to locate the leak.
The indications:
External and internal water stains, trouble shutting balcony doors and windows as a result of swollen wood, chipped or lacking grout on the balcony, and unhappy neighbours below you
The cause:
Doors that aren’t installed correctly, inadequate flashing’s, poor waterproofing membrane, insufficient drainage, incorrect tile selection and adhesion are all common
The remedy:
To reduce immediate damage, put towels or buckets down to catch water.If you’re in an apartment, it’s best to contact your strata company – treating it yourself could risk voiding any warranty.
The indications:
Damp patches on internal walls or ceilings, water collecting around the base of the building, stains and moss on walls, deterioration to masonry.
The cause:
Gutters not being cleaned and badly angled guttering that doesn’t allow the water to flow away.
The remedy:
Clean the down pipe connected to the gutter then test the flow of the gutter by pouring a bucket of water along it, if it isn’t enough, the water won’t flow away
The indications:
Mould development, wood decay and a musty odor.
The cause:
Bad sub-floor air flow, water pooling beneath the house, clogged vents.
The remedy:
Clear the sub-floor of every dried leaves or scrap, unblock any vents that may be protected, and look your gutters to be sure water is not pooling beneath the house. Next utilise a dampness meter, or ask for advice from a specialist with expertise in the kind of home you reside.
The indications:
A water level higher than normal when the loo flushes, a shower that doesn’t drain freely, a gurgling drain or a sewer smell indicate poor drain and pipe health. These can result in serious leaks
The cause:
Most cases of blocked drains are caused by tree roots in the pipes. The rest is hair, sanitary products, baby wipes, toilet deodorisers. If a bathroom isn’t waterproofed correctly, water finds its way down through a weak point in the floor, walls or gaps in the sealant.
The remedy:
Fixing grout or sealant yourself can help, but you will need professional help when it comes to waterproofing. Waterproofing can lead to rotting substructure and bathroom floor collapse
In the event you have a water damage, make sure you turn to a water damage specialist like Flood Services Lismore. To find out more about our services, do not hesitate to contact us now.
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