Know The Signs Of Waterproofing Failure In Your Home
Although water has many uses in the construction industry, it can be an incredibly destructive force, especially inside buildings. That's why your home has a waterproofing system installed to protect it from water damage.
Waterproofing systems work by preventing water ingress in structurally vulnerable areas of a building. Different waterproofing products are required for waterproofing different parts of the building, so the failure of waterproofing in one part of the building may not necessarily mean the entire waterproofing system has failed.
With that said, you should continually watch out for signs of waterproofing failure in your home and take corrective action immediately. Here are a few common waterproofing trouble signs that shouldn't be ignored.
Cracked Walls And Floors
Cracks in your residential walls and floors are one of the most obvious signs of moisture damage. As moisture infiltrates the walls and floors, it causes them to expand and contract with freeze-thaw cycles, resulting in crack formation.
Rising Damp
Is moisture from the ground traveling up your house through the walls? If so, you're experiencing a problem known as rising damp. This problem is prevalent in homes built on sites with a high water table and indicates the inability of your waterproofing to protect your home from the ascending moisture.
Paint Damage
When water or moisture infiltrates the inside or outside of your structure, it can cause paint damage. If you see blistering or peeling paint in your home, chances are moisture has infiltrated and saturated the material underneath the paint.
Water Marks and Stains
Water marks and stains running down your walls also point to a failed waterproofing system. However, you should first ascertain that the problem is not due to other causes, such as inadequate insulation and leaky water pipes.
Mold And Mildew Growth
Damp conditions promote the growth of mold, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms. If you spot mold or mildew inside your home, chances are your waterproofing system is failing. Don't attempt to remove mold yourself. When disturbed, mold releases spores that can harm your health if inhaled.
If left untreated, moisture infiltration can cause significant damage to your home, leading to costly building repairs. The best way to deal with the problem is to take corrective action at the first signs of trouble.
If you suspect or have spotted moisture damage in your home, don't hesitate to reach out to a waterproofing service such as Central Penn Waterproofing for an inspection.