The rain stopped and the sun is out, however, many homeowners continue to struggle with issues relating to stagnant water and moisture. This article outlines a checklist every homeowner should address after heavy rainfall to help protect their home from mould and unwanted corrosion.
1) Inspect for stagnant water
Stagnant water can lead to mould and moisture in your foundation and walls, which can result in corrosion.
Moisture could result from several sources:
- Leaking, cracked or clogged pipes
- Poor drainage in your backyard
- Plumbing issues
- Excess humidity
- Prolonged dampness resulting from days or weeks of unruly rainfall
- Unsealed windows
2) Inspect for rising dampness on concrete flooring & walls
Rising dampness could damage the structural integrity of your concrete, as well as prevent protective coatings such as paint and sealant from adhering.
If your issues are fairly minor, you can use products such as DampRid.
If you notice damp patches on the surface of your concrete flooring, we suggest you perform a moisture test. Simply tape the edges of a plastic sheet to the area you suspect a problem exists. Leave for 24-48 hours. If there is a built up of moisture, we recommend contacting a specialist for a professional consultation.
3) Inspect for clogged or damaged gutters
Your gutter prevents water from entering your home. Therefore, if you noticed water spilling from the sides of your gutters, it's vital to clean them out from built up dirt and leaves.
4) Inspect your gutters have end caps Ensure your gutters have the appropriate capping (at the end of each gutter). End caps must be placed at each terminal point to prevent water from flowing out from the unsealed end by redirecting runoff into the downpipe.
5) Inspect downpipes aren't clogged
Ensure your gutter downpipes are channeling the water away from your home’s eaves and foundation. To test downpipes, place a hose inside the opening of your downpipes at roof gutter level. Turn the tap on and let water run for several minutes, next, put your ear to the downpipe at ground level, you should be able to hear the water flowing. If you don't and overflow occurs at the top level of your pipe. you will need to unclog your downpipe.
6) Inspect for puddles in your backyard
The usual dampness after heavy rain is completely normal. However, if you notice puddles lasting days, you might need to address a possible drainage issue.
This issues are especially concerning if the stagnant water is near buildings, fencing, or your home’s foundation.
7) Inspect windows for moisture and mould
When you notice moisture on windowpanes or window sills, wipe it dry to avoid timber rotting and mould forming. Inspect for cracks requiring sealant, and if the protective coating on the surface is worn, you will need to reapply sealant.
8) Inspect your home for wall & ceiling mould
If your mould issue is fairly minor, you can try DampRid moisture absorbers to remove excess moisture from the air - preventing mildew, mould and musty odours. Minor issues are usually caused by poor ventilation and missing insulation. For serious issues resulting from structural failings, identify the source and fix the origin of your damage, engage a structural engineer to inspect the structural integrity of your home has not been compromised (damaged timber beams, rusted joints, among some damage which may have resulted) before making aesthetic improvements.
Article courtesy of Trending Lifestyle Magazine.
IF YOUR HOUSEHOLD INSPECTION RESULTS IN SERIOUS CONCERNS, CONSULT AN EXPERT FOR INSPECTION AND CORRECTION OF THE ISSUE:
When calling a service provider remember to check; - Check their credentials including active insurances and licences
- Have a list of questions on hand, enquire if callout fees apply, and get quotes put in writing
Read the full article. CONSIDERATIONS WHEN OBTAINING QUOTES
Contact PIERCRETE GROUP for all your concrete needs. Our highly professional and experienced tradesmen are fully licensed and insured.
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