Causes of Water Damage in Your Walls
Water stains on the wall, cracks on the walls, and peeling paint or wallpaper are all signs of water damage. Water can enter your home through the tiniest cracks and openings. Failing to rectify the issue immediately can cause a lot of damage.
Not only can water ruin your walls, but the moisture can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause health problems. The first step to preventing water damage to your walls is to understand the causes of this problem.
Poor Gutters
Gutters collect rainwater and direct the water away from your home. However, if the gutters wear out or are poorly installed, the gutters cannot do their job correctly. Instead, water will collect in the gutters and may eventually overflow and seep into your walls.
Also, if the gutters are old and worn out, they may start to leak, which puts your property at risk for water damage. In the same way, clogs in your gutters can also cause water to overflow and seep into your walls.
Ensure that your gutters and drainage are correctly installed and in good condition. Invest in regular gutters inspection to ensure they are clean and debris-free. Also, confirm that your gutters are correctly installed so that water can flow away from your home. Furthermore, check the downspouts to ensure they are directing water from your home.
Leaky Drains and Pipes
If your drainpipe has cracks or holes, water can seep through the cracks and enter your walls. In addition, loose connections at fittings and joints can also allow water to leak into your walls.
Therefore, if you suspect your drains are leaky, contact a professional plumber to inspect your drains and pipes regularly. The experts will identify any leaks or potential problems and fix them before they cause severe damage. Most importantly, hire a waterproofing expert to waterproof your walls and protect them from mishaps in case the drain leaks reoccur.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is the force that pushes water through tiny cracks and openings in walls. This pressure builds up when there's a lot of rain or snowmelt. The pressure can cause water to seep into your walls, even if there are no cracks or openings.
To reduce hydrostatic pressure, hire a professional waterproofing contractor to install a waterproofing membrane on the exterior of your foundation walls. The membrane will create a barrier that will block water from seeping through. In addition, you can also install drain tiles around the perimeter of your foundation. These tiles will help to collect and redirect water away from your home.
Inadequate Plastering
Plaster features three coats. The first coat, known as the scratch coat, is a mix of cement and sand. This coat provides your wall with a surface for the brown coat to adhere to. The second coat, or brown coat, is a mix of cement and lime. This coat is applied over the scratch coat and helps to waterproof your walls.
The third and final coat is the finish coat, which comes over the brown coat and provides a smooth, finished surface. Failure to apply these coats allows water to seep through and enter your home.
Water damage threatens your household and can easily cause your building to deteriorate. Some of the causes of water damage, such as damaged gutters and pipes, are unpredictable; the least you can do is to invest in wall waterproofing. The step gives you peace of mind knowing that whatever happens, water cannot reach your walls.
Central Penn Waterproofing is a licensed and reliable waterproofing company, and you can trust us to waterproof your home and prevent water damage from occurring. Contact us to get a quote.
