The rainy season is here and the rain has been coming down on us hard, characterised by heavy storms. However, none wants to find themselves soaked in droplets of water in the comfort of their home.
When it rains, water can cause significant damage to a home, especially where a small problem turns into a bigger one over time. Homeowners can use a few simple tips to check their roofs to ensure that they are watertight:
1. If it’s broken, fix it: Check the roof for obvious openings caused by missing tiles or ones that have shifted out of place. Ensure that all tiles are in good repair and replace the ones that are broken or cracked.
2. Check for damp: Inspect the walls and ceilings inside the house for any water marks, stains or damage. This is generally a good sign that water is getting into the ceiling, however, the source of it may be in a different area of the roof due to the water running from one place to another.
3. Make it rain: If there are no visible broken or cracked tiles, use a garden hose to run water over the roof and see whether water may be leaking through. This will require a helper using a flashlight that can check for leaking water inside the ceiling space and mark the possible faulty areas.
4. Check gutters and downspouts: Ensure that all gutters are in good repair and channelling water in the correct manner. Clear away debris and dead leaves that may have accumulated in the gutters and drainage areas. Any blockages in the gutter system could cause water to back up and overflow into areas where it may cause damage.
5. Check joining areas: Look at the edges of the roof and areas where it meets the walls or joins to another feature of the home such as a chimney. Make sure the cement is not cracked and that joints are not pulling apart.
Handling rainwater damage on your property
Few things are as stressful to homeowners as water damage. It can be a sinister, creeping issue that many don’t discover until it has become a big, expensive problem.
The best way to deal with water damage is to stop it before it starts. Here are measures that you can take to prevent water from entering your home from outside:
1. Waterproof your house exterior: The exterior of your house is its first line of defence against water damage. Protect your home from the outside in by maintaining the exterior.
2. Seal windows and doors: Windows and doors are common vulnerable sites for water leakage. Water can seep in through the space around the window and door frames if they’re not properly sealed. Don’t wait for a leak. Ensure that the weatherstripping and seals around your windows and doors are in good shape.
3. Ensure proper drainage: You can take measures to keep water out of your home, but waterproofing alone isn’t enough to protect your home from water damage. If water isn’t properly diverted away from the base of your house, your foundation could be at risk. Even the best waterproofing measures are no match for standing water that collects on or around your house in areas of poor drainage.
Preventing fungal growth in bathrooms
The use of hot water in bathrooms leads to the formation of dark spots, commonly known as fungi. The increased steam generated from hot water damages the walls and ceilings, resulting in unsightly marks. To address this issue, homeowners need to use kitchen and bathroom paint specifically formulated to combat fungal growth. These paints contain antimicrobial properties, preventing the formation and spread of fungi.
Installation of extractor fans:
Installing an extractor fan in your bathroom is an additional measure to help reduce moisture levels. Extractor fans effectively remove excess humidity and steam, helping to prevent the growth of fungi.
The fan works by drawing in moist air and expelling it outside, promoting proper ventilation and maintaining a dry environment within the bathroom.
While these tips can help with the maintenance of the roof, some things should be left to the professionals. If you require some professional assistance in repairing your roof leaks, concrete gutters, drainages or balcony waterproofing, you can contact Zibstibukos investment on 7692 1051.
Leave a comment