Are you experiencing a lot more mold and mildew than usual? Maybe some materials are starting to warp or your carpets are starting to get damp? Here, we’re going to look at how to detect what kind of moisture problem your home has, and what you can do to deal with it.
Is your AC on the fritz?
If you’re seeking signs of a leak on walls, getting a musty odor, and your windows are forming condensation, your AC may be the cause. If it’s losing cooling power and there are hissing noises coming from it, you could be suffering from poor air quality as well as a leak. Getting an AC technician to come out and repair is ASAP is recommended. Using an air purifier can help you get rid of the extra allergens that might be floating around the home, as well, ensuring that it doesn’t cause or exacerbate any respiratory conditions.
Does it seem to affect the floor most?
Rising damp is a serious problem and finding the cause is essential. There is a wide range of foundation problems, but if you have a concrete floor, one of the lesser-known issues is a slab leak. Leaks due to eroded pipes as well as shifting ground can cause major problems like warping hardwood floors and moldy carpets. Another good sign that you need slab leak repair is if you’re losing water pressure. This might because pipes under the floor have started to leak. A mixture of these symptoms is a clear indication of this problem.
Penetration through the walls
The boundary of the home is supposed to protect you from the twists and the turns of the weather outdoors, but it doesn’t always work. Old windows and doors can let leaks come in through, as can gutters that are blocked. However, water can also start to infiltrate and expand pores in the wall, leading to long-term problems as the damp spreads through the materials inside the walls. Checking your roof regularly, cleaning your gutters, and replacing damp outdoor covers, such as cladding, can help you prevent this.
Don’t forget to check the plumbing
Plumbing that is old or poorly fitted can suffer a range of problems, from connections no longer fitting to pinholes appearing. This can cause a leak that isn’t always gushing water but might be a slow trickle that does more damage over time due to going unnoticed. If you see damp that appears away from outside walls, like a growing damp patch that is near radiators, sinks, and other places that plumbing pipes run, then it’s a good sign there’s an issue there somewhere and you need a plumber to come out and take a look.
It should be no surprise to anyone that moisture problems can get very serious the longer you let them go on for. Finding the cause and putting in place the right solution as soon as possible should be your number one priority. Hopefully, the tips above help you do just that.