Water Infiltration: Causes and Solutions

Water infiltration is not to be taken lightly. They can bring about irreversible harm to the building.

If you notice water infiltration inside or on the facade, it is advisable to quickly contact a building expert. The professional will establish a precise diagnosis and propose a solution adapted to the problem through Utah foundation repair.

Observation, cause, and consequence of water infiltration

An infiltration can appear in different places and not always only on the wall. Rising damp is characterized by:

• mold stains on the walls, saltpeter in some places
• puffy paint or stucco on the facade of the building
• a basement with humid air
• abnormal condensation on your windows
• water on the floor
• halos on the ceiling
• persistent bad odors
• a rolling floor…

There are many causes of water infiltration. Water can enter your home through:

• cracks in the foundation
• badly positioned windows
• bad exterior coating
• a damaged roof
• a faulty or clogged French drain
• a damaged sump pumps
• or a sewer backup

The consequences of water infiltration can cause serious damage. Interior finishing elements can be severely damaged requiring major repairs or even complete replacement. This question also devalues the real estate worth of the property. See the actions to take when your basement floods in this article.

Another issue to consider

From a health point of view, fungi, molds, and bacteria are real health hazards for occupants. This insanity can bring about skin problems and respiratory diseases.

What to do against water infiltration?

First, the source of infiltration must be identified, which requires the experience of an expert building contractor.

There are different methods to cure water intrusion.

Waterproofing of walls

You must first clean your exterior wall before proceeding with the waterproofing which consists of applying a protective layer. This water repellency, in addition to preventing water infiltration, makes it more difficult for dirt to stick to your wall. This solution is not very expensive.

American drain

The waterproofing tissue is fixed at the same time as a new American drain. It is therefore a solution that requires access to your foundations. It prevents water from accumulating on the house, and thus keeps the foundation dry.

Anti-humidity paint

Anti-humidity paints are applied on well-cleaned walls, indoors or outdoors. For a relatively low budget, it allows you to counter the problem of humidity (even preventively), while giving a new freshness to your home.

Mold decontamination

Unless the infected areas are tiny, it is imperative to call in experts to prevent the rapid spread of mold. They will then utilize specific products to disinfect the impacted areas. If organic materials are affected, demolition may be required to remove the contaminated items.

New facade cladding

Facade layer is more costly than waterproofing but permits the facade to be entirely renewed. With this technique, you can also take advantage of insulating exterior walls or even changing the size of a window. Not to mention the insulation, it will be another expense whose prices depend mainly on the materials chosen.

Installation of an integrated dehumidifier system

Mold grows in dark, damp corners. However, the maintenance of the machines can be very constraining to counter their formation. The integrated dehumidifier system is therefore very useful since it starts up itself when it detects too high a humidity level.

5 tips for anticipating water infiltration?

1- Waterproofing of the exterior cladding

It is necessary to examine the joints of the bricks by having them repaired if necessary. For other types of coating, it is advisable to check that the pieces are always well fitted together so that the rain does not infiltrate.

2- Ensure good ventilation where necessary

Ventilation helps prevent mold growth. It does not eliminate them if they are already present, but good ventilation prevents their growing development.

3- Inspect your roof regularly

It is important to check the shingles of the roof to ensure that they remain straight, without curling upwards. Otherwise, they have exceeded their lifespan and must therefore be replaced.

4- Check the French drain

The same is true for the French drain, which has a lifespan of approximately 25 years. It is then necessary to remember to check it regularly to repair it through foundation repair Utah, or even replace it to prevent water infiltration.

5- Caulk your doors and windows

Infiltrations can happen very discreetly and over the long term if your doors and windows are not well caulked. Consider having them checked regularly and changing them if necessary to avoid even greater costs.