How to Prevent Rotting and Moisture Damage at Home
Moisture damage around the home can be caused by plumbing leaks, rising damp, blocked drains and poor ventilation; all of which can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.
Types of moisture damage include:
- Condensation – this causes mould and mildew, which can have health implications, particularly for allergy sufferers.
- Plumbing leaks – water seepage from showers, toilets, kitchen and laundry appliances can cause warping, discolouration and rotting of floors and walls.
- Wet and dry rot – this is caused by fungi, which thrives in damp conditions and can cause extensive damage to a house with a timber framework.
- Rising damp – this is damp that permeates up through the walls of a house and is common in older buildings that do not have a damp-proof course.
Ways to prevent rotting and moisture damage include:
- Regular maintenance of gutters, drains and plumbing
- Sealing exposed timber surfaces with a suitable protective paint
- Monitoring the water meter for signs of unusually high water usage
- Eliminating moisture build-up by installing under-floor ventilation
- Installing air filtration devices to eliminate mould and mildew
- Lining walls with moisture-resistant plasterboard.
Source:http://www.homeimprovementpages.com.au/article/tips_for_preventing_rotting_and_moisture_damage_in