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