How to dam moisture in a house?
Excess moisture is a common issue in homes, and a scourge for the walls of a home as well as for its occupants. Luckily, this may only be a superficial phenomenon that will be easy to remedy. Sometimes, however, moisture is the symptom of a problem of substance, likely to cause more or less significant damage in the future. What are the warning signs to pay attention to, and what techniques to implement, in connection with a professional, to quickly find a healthy and dry home?
Humidity, where are you hiding?
Know first of all that the presence of water in the ambient air is normal in a home, because its occupants live and naturally engender daily moisture, breathing, running water, drying clothes ... The situation becomes worryingwhen the humidity is noticeable and visible. This is reflected in particular by:
- condensation on the inside of the windows;
- rings or molds on furniture (mattresses, sofas, refrigerator seals ...) and hard surfaces (walls, ceilings or floors);
- a peeling of the wallpaper;
- peeling of the paintings;
- a swelling of the wood ...
If excessive moisture can affect the entire home, some places are more concerned than others. The bathroom, the kitchen or the cellar thus logically represent the most affected rooms.
A complete diagnosis to track leaks
An excess of moisture can have several origins, whether accidental or not. It is thus possible that a simple leak of water is the culprit. However, it is not easy to make a diagnosis yourself, as the causes can be multiple and difficult to identify.
To be certain to treat the problem at the source and ensure a durable repair without being content with a temporary camouflage or cosmetic measures, have firstcontrol the external waterproofing (roof, facades, foundations, terraces) by a sector professional, who will implement specific tests to identify any leaks and deteriorations.
Once this fundamental step has been completed, you will know more about it and will be able to start the adapted steps without having to absorb extra costs due to unnecessary interventions.
Hair rising, frequently incriminated
The walls are one of the elements most affected by excess water. This is usually manifested by ground level tasks and results from infiltrations or capillary upwelling from bottom to top . This natural phenomenon of rising humidity is particularly observed in old buildings built with poorly adapted materials or on unfavorable land.
Moisture attacking the integrity of the housing, the structural parts (beams, columns and load-bearing walls) will be weakened by the appearance of cracks that will affect the mechanical functioning of the building. Even minor, this type of disorder can contaminate other elements of the home. It is therefore important to take charge quickly to avoid having to engage subsequently more substantial work.
In this case, a waterproof injection resin treatment may be preferred to prevent water from rising. This operation is complex and must imperatively be carried out by a specialized company, but it will guarantee you several decades of tranquility.
Second option, thecreation of a waterproof barrier in the masonry, to give a new seal to the foundations and walls that are lacking and thus stop the progression of water.
In any case, understanding and solving a moisture problem is the business of a professional. Call on a qualified craftsman, who will know thanks to his expertise offer you the best courses of action.
This article was written in partnership with Aqua Isolation
Published November 13, 2018.