BENEFITS OF WATERPROOFING AND SEALING YOUR HOME TO PREVENT LEAKS AND MOLD

Excessive home moisture can lead to expensive home repairs. Left unmanaged, water leaks or too much moisture in your home can also lead to mold, mildew and other fungus growth, while presenting significant health risks for homeowners. Find homeowner approved mold testing and waterproofing companies in Charlotte here.

MOLD PREVENTION TIP - INSPECT OUTSIDE FOR MOISTURE AND WATER LEAKS
Do a home inspection for sources of water and moisture. Make sure the land around your home is graded so that water flows away from your home. Remove debris from your gutter system to assure that water flows off and away from your home. Check the direction of your and your neighbor’s downspouts to make sure that they are directed away from your home. Shut off your exterior water spout during the winter months to help prevent it from freezing and causing water-related issues. Perform maintenance on wet and moist areas of your home. Apply caulk and or weather-stripping on the exterior of your doors and windows to keep them watertight, particularly if they have wooden frames. Finally, identify and repair roofing problems immediately. Even small leaks can become a source for big water-related problems. Make sure that exterior vents on your roof are clear and that insulation is sufficient so that warm, moist air in your attic does not lead to mold growth.

MOLD PREVENTION TIP - EXAMINE THE INTERIOR OF YOUR HOME
Walk through your home regularly to identify water sources and/or damages. Examine basement walls for dampness, stains, mold, flaked mortar or concrete and discolored areas. If you have a sump pump in your basement, make sure it’s working properly and that water isn’t backing up. Be sure to inspect your furnace, humidifier and hot water heater for both safety reasons and for leaking water. Check for loose tiles in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room which can be a sign of water damage. Make sure that float valves in your toilets are closing properly, thus preventing continuous water flow and potential water damages. Check and replace worn dishwasher and washing machine hoses. Finally, place a saucer under indoor plants to prevent moisture problems and watermarks on your hardwood floors or furniture.

ADVANTAGES TO SEALING THE CRAWL SPACE
A U.S. Department of Energy study found that a sealed crawl space reduces energy consumption, moisture, humidity and fungus growth. The report outlines several techniques including waterproofing and sealing your homes walls and vents, installing vapor-retarding plastic on walls and floors, sealing around ducts, electrical wires and plumbing that penetrate the subfloor, insulating spaces between floor joists and installing a humidifier.

MOLD AND WATER PROBLEMS ARE BEST LEFT TO PROFESSIONALS
If you detect moisture-related problems, call a mold removal and waterproofing professional before taking any steps yourself. Eager do-it-yourselfers often cause more damage when trying to fix water and mold issues, while a trained waterproofing expert has likely seen your problem before and can recommend the best and most cost-effective, long-term solution.

Click For General Home Improvement Tips And Home Repair Advice"