Water infiltration is not to be taken lightly. They can cause irreparable damage to the building.
If you notice water seeping inside or on the façade,it is advisable to contact a building expert quickly. The professional will make an accurate diagnosis and propose a solution adapted to the problem.
Finding, cause and consequence of water infiltration
Infiltration can occur in different places and not always only on the wall. An upwelling of humidity is characterized by:
- mould stains on walls, saltpeter in some places
- paint or stuccos that swell on the façade of the building
- a basement with moist air
- abnormal condensation on your windows
- water to the floor
- haloes on the ceiling
- persistent bad odours
- a gondola floor…
The causes of water infiltration are numerous. Water can infiltrate your home by:
- cracks in the foundation
- misplaced windows
- poor exterior cladding
- a damaged roof
- a faulty or clogged french drain
- a damaged sump pump
- or a sewer back-up
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The consequences of water infiltration can cause great damage. The interior finishing elements can be badly damaged requiring major repairs or even a complete replacement of them. This problem also depreciates the real estate value of the property. See what you can do when your basement floods in this article.
Another problem to consider
From a health point of view, fungi, moulds and bacteria are real dangers to the health of the occupants. This insanity can cause respiratory diseases and skin problems.
What can be done about water infiltration?
First, it is necessary to identify the source of infiltration which requires the experience of an expert building contractor.
There are different techniques to remedy water infiltration.
Waterproofing the walls
First, you need to clean your outside wall before applying a protective layer. This waterproofing, in addition to avoiding water infiltration, makes it more difficult to attach dirt to your wall. This solution is not very expensive.
French Drain
The waterproofing membrane is installed at the same time as a new French drain. So it’s a solution that requires access to your foundations. It prevents water from accumulating on the house, and keeps the foundation dry.
Moisture paint
Moisture paints are applied to well-cleaned walls, indoors or outdoors. For a relatively small budget, it allows you to counter the moisture problem (even preventively), while restoring a new freshness to your home.
Mold decontamination
Unless infected areas are tiny, it is imperative that experts be called in to prevent the rapid spread of mould. They will then use specialized products to decontaminate the affected areas. If organic materials are affected, demolition may be required to remove the contaminated elements.
New façade cladding
A façade cladding is more expensive than waterproofing, but allows the façade to be completely renewed. With this technique, you can also take advantage of it to insulate the exterior walls or change the size of a window. Not to mention insulation, this will be another expense whose prices depend mainly on the materials chosen.
Installing an integrated dehumidifier system
Mold develops in dark, damp corners. However, the maintenance of the machines can be very restrictive to counter their training. The built-in dehumidifier system is therefore very useful because it starts itself when it detects too high humidity.
5 tips for anticipating water infiltration?
1- The waterproofing of the exterior coating
The joints of the bricks should be examined and they should be repaired if necessary. For other types of coating, it is necessary to check that the pieces are always well interlocking so that the rain does not seep in.
2- Ensure good ventilation where it is needed
Ventilation prevents mould from developing. It does not eliminate them if they are already present, but good ventilation prevents their increasing development.
3- Inspect your roof regularly
It is important to check the roof shingles to keep them straight, without curling up. Otherwise, they have exceeded their lifespan and therefore need to be replaced.
4- Check the French drain
The same is true for the French drain, which has a lifespan of about 25 years. You should then think about checking it regularly in order to repair it, or even replace it to prevent water infiltration.
5- Caulking its doors and windows
Infiltration can be done very discreetly and in the long term if your doors and windows are not properly caulked. Consider regularly reviewing them and changing them if necessary to avoid even greater costs.
Our team in Montreal travels to establish a diagnosis and a free submission of the work to be carried out.