The exterior wall of a building has a protective function as this is what keeps you safe from the elements. But with time and exposure to different types of weather and humidity, there can be water damage. And if water damage is not addressed, it can affect the structural integrity of the building.
There are certain things
You can watch for to get an idea of whether your external wall is showing water damage. In such a situation, you will need to look for external wall water proofing Sydney. The first signs of damage will be stains on the walls in yellow or brown colour. This shows that water has infiltrated the walls. The colour is a result of mould growth or mineral deposits. It is best to inspect your building envelope now and then to get an idea of your building’s overall condition and to ascertain whether any repairs or maintenance work is needed. Mould and mildew will thrive in damp environments and when this is prevalent, you will see green or black spots on the wall. In addition to bringing down the aesthetic appeal of your building, this can be a serious health risk to the occupants and you need to ensure this doesn’t spread further.
Inspect the paint on the external wall to get an idea of its condition.
When water penetrates the external walls, this can be seen by the condition of the paint. For example, when this happens, the paint will bubble or blister. The pain will lose adhesion with the wall when there is water accumulating beneath the paint layer. The presence of water can also cause the paint to flake or peel as the bond between the paint and the wall will be compromised. If you see peeling paint on the wall, it is best to take a second look to understand the cause for this. When there is water damage to the walls, you may see cracks. These start small but with time, the cracks will widen and there will be more water infiltrating your building envelope. This can bring down the structural integrity of your building. Efflorescence is a sign of water damage and this can be seen on masonry. This is crystalline deposits that are created on the surface of the masonry as a result of water evaporation. You will see this as a white and powdery substance on the surface.
The exterior walls
Or the ceilings can sag when there is excessive water absorption and this will indicate the structure of the building is not able to bear the weight of the water that has accumulated. When you see this, you need to act quickly to prevent further damage to the building. The building materials can warp when exposed to water for a long time and this is mainly seen when your exterior walls have wooden components. You can check whether there is any warping of wood on the exterior. You will also be able to smell signs of water damage. There can be a damp odour that originates as a result of mould or mildew. These are attracted to damp environments. Sometimes you may not see visible signs of mould but if there is a foul odour, it is best to inspect.
