Do you see a problem arising in your home, with damp walls and mould growing?

Metric Investments has a solution for you. The water proofing process is a physical barrier inserted into the fabric of a building, to stop water passing from one place to another. When water leaks into your house not only is it unattractive and a health risk, but it weakens the structure causing further problems. Leaking roofs, unsealed balconies and rising damp are all common causes.

Waterproofing is a very important part of the initial construction requirement of a building. Buildings are waterproofed to protect the structure from future damage. However, many households and commercial premises report damage and problems that may be associated with inadequate waterproofing and ventilation applied in the beginning of the construction stages. When a company does not stop the possibility of water damage, it will cause serious problems going forward. The service life of a building, depends on its stability, and this is what affects the access of water.

Materials widely used for water proofing include flexible materials like butyl rubber, hot bitumen (asphalt), plastic sheets, bituminous felts, sheets of lead and copper. Most commonly used, are fully bonded membrane systems.

Dampness can be found in the following areas: 

• Leaks in water and sewer lines, where mildew and bacteria begin to grow.

• A failing plumbing fitting or corroded pipe that leaks undetected.

• Water seeping up into walls from the ground up, condensation inside the damp walls, floors, or ceilings due to poor ventilation or from living in a wet climate.

• Overwatering planters surrounding the house. To combat this problem, you could first adjust watering times, water less often, install an automatic timer, or adjust sprinkler heads to see a change, however professional assistance is still often required.

• Water build-up on the roof if there is not adequate run off for rain. Maintenance to the down pipes should be carried out regularly to avoid this issue. Roof inspections should take place every few months to keep a problem from becoming an unexpected or unnecessary expense.

Metric Investments offers the services of such professionals and can be contacted to find out more.

Other areas to look out for are damp, is on the outside walls. This causes the mortar to fall out between the bricks and stonework. It can further bring on mould, and wet stains to skirting boards, decay or rotting to timber, crumbling plaster, peeling, bubbling or flaking paint, discolouration, mould growth and staining on walls, salt stains and salt deposit build-up.

Not only is your home structure at risk with damp, but so is your health and that of your children and elders. Prolonged exposure to high levels of indoor dampness can reduce lung function and cause chronic health problems. Some of the grave consequences of mould fragments or spores in your home or workplace to consider are inflammation of the airways, sneezing, nasal congestion, skin rash and asthma. To name but a few. If you suspect that you have been exposed to mould or damp, it may be best to consult a doctor to ensure your health has not been affected. Contact Metric Investments for the best solution to your mould/damp issues.