With ‘monsoon’ rains recently hitting the country, water damage is a clear and present risk to the integrity of any home in the UK. While it is often placed on the backburner when it comes to issues around the home, water damage can happen quickly and creep up on you over a long period of time, causing comprehensive damage, expense, and inconvenience.
So, what damage can water damage due to your home and how can you avoid it?
How does water damage affect your home?
Our business is based in Wakefield and Huddersfield and our clients have had to endure water damage from the British weather due to unmaintained or unsuitable rooves. While many are lucky to catch the issue in time, the aftermath can be brutal and long-lasting.
Some of the most common issues we’ve addressed include-
Roof damage: In order for any leak to occur, the roof’s integrity will have been compromised. This can be due to a number of reasons from as storm damage, lacklustre repair work, or a lack of ongoing maintenance. With most roofs made to last 20 – 30 years, it is essential that they are regularly cared for as damage can be comprehensive; in many cases leading to a full roof replacement. This is due to water’s ability to damage timbers and support beams, causing rot and running the risk of structural damage.
ACTION: Roof leaks can cause comprehensive damage and will almost always will recur with subsequent rainfall. Addressing this should be of the highest priority, so be sure to get in touch with a team that can take care of your needs.
Attic damage: Your loft or attic space will be the first port of call for water after is has seeping through your roof. If you use your attic for storage, this can cause comprehensive harm to your timbers and flooring, alongside destroying any property or mementos that you may have held on to.
ACTION: Make sure all precious items are sealed away and conduct regular checks for damp and leaks.
Wall damage: In the case of heavy rainfall, you can find water running down your walls and onto your flooring. This will permanently mark any painted surface and will require redecorating or the reapplication of wallpaper or plaster, which will often bubble or peel away. This is especially damaging to ceiling lights and can cause shorts that permanently damage sockets and bulbs, leading to replacement work which can be costly and time consuming.
ACTION: Immediately contact a professional team and arrange a survey to identify the source of the leak. Time is a factor here and the longer you wait, the more damage will be done.
Mould: While the immediate damage from a leak can be addressed, your building can easily remain waterlogged and encourage the growth of moulds and mildews. This can quickly spread from your ceilings and walls into furniture, clothing and even put your personal health at risk. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from black mould, this will actively eat away at organic furnishings, items, and structural elements – which will require extensive and expensive treatment to fix.
ACTION: Black mould is relatively rare, but it is highly toxic to humans and animals. If you encounter it, always contact a professional removal and do not try and tackle it yourself.
If you are looking for Huddersfield or Wakefield roofing businesses to refit your property, please do not hesitate to contact our highly trained team directly and let us know exactly what you need to improve your property.
