4 Ways Water Can Damage Buildings

Water damage is one of the most common problems that affect buildings. There are various ways that water can damage your property, whether instantly or over time. Looking after your home or business requires regular inspections of the building to ensure any damage from water can be identified and dealt with quickly. It can be helpful to know about some of the ways that water can damage buildings, since it makes it easier to look out for potential issues. Here are some of the common ways that water can damage buildings.

1. Poor Ventilation

Hot water being used inside a building will create steam, which can lead to damp and water damage if there is nowhere for it to go. Whether you’re taking a hot shower, making plenty of hot drinks in the office, or running a relaxing bath, ventilation is needed to make sure as much steam as possible can leave the property. If it is not able to get out somewhere, the evaporation from the water will travel to the coldest parts of the property – often those which are in the corners, near the windows, and around the entrances. 

2. Damage from Rain

As well as water that you use inside your home, water from outside can also lead to damage in your property. This can occur particularly when there is heavy rainfall and depending on the layout of your building. If the building is situated somewhere where there is a lot of rainfall regularly, or where your home is positioned in a way that takes a lot of the impact, you will have to look out for signs of water damage to the foundations of your property and other areas. It can be helpful to invest in air permeable membrane barriers from WR Meadows to help secure the property against water leakages. 

3. Salt Damage

This type of damage is most common for buildings which are situated near water and coastlines. Salty water can erode parts of the property in a different way, by gradually impacting the integrity of the building. Damage from salt may also occur when salt is used to combat the effects of wet and cold weather. When there is heavy rainfall or snowfall, many people use salt to help prevent against slipping and help to absorb the water. However, salt itself can also cause damage to your building, particularly over a longer period of time.

4. Weakened Structures 

When a property is exposed to water leaks and humidity over a period of time, this can weaken the structures and cause damage to the building. Mold is likely to gather over time, and damp in the property can lead to leaks, breakages, and further damage in parts of the building. Repairing any water damage in the building is essential to help preserve the life of your property.

Although it is such an essential part of life, there are many ways that water can impact your property. Taking time to inspect regularly and making sure the building is secure can help to prevent water damage.