Blog Layout

WHAT HAZARDS MIGHT BE SNEAKING INTO YOUR HOME?

websitebuilder • Sep 23, 2021

Your home is a haven from the outside world; however, many problems can arise, especially if you neglect to maintain your amenities. This neglect can lead to expensive problems inside the home and possible health risks. If you would like to know more, check out these three dangers that may be sneaking inside your home.

1. Water

There are many ways rainwater can get inside your home. One way is through the roof. If the roof hasn't been maintained or has sustained damage, water can slip past the shingles and waterproof membrane. The leak will likely start to damage your attic, including the drywall, wood, and insulation.

It can also get inside through the crawlspace. This is especially problematic if the groundwater rises. It can rise so far that the crawlspace starts to flood. So even if the water isn't draining into the crawlspace, it can flood. You can fix this in a few ways. You can encapsulate the crawlspace to waterproof it, or you can install a sump pump to help relocate the excess water.

If there is a lot of standing water around your foundation, this can be problematic too. You can fix this by installing better drainage and using special chemical treatments to protect the cement from the dangers of water and erosion. If your basement still seems to flood frequently, it may be time to consider a drain tile system.

2. Mold and Pests

All that excess moisture can make your home look gross, but it can also promote the growth of mold, and it can attract pests. Mold thrives in moist environments like a leaky attic or a dark crawlspace. Mold smells and can make your home look dirty, but it can also pose health risks. Even if the mold isn't toxic, it may cause mild cold-like symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, sore throat, and coughing.

It's practically impossible to keep mold spores out of your house. They come in through open windows and even hitch rides on your skin and clothing. Therefore, it's of the utmost importance to reduce the moisture so the mold spores can't take hold and start to thrive.

Besides mold, however, pests also like moisture, and like mold, they can cause health issues. However, unlike mold, pests can carry certain diseases, such as Lyme disease, rabies, and the Zika virus. Cockroaches can lead to an allergic reaction in some people, and all pests leave droppings and dead bodies that give off dangerous chemicals.

Once pests are inside, the only way to get rid of them is with an exterminator, so it's best to prevent them in the first place.

3. Radon

You are exposed to radon more often than you think. It's a gas that naturally comes from the ground due to decaying uranium and other radioactive elements. However, in most cases, this gas is expelled in micro amounts that quickly dissipate to cause no lasting harm. When you stick a house over it, however, the gasses get trapped in the house.

Over time, this can lead to a dangerous buildup of radon. The main risk of radon exposure is lung cancer. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer (after smoking). You can perform tests to determine how much radon you have in your home. You can prevent radon and eliminate radon build-up with a radon mitigation system. It's also a good idea to keep a radon monitor in the house.

Your home is supposed to protect you, but water, mold, pests, and radon can still pose problems, especially if you aren't well prepared. If you are sick of endangering your home and your health, it's time to take action. At Rite-Way Waterproofing, we have many services to protect your home. For more information, contact us today.

< Older Post Newer Post >