Will a Dehumidifier Get Rid of Damp in My Home?

Not enough emphasis is placed on just how serious damp problems are. If you have damp and mould growth in your home, your health could be in serious trouble. Apart from the health-related risks that accompany mould growth, you might have to throw out most of your linen and even some of your furniture. An even bigger issue is that damp can cause structural damage to your home due to rot. Damp and mould growth is no joke and should be taken seriously.

Everyday Causes of Damp in Your Home

Damp is caused condensation produced by various day to day tasks like cooking without, hanging wet laundry inside, taking long hot showers and insufficient ventilation due to closed windows and doors.

Damp can also be caused by improper or non-existent damp proofing during the construction of your property. Any type of moisture build-up is bad and should be dealt with as soon as possible.

How to Get Rid of Damp in Your Home

If you’re wondering whether fixing a damp problem is as simple as investing in a dehumidifier, then we have some bad news. While a dehumidifier might help with condensation created by daily tasks, it will not sort out an existing damp problem like rising or penetrating damp.

To repair those, you’ll need to hire a damp proofing specialist to perform various tasks such as inspecting and determining the type of damp, drilling holes in the affected area, applying a dampproof course, replastering etc.

This process might seem daunting but sorting out your damp problem is key to protect yourself and your loved ones. The team at HydroStop SA isn’t only reliable and affordable but we try to make the process as pleasant for you as possible.

For more information or a quote for damp proofing Johannesburg and surrounds, get in touch with the team today!

Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks and What to Do About It

Let’s face it, it’s no fun having to run for a bucket every time it starts to rain. Having to stay on top of the weather forecast just to prevent serious water damage is simply annoying and impractical. Even if the leak seems small, it could be a sign of a bigger issue. Either way, it will cost you money.

In an effort to save you money on your biggest investment – your home – we’ve created a list of the top 3 causes of roof leaks and what you can do about it. No matter the age of your roof, knowing what to look out for will always come in handy.  It could mean the difference between a roof replacement and a quick repair.

Blocked Gutters

If you can see leaves sticking out of your gutters, the cause is obvious. If you don’t notice any leaves but find a lack of water flowing out of the downspout during a rainstorm, you’re probably facing clogged gutters. Since gutters are supposed to help water travel away from the roof, a blocked gutter will stop the free flow and water will accumulate in one area. This might cause water to seep through the cracks and enter your home.

Broken or Missing Shingles

Broken shingles are easy to spot since they are the exterior layer of the roof. Missing shingles can be identified through patches on the roof that vary in colour. The elements of mother nature, like high winds and heavy rainstorms, are the number one culprit for broken or missing shingles which is why regular roof maintenance is a must for every homeowner.

Skylights Not Installed Properly

Skylights are an excellent solution to adding more natural light to your home but if not installed properly can become a major problem. If you notice wet spots around your skylights, you’ve found the cause of your leak. That said, leaks near the top of your skylight might indicate a flashing issue instead. Measuring and fitting skylights improperly during installation might be one reason or damaged insulation around the skylight’s edges.

My Roof Is Leaking What Should I Do

You have two options when it comes to fixing roof leaks. You can either attempt doing it yourself or you could hire a professional to do it for you. If you’re not clued up with home renovations, the latter would be your best bet. If you want to avoid roof leaks altogether, you might want to consider hiring someone that specialises in roof waterproofing.

For reliable and affordable waterproofing services in Johannesburg and surrounding areas, speak to the team at HydroStop SA today!