Owning a property can have a major impact on your financial well-being, so it is vital to look past the cosmetics of the property and get down to the integrity of the components that make up the property. On the surface, a home could be stunning, but there might be underlying issues that, if overlooked, could cost you a lot to repair. Moisture intrusion can be one of the most destructive and expensive problems.
Unfortunately, water doesn’t always just drip straight down. It will “run” along horizontal surfaces and can often cause lots of damage in places you wouldn’t expect. Common places to find moisture intrusion is often under hardwood floors, walls, tiled surfaces, etc., all of which will need to be pulled out, replaced and then refinished if not caught early.
Moisture intrusion is when water enters a building or a home, and is one of the most significant factors affecting the durability of a building.
Building moisture can cause mould, fungal growth and other microbial contamination, as well as corrosion, decay, rot and other moisture-related deterioration. These issues can pose serious health risks for occupants, and will likely lead to costly repairs to correct the problems that first allowed moisture to invade the envelope.
Moisture problems are usually due to incorrect building practices for example builders that leave out the damp course when building, or causes like incorrect roofing practice. However, these problems can also start occurring when buildings are neglected and not maintained for long periods of time.
Buying a house with moisture problems can quickly become a big hassle when the rainy season arrives. Make sure you inspect before you buy.