Empty partitions and sidings are one of the most popular and inexpensive choices in giving your home a protective exterior that can withstand high winds, heavy rain, and in some cases, debris that’s propelled at high speeds. Not to mention, some sidings are an excellent way for your home to look classy.
Although the number of cases is rare, heavy rain or structural damages can cause water to seep through towards your wall’s hollow cavity. There will be walls that are not necessarily 100% watertight, which is why we have to be vigilant that water does not seep inside our walls.
Water might not seem like a harmful element, but over time, it can erode, cause rusting, and deteriorate supporting structures if left unchecked.
But right before we can look into the right tools for repairing your walls, we have to be vigilant of the early signs of damage.
Signs of Water Damage
Water might not seem much when it’s flowing across your roof or when it’s on your gutters, but it can be one of the top causes for damage in building materials. If water does get inside your walls, you’ll be able to see the following signs of damage.
Rotting Walls
Usually, fungi grow in moist and damp environments. The interior lining of a hollow wall is a prime place for this type of fungi to appear. While it might seem like mildews are just unsightly inconveniences, it can still compromise the integrity of your walls. While most mildews can be addressed, it’s essential not to get it to the point that your walls will need to be replaced.
Nesting Pests
The hollow nature of these walls is a prime place for these pests to breed in. If the water becomes trapped inside these walls, this can provide a form of sustenance for these insects. If you ever observe a spike in pests inside your home, it’s highly advised that you commission a pest controller to find the next of these pests as soon as possible.
Mud and Dirt
One of the most obvious signs that there’s water trapped inside your walls is that there’s a mix of dirt and water flowing outwards from the wall. If water seeps into your home’s flooring, this could erode and compromise the integrity of your home’s foundation.
Buckled Walls
Usually, water will bring about fluctuations in temperature. While most building materials are resistant to temperature expansion, some can’t handle extreme temperatures. These warped walls could lead to a cascade of other walls in your home, falling into the same shape.
Preventive Measures
For the most part, water being trapped in these hollowed walls is usually caused by leaks from your roof or from the wall itself. It’s always a good practice to prevent such damages from happening in the first place. What are some excellent ways of preventing these issues?
Dry Lining Tools
First and foremost, dry lining tools are one of the best ways of sealing off leaks and damages for walls and ceilings. By plastering the interiors of your walls and your ceiling, water won’t be able to seep through and get trapped in hard-to-reach corners of your calls.
Caulking Tools
Caulking is also another plausible way of fixing leaks. However, you have to be aware of what type of walls you’re using. If you have wooden or vinyl walls, it’s not recommended that you caulk since these sidings are susceptible to the effects of temperature fluctuations, which might lead to warping.
House Wraps Behind Your Walls
Since most walls are not 100% watertight, most builders will make it a habit to install house wrapping right behind hollow walls. House wrap is specifically designed to prevent air and water leaks that seep past the vinyl siding. Primarily, house wrap will serve as a waterproof barrier that will prevent water from seeping inside your walls and your home’s foundation.
Professional Supervision
Most of the time, an individual won’t have the entire day to work on their home’s walls. If you’re not sure about what you have to be doing, you can always ask for a siding professional’s help. Doing so will help expedite the process while mitigating any mistakes and potential damages.
To make things short, investing in water protection or having the right tools for the job can help mitigate any water damages to your walls. You might have to spend more to maintain your walls, but it is a better investment than having to spend on repairs. It’s also an excellent choice to have professional supervision to help you with your repairs and preparations.
