4 Points to Protecting Your Home Against Cracks and Leaks

No-one wants to have to handle cracked walls or leaky ceilings, particularly if they own the property and are responsible for the repairs. It can be an expensive problem and one that you can actually help prevent if you know a few of the techniques. Read on for some guidance on Protecting Your Home Against Cracks and Leaks, a list from a pile foundations company in the UK.

Firstly, you need to keep an eye on your home as much as you can because cracks and leaks don’t just appear overnight; there will be tell-tale signals. The sooner you spot these signs, the simpler and more affordable it will be to repair and renovate. Here are some of the warnings:

• Your windows get stuck when you try to open them
• Your doors either jam shut or open on their own
• Your walls are starting to crack where they meet the ceiling, or near doors and windows
• Your driveway and/or patio are also showing signs of cracking

Check Foundations

To put it simply, these problems start to make themselves known when there’s an issue with the foundations of the building. Occasionally, during warmer weather, the soil dries up and shrinks which can cause the foundations of a building to move into the newfound space. Equally, when soil becomes too wet after severe rainfall it expands and puts too much pressure on the walls.

Durable Drainage

With this in mind, aim to stop water from pooling near your property by installing a suitable drainage system. You will need to check this on a regular basis, in addition to the guttering around your home, to ensure they don’t become blocked with leaves or other types of debris.

Sprinkle to Stop Shrinking

When the weather is warmer, make sure to invest in a sprinkler so that you can keep the ground moist and prevent it from shrinking. You should also refrain from planting any big trees near to your home because they will absorb any residual moisture in the soil; plus, the roots can inflict mayhem.

Proof the Roof

It’s not just the foundations of your buildings that can lead to leaks. You should examine your roof every now and again to make sure there are no missing or broken shingles. If there are, swap them as soon as you can. In addition, if you do happen to spot any cracks or leaks in your home, be sure to get them repaired as soon as possible so that they don’t lead to mould and rot.