The interior window sill and wall paint have peeled off, and prolonged exposure to moisture or rain has caused the surface cement to form long white fibers, white flakes, and crystalline structures. (Photo provided by Shinyei Housing)
Old apartments often face a variety of problems such as water leakage and wall mold. Leakage prevention experts recommend that homeowners proactively check their homes and areas prone to water leakage, such as bathrooms, kitchens, door frames, window frames, ceilings, and other areas, before the rainy season arrives; and outdoors, pay attention to the roof, exterior walls, balconies, and flower beds. The experts point out that by performing proper leakage waterproofing and commissioning professional contractors to handle the waterproofing work, prevention is better than cure, allowing homeowners to enjoy a refreshing rainy season. Therefore, it is necessary to first assess whether the following conditions exist in the home.
● Pay attention to drainage in the bathroom.
First, there is waterlogging in the bathroom due to cracks in the bathroom floor or defects in the tiles, poor waterproofing around the drainage pipes, and waterlogging at the bottom of the bathtub. It is advisable to use materials that are resistant to moisture and water degradation. The water-proof layer of the threshold must be higher than the finished surface of the tiles; the wall water-proof layer should be 120 centimeters above the ground.
● Choose waterproof materials for balconies
Regarding terrace leakage, the waterproof and protective layer on the terrace is exposed to the elements for an extended period, which can easily cause water pressure from accumulated water to cause structural cracking and seam-type deterioration of the floor structure. It is recommended to use waterproof materials that are resistant to moisture and have a good elongation rate; it is best to choose those with a higher acrylic resin content.
● Wood floors are susceptible to moisture
Indoor floor moisture infiltration is actually the most susceptible material to moisture. When encountering moisture infiltration, even if it causes water to seep into the floor, quickly remove the furniture and avoid stepping on it to quickly drain the water from the floor surface. If the moisture infiltration occurs near the bathroom, it may be caused by a leaking bathroom plumbing system. Before laying new tiles, take proper measures to waterproof the area. First, apply elastic cement to the construction area and follow the instructions on the material’s usage and surface treatment to ensure the material’s full functionality.
Bathroom exterior walls leak water, usually due to poor waterproofing construction or aging waterproofing layers. The main treatment is to re-waterproof the bathroom; oil paint generally cannot solve the wall cancer problem.
● The bathroom and toilet should be treated with anti-mold agents.
In particular, the kitchen and bathroom areas with the highest humidity in the home, due to frequent and excessive water usage, can easily cause mold growth in the tile seams and silicone adhesive strips that secure the kitchen and bathroom fixtures. In addition to re-applying silicone adhesive, using a dedicated mold removal agent to form a long-lasting protective film can also prevent the growth of mold; the most commonly overlooked areas are air conditioning and washing machines. It is recommended that they be disassembled and cleaned by a professional cleaner once a year to disinfect them and thoroughly eliminate bacteria and mold, leaving the damp and humid space fresh and free from any burden.
The leaky window frame may be caused by aging of the seams; it is advisable to replace the windows with new ones. (Photo: Supplied by Shin Yi Housing)
The above article was reprinted from the World Journal.