● Kang Yongxin, General Manager of Da Xin Waterproof. Photo provided by Da Xin Waterproof
Currently, the renovation of dilapidated homes across Taiwan is in full swing. Many people are eagerly waiting for their old houses to be reconstructed. However, the problems such as leaking pipes, wall rot, and other issues are seriously affecting the quality of people’s living environment. This article will teach people how to solve the problem of leaking pipes in their homes. Common problems in older homes include leakage caused by prolonged use of equipment such as bathtubs, aging exterior wall plaster as a protective layer, and internal wall rot or water seepage due to the aging of the plaster filling the interior wall, window frame filler material aging causing internal frame wall rot or water seepage, water leakage caused by aging water pipes (especially in hot water pipes), drainage pipes that become clogged over time, resulting in poor drainage, pipes that deform due to temperature changes causing floor leaks, and aging roofing waterproofing layers that lead to ceiling seepage, wall rot, or steel reinforcement corrosion.
The benchmark for the domestic waterproofing industry—Da Xin Waterproof Expert Kong Yongxin—was interviewed and pointed out that when a home’s waterproofing system becomes outdated, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the waterproofing layer is defective. If a waterproofing layer needs to be repaired, it requires first removing the equipment or removing the existing tiles, re-applying the waterproofing layer, and testing the problem to ensure it is not a defect. After that, the subsequent renovation can be resumed. However, if there is a wall cancer problem, it is because water vapor has accumulated in the wall for a long time, causing the wall cancer to develop. This is also not necessarily caused by a defective waterproofing layer; if it needs to be improved, it requires removing the mud and applying the waterproofing layer on the concrete surface before continuing with the renovation. However, if the exterior wall needs to be constructed, it must be erected from the ground floor. If the homeowner disagrees, it is recommended to apply the waterproofing from the inside.
In the window leakage part, it is usually caused by the filler material in the outer frame or cracks around the window frame, but because the window frame can leak water in many different ways, it is recommended that a professional window and door construction company be consulted to achieve the best solution. The leakage caused by aging and deformation of the water pipes is the responsibility of the water and electricity installation company. After the old water and electricity pipes are removed, it is recommended to have a waterproof contractor repair the pipes. If the old water and electricity pipes are torn down, it is suggested that a waterproof contractor be called to install a waterproof layer to prevent future leakage caused by damage to the waterproofing layer. Finally, regarding the aging of the roof waterproofing layer, it is necessary to first remove the existing mud and tiles and re-apply the waterproofing layer, then conduct water tests. The test time should be at least 72 hours. If the homeowner has more time to spare, of course it is more secure, but because the waterproofing layer is most vulnerable to the sun, it is recommended not to exceed a month of testing to avoid problems caused by sun exposure.
Original website address:Old house leaks are a real nuisance; experts teach you how to waterproof it.