Ask any homeowner or tenant what is one of the worst issues that can affect a property and water leaks and dampness will be near the top of the list.
It doesn’t matter how the water gets in, it could be from a blocked gutter, roof leak, plumbing issue or rising damp – whatever it is, the impact is huge. Water leaks damage or ruin décor and possessions and even simple damp will lead to mouldy clothes, shoes and furnishings and even illness and breathing issues.
It’s a common issue, especially in rental property which tend to be flats with less ventilation. If you think your home might be affected here’s some things you can do to sort it.
- Work out the source of the problem. If it’s a water pipe, switch off the supply at the stopcock. If it’s rain coming in, find out where if you can. Sometimes it’s simply a blocked gutter or piece of missing pointing.
- If you are a tenant, inform your landlord or agent immediately.
- If you can, move items away from the affected area.
- Ventilate well. Open windows and if you can, borrow a dehumidifier to begin a drying process.
- If necessary, inform your insurer. Usually a landlord covers the building itself and the tenant the contents.
- Get the cause of the leak fixed.
- If you have cavity walls make sure you get them checked. If the insulation has become wet it will make it almost impossible to dry the property effectively, it will need to be removed.
- Once you have quotes, try to get the work started as soon as you can before mould begins to appear.
- If mould does take hold, employ a specialist contractor to treat it effectively.
- Finally, have a look around your property. Might a similar problem happen again? Now’s the time to carry out preventative repairs.
Once everything is complete, don’t forget to update your property inventory/schedule of condition – a company such as Exact Sussex will carry out an update from just £40 and it will avoid any disputes at the end of the tenancy.
Cavitech carry out free surveys and happily give any advice needed – if you need us, please get in touch.