How to protect landed property
If you live on landed property such as a bungalow, you are wholly responsible for the continued upkeep and maintenance of your home.
Even if you have no intentions of selling, making sure the interior and exterior of your home is free from things like algae, cracks and damp patches is important. For one thing, it is unhealthy to share living space with fungi.
These fungi can also cause immeasurable damage to your home and health if you fail to deal with them.
As Singapore is a humid and hot country with frequent showers, primary concerns would be cracks in the façade of a wall and of course water seepage. If water seepage is not stopped, you will inevitably face mold, fungi and mildew.
Here are some steps you can take to combat these problems;
• Roofs/terraces: Other than your pipes in the bathrooms and toilets, a common problem area would be on the terraces/roofs.
Clogging of the drain pipes, improperly fitted drain pipes, gaps between the slabs and even water accumulation can contribute to damp spots forming which leads to stains forming below the terrace/roof.
To waterproof the terraces, you'll need to purchase non-toxic waterproof sealant and seal all gaps in the slabs. You must also make sure the drains are unclogged frequently and that there are enough outlets for water to drain off. Doing so would also reduce the number of insects in your home.
As an additional measure, cover the entire terrace with damp proof paint for maximum security.
Please do not attempt to do this yourself unless you are a trained professional. A contractor on the other hand will know exactly what to do.
• Walls: Cracks can appear in the walls after they've been battered by rain and worn down by the heat. There are a variety of paints and sealants that can minimise this. They may be a costlier option in the beginning but will save you more money in the future.
When cracks and fissures open up on the walls, it gives mold and mildew a chance to grow. Water that seeps in will also invariably damage the structure, causing more problems in the future.
When this happens, seal it up with appropriate sealant and coat the walls with damp proof paint. When it comes to painting the walls, you could probably do this yourself and with the help of your family.
There are other areas in the home you need to waterproof. This includes doors and windows and pipes and drains in the kitchen/bathroom/toilet.
A contractor or waterproof expert will be able to provide you with services to prevent such problems from occurring.
Written by: Christopher Chitty