How Deck Leaks Can Be Detrimental to Your Health

Homeowners know that deck leaks is one of the worst things that can happen to your deck. One of the main reasons for this is that when there are leaks, it means that there is likely water damage. Not only is fixing water damage expensive, it can also be detrimental to your health. Make sure that you have a plan when it comes to protection against a leaky deck. 

If your deck has started to leak, it is likely that there has been some water damage for a while. With prolonged exposure to water, it is likely that there might be some mold or mildew that is present, which can lead to safety concerns. Mold and mildew can have negative effects on people, especially those who are highly sensitive. Mold and mildew can cause congestion, inflammations and over prolonged exposure can even cause asthma. Mold spores can also create allergic reaction and if left untreated can even led to more serious health concerns. A leaky deck can also be a fire hazard if there are electrical wires nearby. If the water happens to come in contact with a wire, it may cause an electrical fire.

Another concern that comes from a leaky deck is that it can bring about termites. Once the deck is exposed to moisture, it opens the way for termites to get into the affected areas of the wood. Once the termites are in, they can easily nest and get to other areas of your home. When your deck isn’t waterproofed, another safety concern is the accidents that may occur from slipping on wet decks. Often, water proof coatings can add traction to the wood, making it less likely for slips to occur. A final concern is that when there are deck leaks, it can also weaken the integrity of a the deck. If there are specific planks of wood that have been affected with dry rot, it is possible to even put your foot through a rotted panel. In order to avoid these safety concerns, make sure you keep your deck waterproofed.