When you live in a clean home that's free from damp, life is easier. Aside from producing musty odours, damp could contribute to poor health. Those who suffer from certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma, might find they're more prone to attacks when they don't benefit from waterproofing. If you suspect you need to waterproof exterior walls, it's a good idea to look out for certain signs.

There's a white chalky substance on your walls

One of the lesser known signs of damp is efflorescence. As a white and chalky substance that appears on walls and floors, it certainly looks odd but may not trigger thoughts of waterproofing in your mind. It starts to gather when water that infiltrates your exterior walls dries and leaves salt behind after interacting with your bricks. Although it won't cause structural damage, it should prompt you to waterproof your home's exterior surfaces.

Water stains you can't explain

In some cases, water stains arise after a shower, washing machine or pipe leaks. However, such stains will arise below or around the structure in question. When you're not sure that you can explain a stain using the suspicion that an indoor device is leaking, consider whether you need waterproofing. Such stains may appear anywhere in your home, and they could also act as an indicators that the structures behind them are weakening.

Hairline cracks start appearing

When damp gets the better of your property and weakens its structure, you might start to notice hairline cracks. You're more likely to notice them around areas such as windows and doors, as these are areas that undergo structural manipulation to exist. Additionally, if damp is rising from your basement, you could notice them on the floor. When you see a crack, ask a waterproofing expert to perform an assessment. In addition to recommending that you waterproof your exterior walls, they may ask you to approach a building professional.

The signs of mould start appearing

From its tell-tale musty odour to its obvious appearance, mould makes its presence known in a number of ways. Once it starts to appear, responding immediately provides you with your best chance of resolving the issue. To prevent it from happening again, consider detecting potential plumbing issues, ensure your windows do their job, and use external waterproofing.

Once you externally waterproof your home, you prevent an array of common issues that come with damp. Living in a dry home reduces your risk of certain health issues and could increase the resale value of your home.