Water. It is absolutely essential for all life on earth. What you may not realize is that it is one of the most destructive forces on earth as well. Water causes more damage to property than anything else, far beyond when, insects, animals, mould, or any other force.
In your home, water can do a significant amount of damage, and it does not have to occur from a broken pipe or someone leaving the water running. It can occur from normal, everyday practices, and is why houses are built to ensure that they protect from potential water damage.
The Use of the Waterstop Angle
One of these ways that water is controlled is through the use of a waterstop angle. If you are unfamiliar with this term, it is a means that is used to prevent moisture from leaving your shower or other similar area.
Let’s explain that a little clear. If you have a stand-up shower, there is likely a small “lip” that extends a few millimetres up from the edge of your shower where you would go out into the remaining part of your bathroom. For some showers, this lip can be as tall as 10 or 12 cm. However, for many, there is a waterstop that keeps water inside the shower, creating a maximum level where water is retained before it will overflow out into the space.
Some find this waterstop a nuisance. They stub their toe or trip over it at times, but it is important to help keep water from flowing into your bathroom. The last thing you want is for your bathroom fixtures or cabinets to get damaged because of water build-up. This waterstop helps to prevent that from occurring by allowing you to take a shower without water flowing into the main part of your bathroom.
It Is Essential
This waterstop is essential for several reasons. The first is that it prevents water from accumulating inside the main part of your bathroom. This has already been established. However, by doing so, it prevents you from having to pay excessive repair or replacement costs.
Water damage can lead to mould and mildew, which poses a serious health risk to you and your family. The problem with mould and mildew is that you do not need a continuous problem with water getting into your walls are underneath your flooring for this to accumulate. All it takes is for one or two instances where water has permeated the wood or flooring and has been allowed to remain on drought and you may soon find yourself with an outbreak of mould.
Other Areas for Problems
One thing to keep in mind is that a waterstop is not just important for your bathroom. In fact, it is essential for any place where water may build-up, including your roof. This is true for both commercial and residential properties, where a flat roof is used.
While these may look great and are structurally sound, they also allow water to build up, and the waterstop can be essential in helping to prevent water from leaking through pipes and fixtures that extend from the house through the roof. You want to make sure that you have hired a quality professional that will not only install a proper roof but do so protecting from water build-up.