Potential Water Damage

Tile and natural stone, as well as grout and caulking are often utilized in areas where water is present. If installed and maintained properly they create a water proof area keeping moisture contained. Other materials such as stainless steel and plastic also offer these protections however do not have the eye appeal that tile and natural stone offer.

The problem is when the tile and stone are not properly installed and, equally important, maintained. If left unchecked instead of being watertight they will allow water to seep into and behind walls, ceilings and floors. In addition to the, afore mentioned, mold issues, this could lead to costly damage.

First the water will weaken the adhesive used to secure the tile in place, causing the tiles to become loose. Eventually the actual wall, floor and ceiling, the tile is attached to, will start to break down weakening the whole structure.

In addition to the unsightliness this causes, water will then seep through to other parts of the apartment or home. This will cause not only additional health hazards but also costly repairs in those areas. Since water can run across beams, inside the walls, ceiling and floor, the damage could appear in areas far from the initial source of the problem. This is why sometimes an apartment or home will find water damage on part of a ceiling that does not have water access directly above it.

Anyone who owns a condo or co-op knows that any damage caused to another abode is their responsibility. So something as simple as keeping a strong fresh bead of caulk in joints and angles could essentially save you thousands of dollars.