Why Does My House Smell Musty When I Turn on My Swamp Cooler?
If your home smells musty, moldy, or damp every time you turn on your swamp cooler, it’s easy to assume the cooler itself needs cleaning or maintenance. While dirty cooling pads, stagnant water, or neglected maintenance can certainly create unpleasant odors, they’re not the only possible causes. In many New Mexico homes, the source of…
Read MoreWhat Happens When a Swamp Cooler Constantly Leaks on a Roof?
A swamp cooler that leaks constantly can cause much more roof damage than an ordinary rainstorm. Rain normally stops, drains away, and gives the roof time to dry. A leaking evaporative cooler may release water onto the same small area day and night, leaving shingles, membranes, flashings, insulation, and roof decking continuously wet. Over time,…
Read MoreWhat Causes Ponding Water on a Flat Roof in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, if you’ve ever looked at your flat roof a day or two after a rainstorm and noticed puddles of water still sitting on the surface, you’re not alone. Ponding water is one of the most common concerns property owners have about flat roofing systems, especially in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and throughout New…
Read MoreWhy Do Flat Roofs Fail and How Can They Be Repaired?
Flat roofs most commonly fail because of poor drainage, ponding water, UV deterioration, thermal movement, failed flashings, membrane punctures, open seams, damaged coatings, wet insulation, storm damage, poor installation, and neglected maintenance. Not every flat-roof problem requires complete replacement. Many failures begin in one localized area and can be repaired when they are identified before…
Read MoreWhat Are the Risks of a Tar and Gravel Flat Roof?
Tar and gravel flat roofs can provide dependable weather protection for many years, but they also have several important disadvantages. Common risks include hidden membrane damage, difficult leak detection, ponding water, considerable roof weight, displaced gravel, deteriorating asphalt, flashing failures, and increasingly expensive repairs as the roof ages. These problems do not mean every tar…
Read MoreWhat Are the Most Common Flat Roof Problems in New Mexico?
The most common flat roof problems in New Mexico include ponding water, clogged drainage, ultraviolet deterioration, failed flashings, membrane punctures, open seams, cracked coatings, wind and hail damage, wet insulation, and leaks around rooftop equipment and other penetrations. Flat roofs in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and surrounding communities endure an unusual combination of intense sunlight, high…
Read MoreHow Quickly Can Mold Grow After a Swamp Cooler Leak?
Mold may begin developing relatively quickly when ceiling materials remain damp after a swamp cooler leak, but there is no exact countdown that applies to every building. The safest practical guideline is to dry water-damaged materials as quickly as possible—ideally within 24 to 48 hours. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that, in most cases,…
Read MoreCan a Flat Roof Leak Be Repaired Without Full Replacement?
Yes. Many flat roof leaks can be repaired without replacing the entire roof, especially when the damage is limited to one area and the surrounding membrane, insulation, flashings, drainage system, and roof deck remain in serviceable condition. A leak is a symptom. It is not a complete diagnosis of the roof. Water may be entering…
Read MoreWhy Do Flat Roofs Fail and How Can They Be Repaired?
Flat roofs most commonly fail because of poor drainage, ponding water, UV deterioration, thermal movement, failed flashings, membrane punctures, open seams, damaged coatings, wet insulation, storm damage, poor installation, and neglected maintenance. Not every flat-roof problem requires complete replacement. Many failures begin in one localized area and can be repaired when they are identified before…
Read MoreCan You Paint Over a Ceiling Water Stain or Do I Need to Replace the Drywall?
A brown or yellow ceiling water stain can make an otherwise clean room look neglected. It is understandable that many homeowners want to grab a can of stain-blocking primer, cover the discoloration, and move on. Sometimes that is an acceptable final repair. But painting should never be the first step. You may be able to…
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