Located in Brevard County, Melbourne, FL is so close to the ocean that you can smell the salt in the air. During hurricane season, you know how to protect your home, but you probably also rely on your foundation. Most Melbourne houses are built on a slab foundation that consists of a large piece of poured concrete that supports the weight of the structure. When you see water around the slab, it’s time to look at the potential dangers and damage it can do.

Signs of a Slab Leak

Before you call for foundation services such as leak detection, it’s helpful to look for signs of a leak. You’ll often find spots and stains caused by water, especially on your floor. This happens when the leak is so large that the water rises to reach the floor. Many people also hear a dripping noise caused by the leak or notice that their floors swell. A slab leak will usually cause your water bills to rise, too. Read on to learn about the three dangers of a slab leak.

1. Structural Damage

The biggest danger that a slab leak poses to your home is structural damage. Those leaks can slowly weaken the integrity of the concrete and cause it to fail. Left untreated for months, the leak can cause your foundation to shift. During hurricane season in Melbourne, high winds can give your home the extra push it needs to slide off its foundation.

2. Damage to Your Yard

Living in Melbourne gives you the chance to create a beautiful garden filled with native plants such as phlox and cacti. You may even add a swimming pool as a way to beat the heat. Keep in mind that a slab leak can cause a lot of damage to your yard. The leak may produce so much water that it flows out into your yard and drowns your favorite flowers and plants. That excess water can also flood your yard and damage the structure of your pool.

3. Health Concerns

Another danger associated with a slab leak is an overall concern for your health. The humidity in Melbourne combined with the dark environment created by the leak turns your home into the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Simply inhaling the spores produced by mold can make you feel sick. Those who have allergies and similar conditions will likely experience even more side effects. The presence of mold can cause respiratory problems and lead to asthma attacks.

At Leak1, we know that you have concerns about the safety of your home and family, which is why we don’t want you to wait. If you see any signs of a slab leak in Melbourne, reach out to us for leak detection and assessment.