How to Avoid Water Damage in Your Home

You may not think water damage is a big deal, but you would if it happened to your house. In the United States, 14,000 people experience a water damage emergency every day. And 98% of basements in the US will suffer from water damage at least once.

Water damage can be a costly issue for homeowners. A leaky pipe, a burst water heater, or even just plain old flooding can result in damages costing thousands of dollars. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to avoid water damage and keep your home safe from this type of disaster.

The following are some tips for homeowners who want to protect their property from water damages.

Add and Fix Downspouts

Downspout extensions are an inexpensive way of redirecting rainwater that falls on your roof before it hits the ground near or around your foundation.

If water pools on the roof, there’s a risk of leaking onto walls and interior spaces. Pooling also leaves gutters with less capacity for runoff, which can result in additional issues like flooding.

Some downspouts designs are also a problem. Downspouts that run perpendicular to the ground level next to the wall can cause rainwater gusts at high volumes. They will quickly erode the soil around your foundation, eventually leaking into your home through small cracks in the foundation.

How do you resolve this problem? First, make sure all downspouts are attached securely at both ends. Next, get rid of any debris in the pipe. Also, make sure the downspouts are directing water at least six feet away from your house.

Deal With Cracked or Broken Caulking

Caulking is another preventive measure against water damage.

Caulking is a type of sealant applied on a surface to fill cracks or gaps. It prevents water from seeping through and eventually causing damage to the interior of your home.

When it’s a nice day outside, spend some time checking out the exterior of your home for any signs of future problems. The first place you should always check is around your windows. Water can easily build up and start to leak through small cracks or missing caulk.

Don’t forget to look at other places like near doorways. Leaks from these areas could end up costing a lot in repairs.

Grade the Soil Around Your Home

Grading the soil around a home is an excellent way to protect it from water damage. Soil is like a sponge- if the ground around your home becomes too saturated, water will flow into the foundation of your house.

Take care when grading soil so that there are no dips where rainwater might pool up. The ground should slant away from the house to prevent water from pooling.

You should pack down the soil so the water drains away quickly instead of soaking into it. In addition, proper soil grading will help to stop soil erosion in your yard.

Check the Roof Before Water Damage Occurs

Inspecting the roof is one of the most important things homeowners can do to protect their homes from water damage.

The first thing a homeowner should look for is any signs of water leaks or infiltration, like stains on ceilings and walls. If these are present, there may be an issue with your roof that needs fixing before it causes more serious problems.

Also, look for moss and other dangers that may be lurking underneath shingles.

A professional inspection by a certified contractor will help identify if repairs need to be made immediately or potentially in the future. Be sure to keep track of when you inspect. It will help you to know how often your property requires inspections.

Check Gutters for Clogs and Overflow

While checking the roof, also examine the gutters for issues such as clogged drains or overflowing. Clogged gutters can cause water to leak into a home and lead to mold or structural problems. Fixing these problems will cost more in both time and money than simply cleaning the gutter out.

Cleaning them just once every few months could save thousands of dollars that go into water damage restoration. So, it’s important that we all take care of this crucial step.

Ice dams on your gutters can cause a lot of damage. To prevent this, take precautions like clearing out ice dams as soon as they start to form. Also, add better protection around the perimeter of your house’s roof to prevent water backup.

Check for Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing fixtures in your home can cause water damage. To avoid this, make sure to check for plumbing leaks periodically.

One of the easiest ways homeowners can find out if there are leaks in their plumbing is by looking at their water bill for unusual spikes in consumption.

Sometimes it might be difficult to identify what’s causing water damage from within walls or hidden areas like under sinks. In such cases, have a professional inspect your property as soon as you notice any potential signs of leakage.

Investigating these issues further will prevent serious problems like mold growth and structural integrity, and more. Keep in mind that the longer you leave the problem untreated, the more extensive water damage repair you’ll face. You end up with higher costs in terms of labor and materials.

Install and Maintain the Sump Pump

A sump pump is a device that pumps water out of your basement or crawlspace to prevent flooding. It’s important to install one if you have any water seepage in these areas. It can also act as an active preventive measure against flooding.

The idea behind the installation is pretty simple. When excess water starts accumulating and reaches a certain level, the pump automatically turns on and starts pumping out the water. So, the water doesn’t cause damage elsewhere in your home due to leaks or floods.

Avoid Water Damage by Taking Preventive Measures

When it comes to water damage, prevention is the best medicine. Take a few simple precautions, and you’ll be able to avoid costly repairs or replacements later on down the road.

While many factors can contribute to water damage, the most important thing you can do is act quickly. If your home has experienced flooding or excessive moisture, call professionals for help right away.

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