Water damage is one of the most feared things that can happen in a home. Pretty much everything about is degrading to your home structure. It can weaken the foundation and the very core of a home. The effects on structural integrity are very challenging to deal with.
If the water damages are associated with septic tanks or contaminated waters, you can pay as much as thousands of dollars. Water seeps into the wood floorings, windows, and doors. If not removed immediately it can result in mold growth.
Understanding the risks is important to take effective control measures. In the case of natural flooding, hire the best company for emergency water damage restoration.
Here is a guide for you with the top 8 tips to prevent water damage to your home. Taking preventive measures always pays off!
1. Attend to Roof Gutters
The primary purpose of roof gutters is to take the excess rainwater away from the roof. The same system can be the reason for doom (figuratively). If it is clogged with debris or leaves, the water flow is affected. The blockage can result in water retention on the roof. If you want to avoid water damages to your roof, it is best to attend to roof gutters regularly. Install roof gutters to make things easier with you.
2. Fix Cracked Caulking
Inspect your home for any missed or cracked caulking. Repairing the cracks only takes about one hour but the benefits go a long way. All you need is a caulking material and gun. The leaks around the windows and doors can be fixed before they provide an entryway to the water. Pay attention to the window casings as they can hold water.
3. Pay Attention to Exterior Soil
The exterior soil can play a vital role in keeping the water away from your house. Ideally, the exterior soil should be inclined as it nears and touches the walls. If there is no inclination, the water can pool around the house foundation and affect its integrity.
The best way to ensure a safe exterior is to grade the soil. Re-grading the soil around the exterior takes only a few hours. All you need is a shovel and rake. Make sure the soil is packed so that water does not soak into it.
4. Regular Roof Inspections
Water damages can get pretty extensive and expensive. More than often, the house roof is the culprit of these water damages. You must have heard about the roof leaks getting worse over time. The roof leaks can ruin the interior paint.
If you have wooden floors, the water damages are much more degrading. The only way to prevent such damages is to inspect your roof regularly. If there are any missing or broken shingles, get it replaced.
Your roof gutters can also be indicative of roof damages. Finding a lot of loose granules in your roof gutters indicates that the shingles are worn out and old. It is time to hire roof replacement services. Delaying the roof repairs is very risky.
5. Check the Downspouts
Downspouts are a crucial part of the water drainage system. The downspouts that end perpendicular to the ground run a risk of thrusting water on to the ground. Rainwater pushed in high volumes can erode the exterior soil. Make sure they are not delivering water to the foundations. When you are repairing the downspouts, be very careful about the ladder placement.
6. Keep Up with Drains
The plumbing system of your home should be in a healthy condition. Plumbing leaks are the second most common cause of water damages at home. A leak in kitchen pipes can flow tons of water within a few hours. Imagine leaving your home for work and returning home with water flowing in your home. It is scary, right?
Inspect the under sinks and garbage disposal units. The best way is to keep a regular schedule. Keeping a routine makes cleaning and repair work easy and quick.
7. Manage the Landscape
It rarely comes to mind that your trees can mess with your house and result in water damage in any way There are two ways it can. If the tree branches are touching the roof, high impact winds can break off the shingles. The branches can also house pests that can damage the roof. Both of these factors can result in water leaks.
Trees can also damage the underground plumbing system. The roots of trees can wrap around the pipes and creak them.
8. Check Appliances Regularly
Your house appliances such as washer and dryer may also be the cause. As soon as you find them leaking hire technicians for repairs. Hire professional water damage restoration services to cover the problems before they get worse.