One of the most common, annoying, and costliest disasters any home can experience is water damage, costing millions and billions of dollars yearly. What’s funny about it is that it isn’t a seasonal hazard, which means it can take place in your house at any moment. While many house owners set aside savings for their home’s routine upkeep or rainy day funds, water damage repairs are not usually something they budget for.
So now, we’ll discuss some simple methods to save your house and wallet from the dangers of water damage.
Five Simple Tips to Protect Your House From Water Damage
Even a small amount of water can be a perpetrator of considerable damage to your home. When water finds its way into a property through a dripping pipe, basement, roof, or home appliances, mold growth and significant water damage often occur. However, below are five suggestions we’ve compiled to prevent all of that and maintain your home’s value.
1. Inspect your roof regularly
Your roof protects your loved ones and belongings from a downpour and provides you with shade from the sun’s heat. But when it degrades, it can go undiscovered until issues emerge. Inspect your roof before a heavy rainfall or thunderstorm hits by stopping water damage in its tracks. Be meticulous when checking out your roof. Use binoculars to see even the smallest cracked flashing and foundational splits.
Overlooked leaking roofs can cause mold growth which can cause several health dangers. If you see molds growing in numerous corners of your house, contact a remediation expert to get rid of them safely and professionally. Additionally, if you notice leaks in your toilet but can’t pinpoint the exact spot, this post can help you figure out what to do.
2. Install a water leak detection device
Water detectors are reliable in your home as these can shut off the water system if there’s water leakage. This is essential if you intend to go on a vacation or leave your house uninhabited for extended periods.
3. Check for leaks proactively
Minor leakages can go undetected yet cause major damage when left neglected. Experts recommend frequently checking hoses that attach to your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator, looking for water leaks or cracks. It’s also recommended to replace your hoses every five to seven years.
If you’ve observed water damage in your house caused by unnoticed leakages, it is the right time to call restoration companies to prevent the situation from worsening.
4. Clean your gutters frequently
Clean gutters play an excellent role in preventing water damage. Poor drainage weakens a house’s structure, resulting in fractures and giving a clear path for rainwater to get into a basement or living room walls. If you don’t remember the last time you cleaned your gutters, now’s the right time to do it.
You must clean your gutters approximately two times yearly or more frequently if you reside in a storm-prone location. This is because rains and heavy winds can stuff drains with wet leaves and branches, which must be taken out immediately to prevent gutters from sagging and overflowing.
5. Inspect areas of mold or moisture
Dampness can be indicated by flaking paint or wallpaper and speckled discolorations on a room’s skirting or window sills. Consider installing extra insulation if your walls are cold to touch or have a musty odor. Also, check your skylight and windows for condensation when you get up every morning. The presence of a mold spore shows your home has higher-than-average moisture levels.
