One of the most common, annoying, and costliest disasters any home can experience is water damage, costing millions and billions of dollars each year. What’s funny about it is that it isn’t a seasonal threat, which means it can occur in your home at any time. While most house owners set aside savings for their home’s routine upkeep or rainy day funds, water damage repairs aren’t usually something they budget for.
So now, we will look at some simple ways to save your house and wallet from water damage threats.
How to Protect Your House From Water Damage
Even a small amount of water can be a culprit of considerable damage to your house. When water gets its way into a home through a leaky pipe, basement, roof, or house appliances, the result is often mold growth and extensive water damage. However, below are five suggestions we’ve compiled to prevent all of that and keep your home’s value.
1. Install water detectors
Water detectors are reliable in your house as these can turn off the water supply if there is a water leak. This is essential if you intend to go on a vacation or leave your house vacant for extended periods.
2. Clean your gutters frequently
Clean gutters play a good role in preventing water damage. Poor drainage weakens a house’s foundation, leading to 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 at least two times yearly or more frequently if you live in a storm-prone area. Rain and heavy winds can clog drains with wet leaves and branches, which should be taken out immediately to prevent gutters from sagging and overflowing.
3. Inspect your roof regularly
Your roof protects your loved ones and valuables from a downpour and provides you with shade from the sun’s heat. But when it deteriorates, it can go unnoticed until issues arise. Examine 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 tiniest cracked flashing and foundational splits. Neglected leaking roofs can cause mold development which can cause numerous health risks. If you’re seeing molds growing in many corners of your house, call a remediation company to get rid of them safely and professionally.
4. Check for leaks proactively
Minor leaks can go undetected yet cause major damage when left neglected. Experts recommend routinely checking hoses that connect to your dishwasher, washing machine, and fridge, looking for cracks or water leakages. It’s also suggested to change your hoses every five to seven years.
If you’ve noticed water damage in your home due to unnoticed leaks, it’s the right time to call a restoration specialist to prevent the situation from getting worse. You may visit websites like puroclean.com to learn more about the services they offer.
5. Check areas of mold or moisture
Dampness can be indicated by flaking wallpaper or paint and speckled stains on a room’s skirting or window sills. Consider installing extra insulation if your walls are cold to touch or have a musty smell. Check your skylight and windows for condensation when you get up every morning. The presence of a mold spore indicates your house has higher-than-average moisture levels.
