Water damage is one of the most dangerous things to happen to your home. It can reduce your walls’ capacity to hold the weight of the house and weaken the house foundation.
It’s not a problem to be taken lightly as it can lead to mold, mildew, termites, and carpenter ants, all of which significantly increase the damage.
Instead of ignoring the problem and facing sky-high expenses to fix it later, it’s better to locate it and treat it right away.
If you don’t, you’ll be left wondering how to drain water away from your foundation to keep your walls dry.
Keep reading to learn how to prevent home water damage and protect your home.
1. Clean Your Gutters
Most of the leaks inside the house happen because of blocked gutters. This usually happens during fall and winter, when leaves and debris pile up in the gutters, preventing water from draining.
When the gutters overflow, house water damage becomes inevitable. Water will get to your ceiling, walls, and even foundation. This can be a serious problem if you don’t treat it immediately.
Luckily, cleaning your gutters is easy. All you need a ladder, a pair of gloves, and an hour of your time.
Also, check if your gutter downspouts are at least 5 feet away from your foundation.
If they’re not, consider installing extensions that will take the water away from your home. Otherwise, you’ll face major foundation water damage.
2. Check for Water Leaks Within the Home
If the source of your water damage isn’t external, check for leaks inside the house. They usually come from damaged or old piping, broken or clogged appliances, and improper ventilation.
Inspect the piping in every bathroom in the home, as well as the appliances and pipes in the kitchen. Check for corroded, broken, cracked or damaged pipes, and inspect the base of the toilet.
If you notice any leaks, turn off the water source to the appliance or pipe until you repair the problem.
Finally, inspect your heating, cooling, and ventilation system for leaks and gaps.
3. Inspect the Roof
Roof racks and damaged shingles can cause a lot of water damage, especially during pouring rain and snow.
To avoid a water-damaged house, inspect your roof for problems. Repair any broken caulking and replace any missing shingles. Sometimes, the source of leaks can come from damaged vent pipes or rusty flashing.
If you’re not able to inspect the roof yourself, call professionals who will locate the problem for you.
Now You Know How to Prevent Home Water Damage
Dealing with home water damage is less stressful if you know how to prevent and fix the problem.
These tips will help you prevent the issue and save you a lot of time, headaches, and money you’ll otherwise have to spend on repairs and insurance.
For more tips on water damage prevention and restoration, check out our detailed blog post on the topic.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, contact us today.