Did you know that every year in the US, water damage accounts for over $13 billion in cleanup and repair costs? That’s a lot of money! Just as a hurricane can wreak havoc worth billions of dollars across cities, a minor storm can also bring significant water damage to your property. Even tiny amounts of water leakage can do substantial damage to your property, especially if the water enters through the rooftop, basement, or from a damaged pipe. In addition, prolonged humidity and seepage results in the growth of mold and Mold Damage. Therefore, learning water damage prevention is crucial for maintaining your home’s beauty and longevity.
A home insurance policy covers many losses, but not all of them are covered! Most of the time, professional water damage restoration services are required to resolve these issues. However, preventing water damage in the first place is an optimal solution! Listed below are a few tips that will come in handy.
Hire water damage protection services
If you live in an area more prone to hurricanes, storms, and floods, you should find water damage services close by. That way, when disaster strikes, you can get immediate help. Professionals will help you with damage control, water removal, restoration, mold removal, etc. They provide a timely response to examine the damage before even starting the work. The more you delay, the more wear and tear costs you’ll incur.
Inspect the roof
Your home’s roof protects you and your belongings during a downpour. However, it is usually tricky to notice when degradation begins until problems emerge. So inspect your roof regularly, especially after a storm. This way, you’ll be able to spot cracks from where water is dripping. You might want to pay special attention to the shingles. If there’s significant damage, get to repairing it ASAP before the roof collapses on you.
Locate the stopcock
A big leak or a broken pipe can cause flooding in your home within a few minutes. With can lead to damage to your furniture and other structural damage. Hence, you should know where your house’s stopcock is located. If a pipe ruptures, you should quickly turn it off to prevent additional damage and stop water wastage.
Keep the gutters clean
Do you remember the last time you cleaned your gutters and downspouts? Blocked drains and backflowing water can damage your home’s foundation and flood toilets and basement areas. Therefore, try keeping your gutters clean. You can do this by using tools and drain openers regularly. Also, keep gutters outside your home covered to prevent leaves and litter from going in.
Caulking and sealing
If your water leaks are coming in from your windows or doors, it may be time to re-caulk them. Touching up the window and door sealing prevents water from trickling down the sides of your walls. Thin streams of water running down your drywall can ruin insulation, paint, and wallpaper. It can also cause humidity and speed up the build-up of mold. To prevent additional water leaks in your home, caulk the faucets, bathtubs, ceiling fixtures, and other plumbing fixtures.
Sump pump testing
The sump pump, which is common in homes with basements, is essential for preventing flooding in your basement during prolonged periods of rain. If you have one, ensure it’s well-serviced and well-maintained once every year. If your basement gets flooded, use this device to remove the water.
Look out for hidden moisture
Inspect your home for moisture damage, especially in places you don’t access regularly. For example, check for water under the flooring and in the padding under the carpet. Excessive moisture leads to mold build-up, which is unhealthy, and ugly, and also leads to structural damage. To prevent this, ensure ample ventilation in your home and try to keep surfaces dry.
Remove mold
And while you’re checking for moisture, keep an open eye for mold as well. Both tend to be around the same places. Always search for water damage in your home to see if mold has started to grow. If you find mold, proceed with caution. Molds are easily detectable by flaking paint or wallpaper, as well as black, speckled markings on baseboards and sills. If your walls are cold or have a musty odor, you should call in mold inspectors to assess the damage. You can also employ DIY hacks to move smaller developments that show on the outside.
Conclusion
Water damage to your property can lead to long-term structural problems that may be expensive to repair. Therefore, consider water damage prevention by addressing them quickly. If you live in a city prone to storms, ensure to stay connected with a water damage assessment company. Regularly check for mold, moisture, cracks, and leaks to avoid harming your home and health. Caulk the windows and doors properly. Last but not least, clean your gutters regularly. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you’ll be able to ensure your property’s longevity.
