Water damage can be one of the most frustrating problems to deal with. This is because even the smallest amount of water can wreak havoc on your property. As soon as water manages to find its way into your home, whether through the basement, roof, or any part, it can take a while to get it sorted. Moreover, water damage can quickly lead to mould growth and other issues, which can be expensive to fix. Therefore, it makes sense that you would want to take steps to prevent water damage from occurring in your home. Today we will share a few key steps that you can follow to protect your home from water damage.
Be Proactive
The first essential thing that you will need to remember when it comes to preventing water damage is the importance of being proactive and observant. This means that you will need to check for minor leaks, which can easily go undetected but may lead to more significant damage over time if left untreated. It may be useful to take a look underneath your sink and around appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers. Also, keep an eye out for signs of damp and moisture like flaking paint or wallpaper. If you notice a musty smell coming from your walls, you may need to consider additional insulation.
Inspect Your Roof
It’s crucial to schedule regular roof inspections to find out if there are any issues, which may result in water damage. Remember that it can be difficult to undertake roof repair or shingle replacement by yourself, so you might want to call in licenced professionals to assist you with these tasks. MyBuilder is a handy tool, that can help you find local roofers and get free quotes. This will save you hours of searching for the right person on the web. Thanks to the clever matchmaking system at MyBuilder, you will be able to connect with reputable and qualified roofers near you.
Get To Know Your Indoor Plumbing Systems
As a homeowner, there are a few key things that you will need to familiarise yourself with, such as your indoor plumbing systems. For example, you may want to make it a habit to inspect hoses leading to washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and other appliances. It might be helpful to get a water leak detection device, which will shut off the water supply if there is a leak. Additionally, it’s important to check the seal and caulking around showers and tubs.
Maintain The Gutters
Your gutters are another area that you shouldn’t overlook because if they are overfilled with leaves and other debris, this can result in serious water damage. The best you can do to protect your home from this issue is to clean and maintain your gutters regularly. It’s advisable to do this at least once or twice a year to keep them clear and protect the windows and sides of your property. If you want to save some money, you can do this task by yourself, as long as you have a sturdy ladder and you can work your way around the gutters.
Check Your Drains
It’s also important to ensure that drains aren’t leaking, so be sure to inspect under your sinks on a regular basis. If the system isn’t functioning as it should, water can leak into sink cabinets or between floors. To prevent this from happening, you will need to keep your drains in top condition by developing a regular cleaning schedule and depositing debris in the rubbish. In addition, you should avoid pouring grease down the drain, as this can form a clog, which can be difficult to remove.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Pipes can be susceptible to freezing and bursting in cold temperatures, but there are a few preventative measures that you can take. Firstly, you should take a look at your outside walls and foundations near pipes with caulk. Make sure you seal up all cracks and holes, as well as any openings that you might notice. It can also be beneficial to wrap water pipes in insulating materials, especially in unheated areas, such as the basement, attic, or garage. Also, find out what you need to do, if you have a frozen or burst pipe. When outside temperatures drop, it’s important to allow warmer air to circulate the plumbing, so you may want to open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors.
Repair The Chimney
Don’t forget to inspect the chimney for loose or cracked bricks and take time to repair it, if necessary. Also, you may want to take a good look around the chimney area for signs of leakage. Your chimney is likely not as weather-sealed and protected as other parts of your house, such as your windows and doors. However, water damage can still occur, as rain can come through it. To ensure that this won’t happen, it’s recommended to arrange for a chimney technician to come in and inspect it,
Protect Your Belongings
Be sure to protect any of your valuables and belongings, which could potentially be affected by water damage. For example, you may want to reconsider your storage options by switching to waterproof bins, particularly in areas, which can be prone to dampness, such as attics and basements. If there are areas in your house, which can be at risk of destruction from water, make sure you don’t keep any of your valuables there. It may also be helpful to create an up-to-date home inventory, which will save you time and hassle in case water damage occurs.
Pay Attention To Your Home’s Exterior
You can eliminate most leaks before they even begin if you pay attention to your home’s exterior and fix any issues that you come across as soon as possible. For example, you may want to keep an eye out for cracked or missing caulk. Make sure you fill in any cracks that you notice and look for signs of water leakage, including mouldy spots and bubbled paint. Take a closer look at the top of the window casing, as this is usually where water tends to accumulate.
Reseal The Basement
Another area to consider is your basement, which can be prone to water seepage. For instance, if there are cracks in the floor slabs, this can lead to water damage over time. Therefore, it’s essential to take steps to reseal the basement by painting these areas with water sealant. Moreover, you can waterproof basement walls by using concrete coatings to fix gaps in the foundation. Also, there are some materials which could attract mould, such as paper, wood, and fabric, so make sure you remove items made of these materials from your basement. If you discover that water is coming from a plumbing leak, it’s important to contact a plumber for help.
Look At Insurance Policies
Keep in mind that there are different types of water damage, which are typically covered by different kinds of insurance policies. Therefore, it’s advisable to check what is covered by a standard home insurance policy. You may find that these policies don’t cover sewer and drain backups. Additionally, you may need to get accidental damage cover as part of your standard home insurance policy. This means that you will be protected, even if damage occurs as a result of your actions, such as overfilling a bathtub.
