Protect your Home from Water Damage

2/8/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be expensive to repair and even more costly if it's not caught before it causes a water loss. If you're worried about water damage in your home, check your appliances, home exterior, attic, etc to protect your home from damages.

Check your Appliances

Check your appliances. Water damage can be caused by faulty hoses, cracked faucets and leaking or broken pipes. Check all of these regularly, but especially after a cold snap.

Maintain your Homes Exterior

Inspect the exterior of your home regularly to make sure it's not letting water in. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear, and that siding and other surfaces are not letting water penetrate them. Check for signs of water damage or penetration, mold growth, and proper ventilation.

Monitor the Attic

Monitor the attic. Look for signs of moisture and leaks that could cause mold growth and a whole host of other problems. Also check for proper ventilation.

The attic is one of the most important areas to inspect after a flood or storm, since it absorbs a lot of damage when water comes into contact with your roof. If you have any doubts about whether your attic needs more attention than just replacing some drywall, then consider hiring a professional to do an inspection so they can find any potential issues before they become expensive repairs down the road.

Check the Windows and Doors

Check the windows and doors. Look around the window frames, door frames (especially under kick plates) and thresholds for evidence of water damage or penetration. Pay attention to any mold smells as well.

Check for moisture in the frame. Moisture in your home's framing can cause significant structural damage, especially over time. If you suspect that a window leaks, check it from inside by running water onto its surface from a hose or bucket outside.

Look closely at seals and thresholds for signs of water damage like stains and cracks in paintwork or wood (which can lead to rot) or rusting metal fasteners if you have aluminum windows. These are signs that there has been a leak at some point in recent history which needs immediate attention before additional damage occurs.

Inspect your roof

Inspect your roof. If you see missing or damaged shingles, leaks or dark spots on the decking, you may need to replace the roof soon. Check your roof for missing shingles and damaged areas that could allow water to seep in. If you discover any such damage, get it repaired immediately before a storm or rainy season sets in so the problem doesn't become worse.

If you take these tips to heart, they can help protect your home from water damage. Your home is an investment that deserves protection, so make sure to check these things regularly and get them fixed if necessary. If there's any doubt about what might be causing a problem, call a professional for advice or even a quote on repairs.