Water damage is one of the most common issues with homes. Every year in different areas of the world, people deal with the consequences of water penetrating and damaging their homes. Some damages can be very costly and time-consuming to repair, not to mention the potential health hazards involved. Water damage happens when water enters your home in one way or another.
Water damage happens for a number of reasons. Flooding is one of them. This could happen because there was a flood in your area or perhaps you live near a river that flooded its banks or carried debris into your neighborhood or home. Another reason is leaking roofs, faulty appliances, clogged gutters, burst water pipes, broken ice dams on roofs, melting snow that comes through improperly protected walls and windows are just some scenarios that can lead to water damage.
It leads to health issues, can cause molds to form, can lead to structural damage, and is the main cause of rotting. This means that if you want to avoid this problem - it is up to you. Here are some tips on how to prevent water damage:
Do Not Allow Your Pipes To Freeze
Water, cold, and pipes are never a good mix. If the soil surrounding your home freezes, it can easily damage or break your pipes. One way to avoid this is to check for any outdoor faucets that may have frozen shut-offs. Also, keep cabinet doors under sinks shut so no water can build up in the cabinet spaces.
If you are living in an area of the country that has freezing temperatures, it is best to leave a little water running during cold nights. This will prevent your pipes from bursting if they freeze. If you have exposed pipes on the outside of your house, make sure to cover them with insulation or some other type of protective covering.
Make Sure Your Gutters And Downspouts Are Not Clogged
Clogged gutters can send water to the roof of your house, basement, or even the foundation. These need to be cleaned out at least twice per year before debris starts collecting and blocking them - usually about once in spring and once more just before winter comes around again. Make sure downspouts are directed where they won't cause any possible damage or block somebody's entrance/exit path or driveway.
Accumulating Too Much Water Is Not Allowed
Water accumulating near the sides of your home and foundation is a big problem. When water accumulates, it weakens your foundation and can cause flooding and problems inside those areas as well. If water has accumulated somewhere in the house, you would want to go to this website and get professionals to help restore your property. Make sure there are no dips in the yard where water could pool up. Also, make sure any trees or shrubs don't hang too close to your house, as falling leaves or branches can clog gutters and cause other problems as well.
Ensure Your Plumbing Is In Good Condition
If you have exposed plumbing in your home, make sure to protect it as best as you can. This could mean enclosing it with a protective covering, making sure all exposed pipes are insulated, and ensuring the main shut-off valve is accessible at all times. Any exposed pipes should be checked on a regular basis for any leaks or signs of corrosion or rusting.
Check Your Appliances Regularly
Appliances that are not well protected from the weather, such as a water heater or furnace could be a cause of water damage. Check your appliances regularly and make sure they are properly protected. Also, see if any exterior faucets have frozen shut-offs or if any sprinkler system is running in the rain when it shouldn't be.
Maintain Your Roof
Your roof has a very important job - to keep the elements outside. If you have ice dams on your roof, this means there's an accumulation of ice that tries to melt from one part of your roof and refreezes where it meets another section of your roofing material which then travels down into gutters causing big problems for homeowners who don't maintain them properly. Ice dams can be prevented by having your roof pressure washed. Also, ensure that there are no holes in the roof surface and that any gutters or downspouts are free from debris clogging them.
Repair Leaks In Your Roof As Soon As You See Them
Any cracks or openings in a home's exterior can let in heat during winter months which may cause ice dams to appear on your roofing material. Make sure these areas are patched up as soon as possible. The same goes for exterior doors - make certain they do not leak when closed and properly insulate any exposed pipes if you have an unfinished basement with exposed concrete walls, for example. Ensure windows don't have water collecting anywhere around them either. Be sure to clean them regularly.
In conclusion, water damage can destroy your home and it is important that you know how to prevent this from happening. The article has provided the steps you need in order to ensure a safe environment for you and your family.
