How to Prevent Water Damage in Your Home
As the winter season draws to a close, the warmer spring weather and rains will move in and increase the risk of flooding or water damage occurring in your home. Water damage can be a severe problem as the property damage it causes may become permanent if the proper water damage restoration actions are not taken right away. The best way to control water damage is to prevent it from happening in the first place. The following tips will help homeowners prevent water from entering their homes as the rain fall increases and the ground continues to thaw this spring.
Checking Home Appliances
There are many appliances within a home that could cause water damage such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines among others. It is important for homeowners to consistently check these appliances because even a tiny leak can lead to extensive water damage if it is overlooked.
Exterior Maintenance Prevents Water Damage
Another important aspect of preventing water damage in your home is exterior maintenance to make sure that water is not allowed into your home. This exterior maintenance should include inspecting your gutters and downspouts for any leaks and removing any debris that may accumulate in them over time. It is also important to make sure that your downspouts are at least 10 feet away from the foundation so that the rain water does not find its way back into your house.
Inspecting for Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are the most common way that water enters a home and they happen even more frequently in areas where the temperature can drop below freezing. It is important to inspect your roof for leaks to avoid this problem and if you do not feel comfortable inspecting your roof, you can hire a professional to give it a thorough inspection.
Checking Windows and Doors for Leaks
Windows and doors are a very common source of water leaks as well and they require inspections to make sure that they are sealing properly. Each window and door frame is sealed during the installation to help prevent water damage but these seals may lose their effectiveness after just a few years. If a window or door is allowing water into your home, the seal may need to be replaced.
Water damage is a serious problem that could lead to permanent property damage if ignored and following these tips to prevent water from entering your home is the best way to avoid water damage. However, water damage may still occur in a home even if the homeowner routinely inspects for leaks if there is heavy rain or another unavoidable disaster. If your home should need water damage cleanup, make sure to contact a reputable water damage restoration company immediately.