Damage from water to your home can be overwhelming for any homeowner. Damage to your home can have long terms effects and be very expensive to repair. One long term effect is mold and it can be dangerous to those exposed to it. Some amounts of mold you can remedy yourself however a large amount will require a professional.
Areas of your home that don’t get much ventilation such as basements, attics and crawlspaces make it difficult for the water to evaporate. Regular inspection and maintenance can help avoid water damage and expensive repairs.
Water damage can ruin furniture, walls and flooring and happens from a number of sources. Unnoticed leaks can rot studs and drywall and leave behind black mold. Even with homeowners insurance the deductible and limited coverage could be costly leaving you in a financial bind.
Inspect for signs of water damage
Flooding from severe weather, leaking pipes, leaking water heaters and even humidity cause damage. Sometimes finding the source of the water can be tricky. Clean water comes from faucets and toilet tanks and are safe to touch. Contaminated greywater comes from flooding toilet and dishwasher overflows. Very unsafe water comes from flooding and sewer backups.
Musty smells can mean you have a mold growth problem. The sound of water dripping inside your home or water stains on the ceilings or wet musty carpet are other signs.
Pipe inspection and maintenance
Regularly inspect pipes inside and outside of your home for leaks. Look for wear and tear on pipes. Upgrade any copper pipes to PEX piles. Copper pipes were standard in homes for decades but can develop leaks around soldered joints.
Keep your drain healthy and flowing because clogged pipes can burst. If you can’t check your pipes have an inspection done by a professional. Inspect under sinks for leaks. This damage can destroy your cabinets and worse leak into your floors and walls.
Appliance Inspection
Regularly check your washer, refrigerator and dishwashers as they sometimes leak. You may not notice the leak for some time. It can leave your floors and walls damaged and even electrical system. If you have a sump pump in your home you will want to ensure that it is also working properly. Periodically pour water into the sump pump pit to ensure it is removing water.
Grade of exterior soil
Water can pool around your foundation wall. The soil grade should incline towards your home. Ramp the soil down away from your foundation and keep it from seeping downward and in thru the basement.
Clean your gutters
Gutters move water away from your roof and foundation. A blocked gutter system can spill water onto your house and can damage the foundation. Clear your gutters at least twice a year to prevent blockage. In the winter, a blocked gutter can cause ice damning and the water can back up into the roof flooding your attic. Ensure the downspouts carry the water at least 2 feet or more from your house.
Inspect your Chimney
Cap your chimney and prevent rain from coming through and causing damage to your homes interior. Inspect the flashing and have any chipped or cracked mortar repointed and sealed by a professional.
Roofs
Replace any missing or torn shingles. Your roof is exposed to the elements and the shingles break down over time. Damage will start in the attic but will make its way down your walls and other areas in your home.
