Water damage can be one of the more expensive problems you will face as a homeowner. If you do not prevent your home from water damage, your foundation can weaken and you might find yourself living in a house with a compromised structural integrity. Aside from this, the dampness can introduce mildew and mold that can compromise the health of your family. What’s more, neglecting to address water damage early on can also lead you to more problems in the future, such as having termites and carpenter ants.
Do you want to ensure that your home is free from water damage? Here are a number of things you can do to ensure such.
- Check your drainage
Having good drainage is integral in keeping your foundation intact. If you have a poor drainage system, your foundation is susceptible to uneven settling and cracks, all giving extra moisture and water an entrance into your home.Thankfully, ensuring that your drainage is in tiptop shape is very easy. First, you have to clear your gutters of clutter. Your gutters act as your first line of defense against water damage as they would be the ones to catch the rain and would then allow the water to drain without damaging your home. However, a clogged gutter means the water can send the water onto the sides of your house instead of through your downspouts.
Speaking of which, your downspouts must be at least five to ten feet away from your house. Wet soil can become weak, and if the water falls too near your foundation, then your foundation can weaken and it would be susceptible to leaks. Also, ensure that your yard is sloped away from your foundation, for the same reasons.
- Check for leaks
This should be automatic for most homeowners, as doing so would ensure that there is no unwanted water seeping through you walls or flooring. Look for dark stains inside your cabinets, on your walls, and even on your flooring. Look at your tiles and see if there is excess moisture. While it may cost you to pay a plumber to fix the pipes, it would cost you even more if you delay on this routine maintenance.Next, routinely check your roof for any damage. See if there are any missing or damaged shingles, and have them repaired. The caulking around your windows and sliding doors should be airtight, too, to ensure that moisture wouldn’t penetrate them and the water wouldn’t seep through.
As many would say, preventive maintenance goes a long way when it comes to preventing damage. While you may have to shell out a few bucks right now for the minor repairs, just imagine how much more expensive it would be if there is a heavy storm and you realized that your house is leaking all over the place. You would therefore be saddled with more repairs to see through. Aside from this however, you would be exposing your family to harmful microorganisms such as mildew that can develop in damp places.