Even with homeowners insurance, water damage is one of the most expensive and common insurance claims. Damages arising can start extremely small but can go onto becoming very severe. There can be many types of water damage that your home needs protection from.
Image by Paul Brennan
Sewer back-up can instigate damage if the waste pipe is not fitted with a backflow valve. Leaky roofs can also cause intense damage to your home. Mold can be present in your house from damage that has just started, and even your water heaters can be corroded and damaged eventually, leading to leakage. We have curated a list of tips and techniques to help you prevent water damage to your home.
Inspect your roof
The main culprit behind most unseen water damage is your roof. It might start small, but it can become quite an expensive problem if it goes undetected for an extended period. Slow and steady roof leaks have the potential to cause significant damage before it is even detected. It is essential to inspect your roof from time to time, especially once the weather changes from cold to hot. It can cause mold and rot due to the attic insulation being wet. Inspect your roof for damaged, cracked, or missing shingles as soon as possible.
Check your water bill
It is vital to keep monitoring your water bill for signs of unseen leaks. Water leaks can go a long time before they are detected. Checking your water bill enables you to see if there is an issue or not. If your water bill has increased significantly without any obvious reasons in the last month, the chances are that there is a hidden leak in your house. Be sure to look in the bathroom and under all sinks. Check your crawl space and home’s attic. Check to see if your faucets are dripping slowly.
Enlist the help of professionals
There are certain times where you cannot possibly predict damage in your house before it is too late. According to experts, “you need water damage restoration services”. If your home has been damaged after a storm, snow day, or rainfall, it is essential to enlist a professional’s help for dealing with the damage in your house. Be sure to find companies that take insurance into account while providing water damage restoration services as well.
Protect your basement and foundation
If you have a musty and damp basement, the chances are that water is finding its way through cracks in floor slabs or the foundation. In such cases, you must seal your basement using a waterproof sealant. Water seepage can be kept out by painting it onto your basement floor and walls. Ensure that the ground around your foundation is graded. Make it slope away from your house so that water runs away from the basement instead of pooling up.
Water damage is tough to deal with once it gets severe. Use these tips and tricks to help you up to your defense in protecting your home from this severe damage.
