Did you know that water damage is the #1 culprit that undermines your home’s foundation and structure? Study these tips to avoid water damage.
Water damage is not only among the most common disasters households face but also the most costly ones to repair. Insurance claims associated with water damage are second only to wind and hail damage in the United States. And if you think about it, strong winds or hail will only occur a few times during a given year, whereas water damage remains an ongoing concern for homeowners.
The good news is that taking certain steps can help protect your home from hefty water damage losses and claims. Here are some ways to prevent water damage at home:
Trace Any Water Leaks and Get Them Fixed
Although some leaks like water dripping from a faucet are easily noticed, others can’t be detected without proper inspection. Many homeowners will ignore them, considering them as negligible. But it’s important to understand that persistent leaks often lead to mold infestations and rotting, and attract carpet ants and termites.
To avoid this, look out for drips, stains on ceilings, dark spots under pipes in sink cabinets, and toilets that rock. In addition, inspect your roof at least once a year. Check for leaks around flashing and repair any loose, damaged, or missing shingles as well as cracked caulking.
Set Up Good Drainage
Poor drainage creates pathways to enter your home by weakening your home foundation, which leads to uneven settling and cracks to allow for water intrusion. Ensuring good drainage could mean routinely clearing the gutters. A clogged gutter will allow water to collect around the boundaries of your home, thereby damaging the foundation and siding. Also, extend your downspouts 5 to 10 feet away from your home so that it directs water as far from your property as possible.
Moreover, if the ground around your home slopes inward, water from different sources will keep accumulating around your home, cracking the masonry, creating leaks, and causing walls to lean. In many cases, excess water will pool under your home’s flooring, leading to serious crawl space moisture issues. A simple solution is to slope your yard around six inches over a ten-foot span away from your home foundation.
Install a Backwater Valve
Sewer backups are not only a nuisance but also dangerous for your family’s health. One great strategy to avoid this issue is to leverage a backwater valve. Installing and maintaining this valve will allow sewage to go out but not return.
Reseal Your Basement
Since basements are below ground level, they remain most vulnerable to water intrusions than other parts of your home. Cracks in floor slabs and building foundations often lead to water seepage after rainfall. If you notice this problem, trace down the entry points and apply water sealant to prevent further seepage.
Hire a Water Damage Restoration Professional
If you’re located in Powhatan, VA, STOP of Chesterfield VA is the right home restoration company for you. Serving households for over four decades, we are prepared to address all types of water damage issues you might be faced with.
For a highly effective water damage remediation service, contact STOP of Chesterfield VA today.
