Nothing is perhaps more dreadful to a homeowner than water damage as it leads to structural damages, mold formation, and thus costly repairs. If one wants to avoid catastrophic water damage in the home, one has to be proactive to ensure the roof is well maintained and the drainage system is working properly.
Moreover, it is crucial that regardless of the unpredictable rainy seasons or a single storm, the right preventive measures can help you a lot in the future. Here in this article, we are going to discuss some useful advice on how to prevent water damage at home. To learn more in detail, stick with us till the end of this guide.
1. Regularly Inspect Your Roof and Attic
First of all, the roof is the most important barrier that a home provides against water penetration. It is important to check for any signs of damage like cracks on the shingles, lack of shingles, staining, or any evidence of leakages and faulty flashings. Furthermore, look for stains or moisture leaks in your attic such as dark stains or damp materials within the insulation. If such concerns are addressed before they become worse, one can avoid major damage.
2. Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clear
The overflow or accumulation of water in the gutters and downspouts may lead to water damage at the foundation of the house. To prevent this, ensure that you clean your gutters as often as possible, especially before and after rain. Hence, it is advisable to opt for seamless rain gutters since they do not leak and need little frequent maintenance compared to regular gutters.
3. Ensure Proper Grading Around Your Home
Water should always flow in the downward direction of your home. Make sure that the ground nearby, especially in the vicinity of the foundation is inclined to ensure that water runs away from the foundation. If your yard is flat or has a negative grade toward the house, you may need to import soil to level the yard and avoid water infiltrating the basement or the crawl space.
4. Install a Sump Pump in Your Basement
If your house has a basement, a sump pump can be a useful device that will help to avoid problems with water leakage. This device assists in draining water that may accumulate in the basement because of the rainy season or an overflow of water from other areas. Perform periodic check-ups on your sump pump to determine if it is working correctly, and ensure that you have a battery backup in case of power loss during a storm.
5. Seal Windows and Doors Properly
Lastly, ensure that there are no cracks in the window and door frames and that the seals are not broken. Caulk that has become cracked or has deteriorated can lead to the penetration of water into your home during a storm. These areas should therefore be resealed to avoid any form of water seepage into the interiors of your house.
