Water damage can be very costly, and it can even destroy irreplaceable items that you may have in storage. Follow these tips to keep your house and your belongings dry by protecting them from water damage.
Ensure That Rainwater Can’t Get To Your Basement And Foundation
There’s no point in rainwater flowing through your gutter system only to find a clog and get directed towards your basement or the foundation of your house. Make sure that you install the best downspout diverter you can afford to ensure that no water from your gutters reaches your basement. The same device is used to divert overflow from rain barrels (for rainwater collection) away from your house, which is very important during heavy rains.
Make Sure The Everyone Knows Where the Main Water Supply Can Be Turned Off
Your stopcock is the man valve that can be used to turn off the water supply to your house. If pipe bursts or there is a major leak in your water system, turning off your stopcock immediately can help reduce the water damage that your home will incur.
Check Your Roof Regularly
If you are proactive in checking your roof for leaks then you won’t be surprised when the weather turns and you find that it’s raining inside the house. This is a great way to completely prevent water damage from roof leaks. You should be looking for damp spots in your attic, or stains in the plaster - all clear signs of the beginnings of water damage.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
A clogged gutter will quickly cause rainwater to pool together or run on the side of your house. This will cause significant damp problems. Don’t make the mistake of only checking your gutters in autumn. Although leaves tend to be the major concern here during the autumn months, you should be careful year-round, because sometimes birds like to make nests in gutters, and other debris can clog them up as well. This will also help keep any rainwater collection system you have by making sure that the collected water is relatively clean to begin with.
Make Sure Your Windows Are Properly Sealed
Having a faulty seal around your windows allows moisture and rainwater to seep into your home slowly, bringing water damage such as mould with it. To avoid this problem check your windows (and any other places that need to be sealed) regularly. Replace any damaged parts as soon as possible. You can also do the same for any doors that lead to the exterior of the house. It's especially important to check your garage door as well.
With a little due diligence, you can protect your home from water damage. Even though you may be spending money and energy on checking your home regularly, the overall outcome is that you will be saving money that would have been spent on repairs and replacing damaged items. So, it is always advisable to be prepared and take preventative measures, no matter how costly they may be.
