How to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems that homeowners face. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage and freezing accounted for 23.8% of all homeowners insurance claims in 2019, with an average claim amount of $10,849. Water damage can be caused by various sources, such as leaks, floods, storms, burst pipes, sewer backups, or appliance malfunctions. Water damage can ruin your furniture, carpets, walls, floors, ceilings, and electrical systems. It can also lead to mold growth, which can pose serious health risks and further damage your property.

Fortunately, you can take some proactive steps to protect your home from water damage and minimize its impact if it does occur. Here are some of the best ways to prevent and deal with water damage in your home.

Ensure proper drainage

One of the main causes of water damage is poor drainage around your home. If water accumulates near your foundation, it can seep into your basement or crawl space and cause structural damage, mold growth, and odors. To prevent this, you should:

  • Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly to remove leaves, debris, and clogs that can prevent water from flowing away from your roof.
  • Extend your downspouts at least 2 feet away from your house and use elbows or splash blocks to direct water away from your foundation.
  • Grade your yard so that it slopes away from your house and does not create low spots where water can pool.
  • Install a French drain or a dry well if you have persistent drainage problems or a high water table.

Inspect your roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against rain, snow, hail, and wind. If your roof is damaged or worn out, it can allow water to leak into your attic and cause damage to your insulation, ceiling, walls, and electrical wiring. To prevent this, you should:

  • Perform regular roof inspections, especially after storms or high winds, to check for any missing, cracked, or curled shingles or tiles that can expose the underlying roof deck or underlayment.
  • Replace any damaged or missing shingles or tiles as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration and leaks.
  • Seal any gaps or holes around vents, skylights, chimneys, or flashing with caulk or roofing cement to prevent water intrusion.
  • Hire a professional roofer to inspect and repair your roof every few years or as needed.

Check your plumbing

Plumbing leaks are another common source of water damage in homes. Leaks can occur in pipes, faucets, toilets, showers, sinks, water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, or ice makers. Leaks can waste water, increase your utility bills, and cause damage to your floors, walls, cabinets, and appliances. To prevent this, you should:

  • Inspect your plumbing system regularly for any signs of leaks, such as dripping sounds, wet spots, stains, mold growth, musty smells, or reduced water pressure.
  • Replace any worn-out or damaged pipes, valves, hoses, washers, or fittings as soon as possible to prevent them from bursting or leaking.
  • Install water alarms or leak detectors in areas where leaks are likely to occur, such as under sinks, near water heaters, or behind appliances. These devices can alert you when they detect moisture or water flow and help you stop the leak before it causes major damage.
  • Install a whole-house water shut-off valve that can automatically turn off the main water supply to your home in case of a major leak or burst pipe.

Protect your basement

Your basement is one of the most vulnerable areas of your home when it comes to water damage. Water can enter your basement through cracks in the walls or floor, window wells, sump pump failures, sewer backups, or groundwater seepage. Water in your basement can ruin your belongings, damage your foundation, create mold and mildew problems, and pose a fire or electrocution hazard. To protect your basement from water damage, you should:

  • Seal any cracks or holes in the walls or floor with hydraulic cement, epoxy, or polyurethane injections.
  • Reseal the exterior of your basement with waterproofing paint, membrane, or coating.
  • Caulk and seal any gaps around windows, doors, or vents.
  • Install window well covers to prevent rainwater, snow, or debris from accumulating in the wells.
  • Install a sump pump to pump out any excess water that collects in the sump pit. Make sure the sump pump is working properly and has a backup battery or generator in case of a power outage.
  • Install a backwater valve on the main sewer line to prevent sewage from backing up into your basement during heavy rains or floods.

Contact Us!

If you have experienced water damage in your home or want to prevent it from happening in the future, you can contact us at AA Home Solutions for professional help. We are a company specialized in water damage restoration and prevention services in West Perrine, Florida. We have over 20 years of experience in the industry, and we can help you with any water damage issue you may have, from leak detection and repair to water extraction and drying to mold remediation and reconstruction. We offer free estimates, emergency service, and customer satisfaction guarantees.

Don’t let water damage ruin your home and your peace of mind. Contact us today and let us take care of everything for you!

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