Almost 25% of all homeowner insurance claims relate to freezing or water damage, and an average of 1-in-50 homeowners in the US have dealt with water damage at least once.
While the extent of mold, humidity, and leaks can vary, you should never underestimate the signs of water damage when you see them! If left untreated, water can cause rotting, dampness, and severe structural damage that are difficult and costly to repair.
Winter is approaching, and, with it, freezing temperature, harsher winds, and heavier downpours. In the sections below are a few easy tips to follow to secure your home against water damage.
Inspect Your Doors and Windows
Inspecting your doors and windows before the arrival of winter is not just a way to ensure that your home is secure and protected against leaks and drafts. This simple maintenance task can help you prevent water infiltration and high humidity levels, which can affect the whole surrounding area. Additionally, if your windows cause condensation, you are bound to deal with wet patches and paddles indoors!
Check the Roof
Your roof can tell you a lot about the status and health of your whole home. As the winter approaches, it is crucial that your roof is in top shape and able to withstand the harsher climate ahead. In addition to the roof itself, you should also inspect sidings and gutters.
In fact, if the gutters are clogged by debris and leaves, as soon as heavier rains come, it is possible for the water to overflow, thus affecting the nearby areas and causing water damage. Yet, preventing all of this is as simple as completing a short roof maintenance checklist!
Assess the Foundations
Your home’s basement, foundation, and crawlspace are the areas most affected by water damage, humidity, and moisture. And, if the water infiltrates these areas, you might end up with far more severe consequences. For example, the water can affect the foundations of the house – which can compromise the safety of the whole house.
Take Care of Your House Systems
Your electrical, water, and gas systems cover important roles in your house’s efficiency and safety levels. And, while they are designed to stand the test of time and withstand years of daily use, they can become malfunctioning. When this happens to water pipes and tubes, water damage can be a common and painful consequence.
Make sure you hire a professional to carry out regular checks throughout your home’s piping system. And, if you notice a leak or signs of water infiltration, don’t wait to call out an expert!
Be Ready for Events Out of Your Control
Even if you have put into place all the prevention measures above, you might find yourself dealing with disasters that are out of your control.
Depending on where you live, heavy rains and flash floods can be severe threats to your whole house’s safety and structural soundness. While such events can’t always be prevented, there is a lot you can do to quickly recover from them.
Investing in the right insurance policy and being in touch with an insurance public adjuster can help you find a quick and inexpensive solution to water damage.
