How to protect your home from water damage?

Water can be a natural disaster happening in any home, but it’s also one of the most common reasons for property water damage. When water seeps in, it can cause water damage to any surface. This includes walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, insulation, and other surfaces.

Billions of dollars are spent each year on water damage in the United States, it is one of the most common and costliest disasters.

• Inspect your roof

Inspection of your roof is something you may need to do every year as Colorado is known to have quite a few hail storms, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures. Often, when a roof is damaged, leaks could be expected to happen, resulting in water infiltration causing ceiling and interior damage. Make sure your roof is in good shape by inspecting it for missing, damaged and aging shingles.

• Inspect your basement for water seepage

The water in the basement can be caused by cracks in building foundations or floor slabs. If you notice water seepage after heavy rain, that could mean that your basement walls have deteriorated, since the waterproof floors have never had a problem. Water sealant can be used to paint vulnerable areas. Make sure water doesn’t get into the building. The seepage is worsened by the soil that has settled in a way that causes water to flow toward the building. After a storm, if the ground is already saturated, any storm water that falls towards the building is likely to go down the outside of the foundation wall. There is a backwater valve. The sewer backups are not as common as other causes of basement water. You can learn more about sewer responsibilities and install and maintain a backwater valve that lets sewage go out but not come back in.

• Maintain your plumbing systems

Check your appliance hoses and faucets. Every year you should make a practice of checking the hoses that lead to the water heater, dishwasher, washing machine and refrigerator icemakers. A water leak monitoring and shut-off system can alert you to any leaking water. If you find any cracks or leaks, replace them with new hoses every five to seven years. There are shower and tub items that are recommended to be inspected. If necessary, check the seal and caulking around the shower or tub to make sure it’s safe to use. When away on vacation, make sure you never leave the house when the dishwasher or washer is running, and the water supply is shut off. You can find the location of the main water shut-off valve. Water can get into your home from a damaged hose or a burst pipe. Being able to locate and cut off the main water supply quickly will save time and stress. You should have an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. The increased pressure caused by freezing pipes can cause your pipes to burst. Plumbing and heating pipes are checked. Make sure you watch for cracks and leaks and have any necessary repairs made immediately.

• Protect your home’s exterior

It is recommended that windows be sealed to guard against water seepage. The downspouts need to be checked. There may be debris in the rain gutter. Put the downspouts away from the house. Check sprinkler systems to make sure they don’t cause any damage to the walls and foundations of the house. Turn off and drain outside faucets. Keep water out of the house and away from the roof by installing gutter guards.

• Protect your possessions

In areas prone to flooding and where plumbing pipes are present, waterproof bins are the best way to store off-season and other bulk belongings. If you store valuables in a place where the water can cause damage, be sure to store it away from the water. There is a threat of mold damage that comes from water and damp. It is a good idea to keep your stuff off the floor in the basement. They’re less likely to be damaged if there is water seepage or sewer backup. Home inventory needs to be kept up-to-date. In the event of loss from water damage, a comprehensive list of your possessions will save time, trouble and stress.

Call us at (720) 340-3499 for more information regarding our all our water damage restoration services.