Being a homeowner, what do you think would be the most damaging thing that could affect the house? If you thought “water damage,” you’re right! Just one leaky or broken pipe can ruin the structural Integrity of the house, causing damage to walls, ceilings, and, of course, your valuables. 

Your house is the biggest investment you make in a lifetime. Obviously you want to maintain its structural integrity. In order to protect your house from different types of water damage, you need to take a few precautionary measures. 

Here are some tips shared by professionals that can help in preventing water damage…

#1 Keep Your Gutters And Downspouts Clean: 

The main function of the gutters is to keep the roof clean and dry by directing the flow of water to the ground. If there is any sort of blockage in the gutters or if the gutters are clogged due to extreme debris, make sure you are cleaning them before it becomes too late. Clogged gutters can lead to the formation of ice dams which makes the water stagnant. This stagnant water can easily seep into the interior of the house and then you see water stains on the walls and ceiling. Along with the gutters, you must ensure that the downspouts are clean. The downspouts are responsible for ensuring that the water maintains a proper flow and does not cause any damage. 

#2 Check Floor Drains And Sump Pumps: 

 You should regularly inspect the floor drains and keep them clean by removing all debris. If a drain becomes clogged it’s likely that the pipes will, too, and then damage to the internal flooring structure occurs. You should also check the sump pump every few weeks to make sure it’s working properly.

 #3 Perform Regular Roof Inspections: 

Generally, it is difficult to find out whether the roof is in good condition or not. You cannot identify leaks by just looking at the roof. Leaks can be small in the initial stage but grow big within no time. Such leaks are damaging for the roof as well as the ceiling of the house. They start by rotting the roof, then cause damage to the attic area, and finally spread to the walls. Therefore, if you want to protect the house from water damage, ensure that you are regularly inspecting and maintaining the roof.

 #4 Keep Your Basement And Foundation Guarded: 

If you are not cleaning your basement regularly, it could become damp and dusty. Moreover, there could be stagnant water from pipes and drains that finds a way through the cracks and floor slabs. So, to avoid such problems, you should reseal the basement area with the help of a waterproof sealant. Moreover, you can also paint the area including the walls and the floor. The paint will protect the walls from water seepage. Besides the basement area, you must check whether the area around the house (also called the foundation of the house) is appropriately graded. In simple words, it should have a proper slope which helps in ensuring the right flow of water away from the house. You can even get a pump installed in case you continue to have groundwater seeping in.

Summary:

Keeping your house protected from water damage is essential. If you are being ignorant about it, then you might have to face some serious consequences such as a reduction in the structural integrity of the house, collapsing of the roof, damage to the interior walls, and much more. Therefore, as a homeowner, you must get your house and roof regularly inspected and keep it well-maintained.