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Water damage to a home can be costly and devastating. Most homeowners donu2019t realize they have water leaks until itu2019s had a chance to build up. Unfortunately, left unchecked, water can cause wood rot, mold and mildew growth, foundation cracks, insect infestation, and more. The good news is, itu2019s easy to prevent these issues altogether.
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7 SAVVY TIPS TO PREVENT WATER DAMAGE
Water is your home’s number one enemy. Water leaking into your home can cause flooding, foundation problems, mold and mildew, and wood rot, all of which can be costly and time consuming to fix. Defend your home from water damage with these 7 SAVVY TIPS.
Clogged gutters are the number one culprit of water damage. Debris buildup causes gutters to overflow, which puts your roof and foundation at severe risk.
HERE’S HOW you can prevent water damage due to clogged gutters: A temporary solution is to tackle gutter cleaning, but is not a long-term prevention strategy. A permanent solution is to invest in LeafFilter™ gutter protection, which is guaranteed to keep leaves, debris, and critters out of your gutters for the lifetime of your home. 1 2
Moisture leaks around windows, doors, and other openings in your home might not seem like a big issue, but over time, they can cause wood rot, and mold and mildew buildup.
to keep water from seeping in between the cracks: HERE’S HOW Carefully caulk around all exposed cracks. For larger cracks, you can use foam rods or expandable foam. Bonus: Sealing these cracks and crevices will also help you save money on your energy bill. 1 2
In addition to boosting curb appeal, proper landscaping can also help prevent water damage to your home.
to use landscaping to your advantage: HERE’S HOW Slope your yard away from your home to prevent rainwater from flowing towards your foundation. Build it up with extra dirt if need be. Install yard drains in low spots to keep water from causing sinkholes and foundation damage. 1 2
An old or damaged roof leaves your home vulnerable to water leaks.
to keep your roof in tip top shape: HERE’S HOW Call a professional roofer to patch any damaged spots in your roof. Look for missing or damaged shingles, moss buildup, and discoloration. Completely replace roofs that are over 20 years old. 1 2
Leaks in your plumbing may not be visibly noticeable until there’s a big problem. If you start to see yellowed spots on your ceiling, or hear a dripping noise inside your walls, it’s time to act fast. Call your trusted plumbing professional, and get that leak fixed immediately.
you can prevent plumbing mishaps: HERE’S HOW Monitoryour water bill for unusual spikes, which can indicate a water leak. Regularly check your pipes for cracks or other damage, especially after a freeze or thaw. 1 2
Homes that have sump pumps are at extra risk of water damage.
to prevent problems like basement flooding: HERE’S HOW Regularly check your pump for frozen or clogged lines, pump damage, and other issues. Get a backup generator or battery powered pump to keep it running during power outages. 1 2
If you still have unwanted moisture in your home with no known cause, it could just be natural humidity in the environment. GET A DEHUMIDIFIER TO KEEP UP WITH THE LOCAL CLIMATE.