11 Aug Great Tips On Learning How To Prevent Water Damage
Water damage prevention is much cheaper than having to pay for repairs. These are three simple prevention tips.
Water damage is the number one culprit. Water damage is the number one culprit for weakening your home’s foundation, and the very core of your house.
You have heard of core strength. Water damage can cause serious structural damage to your house and affect its core strength. Damp wood can attract termites and carpenter bugs, as well as mold and mildew.
These three simple strategies will help you avoid water damage during heavy storms.
Good drainage is essential
Why it matters: Poor drainage can weaken your foundation and cause cracks, uneven settlement, and water entry pathways to your home.
How to do it
- Clean your gutters routinely. Clogged gutters can cause water to run down your siding, causing damage to your foundation.
- Make sure your downspouts are at least 5-10 feet from your home.
- Your yard should be sloped at least 6 inches over a 10-foot distance from your foundation. This slope prevents water from accumulating near your foundation. It can cause walls to crack, lean and lead to leaks. For crawl spaces, water must be kept away from the floor to prevent water from pooling underneath. This will create damp conditions that promote mold, rot and insects.
- Don’t allow the soil to get too dry. The soil around your home can shrink and dry out over long periods of dry weather. The soil may expand when it rains heavily, which can put pressure on the foundation walls. To prevent soil shrinkage and expansion during droughts, keep a soaker hose at least 6 feet from the foundation.
Check Your Sump Pump Frequently
Why it is important: Sump pumps can be activated during severe storms. This is not the time to find out if yours isn’t working correctly. It should be checked at least once per year and, ideally, several times during stormy seasons.
How to test your sump pumps:
- Slowly add water to the sump pump pit. The “float”, which is similar to your toilet’s float, should rise. If it does, the pump will turn on. Next, watch for the water level to fall.
- You can also test your backup pump in the same manner, but you should unplug it first.
- If you don’t have a backup pump or a generator and are connected to municipal water, make sure it runs on water pressure. The only thing you have if you are on well water is the battery type.
Find water leaks and fix them
Why it is important: Consistent leaks can lead to mildew, termites, rot and even carpenter ants (they love chewing soggy wood since it’s soft). However, a leak that is not fixed soon enough can cause no long-term damage.
How to find leaks
- Examine for dark spots in sink cabinets, stains on ceilings and toilets that are rocking.
- Inspect your roof at least once per year. Replace missing, damaged, or loose shingles. Check for flashing leaks and cracks in caulking.
You may also have a roof that is rotten. In these cases, you will need to replace the roof and make repairs to the rooms below.