Water damage can be devastating to the structure of your home. It often goes undetected because the water travels down the inside of your walls and above your ceilings.
Many times, by the time you notice water damage, such as mould, mildew, water stains and warped floors, you’re in for costly repairs. But, there are measures you can take to prevent water damage in your home.
Do you know the simple steps you can take to prevent water damage to your house? Read more to learn five easy maintenance routines to keep your home and possessions safe and dry.
1. Check for Holes and Cracks
Make sure you check your chimney, windows, air vents and skylights for any leaks, cracks or holes. Even a small amount of water leaking into your home can cause toxic mould growth and water stains. If you find any cracks or holes, repair them with new caulking.
2. Clean Your Gutters
If your gutters become clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris, the rainwater can back up under your roof shingles. When this happens, the water runs down your walls and spreads across your ceilings. Cleaning your gutters and downspouts helps prevent serious water damage to your home.
3. Shut Off Water When You’re Away
If you’re planning a vacation or weekend getaway, turn off the water to your home. The last thing you want to do is come home to a flooded house.
Just locate your main water line valve and shut it off. Then, if your washing machine hose or a water pipe bursts, you won’t have any damage to your home.
4. Check Your Water Bill
Sometimes, the only way you’ll know if you have a leak in your home is to compare your water bills each month. If you see an increase in your bill, you could have water dripping in your crawlspace, basement or under your sinks.
5. Look for Invasive Plants
When you plant shrubs around your foundation, make sure they’re not invasive plants. These plants have root systems that can grow into your drainage system, around your water pipes and septic system.
Also, make sure to slope the ground around your foundation so the water drains away from your home.
How to Recognize Signs of Water Damage
Recognizing the signs of water damage is an important part of how to prevent mould after water damage. Some signs of mould are hard to detect and others will be apparent. Here are a few clues about indoor water problems:
- Musty smells
- Mould and mildew
- Frost and ice on your window or in your attic
- Dampness
- Discolouration or stains on ceilings and walls
- Warped wood
- Decayed wood
- Sweating pipes
- Powdery concrete
At the first sign of water damage, have a mould specialist inspect your home. Mould can cause many health and respiratory problems.
Set Up Your Maintenance Plan to Prevent Water Damage
Now that you know how to prevent water damage to your home, begin your maintenance plan. Preventing the damage before it happens is your best protection against toxic mould, mildew and structural damage to your home.
If you discover water damage and mould in your home, contact our mould specialists. We will answer all your questions and concerns to help you make your home safe and dry again.
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