When protecting your home, preventing water damage should be near the top of your list. Water damage in the home can end up leading to peeling paint, wood rot, insect infestation, higher maintenance costs, shorter life spans for building materials and more.
Here are a few tips that will help you prevent water damage to your home:
- Foundation and exterior walls " Look for any cracks and holes in your joints, foundation and external walls, especially where wiring or piping goes through the exterior walls. Be sure to fill them with sealant.
- Roof " If you have a shingle roof, check for damaged shingles and either replace or repair them to prevent water from leaking through. You'll also want to check for leaks around your plumbing and attic vents, as well as your chimney.
- Windows and doors " Inspect the paint on the frames of your windows and doors for peeling. This is a sign that water may have soaked into the wood. Check the paint and caulking for swelling and color flaws as well.
- Basement " Make sure your sump pump is working properly and that you have flood shields and built-up barriers for any windows or doors located in the basement.
- Home humidity " A humidity level that's too high can result in too much moisture, which can lead to mildew, wet stains on the walls and ceilings, condensation on your windows and a musty smell.
- Air conditioner " You'll want to make sure that your A/C unit drains properly by inspecting the drain pan. The drain pans should be sloped toward an outlet so that no standing water is present.
If your home has sustained water damage, contact the pros at Rytech, Inc.
