Leaks and flooding are all too common in American households, and water damage can be an expensive fix. In fact, it’s the second-highest home insurance claim that costs an average household in the U.S. up to $10,000 to fix.
Natural disasters like heavy thunderstorms or man-made accidents like broken water heaters can cause water damage that results in structural deterioration and mold growth. That’s why you need to quickly address water damage to avoid the dangers, health hazards, and expensive repairs caused by it.
Preventing leaks and preparing your home for floods is the best way to prevent water damage. Here are the five tips to follow to keep your house dry and safe.
Clean Your Gutters Regularly
Frequent cleaning of rain gutters is critical to maintaining functional gutters that can keep your home dry and safe during rainy days. It’s responsible for discharging water out of your house, and it often gets clogged with leaves or sticks that result in leaky roofs or pest infestations. Cleaning gutters thoroughly can be a tough job. That’s why it’s best to hire reliable companies to clean your seamless gutters, so you can ensure a safe, dry, and pest-free home.
Attend to the Downspouts
Downspouts and gutters work hand in hand, and it’s responsible for diverting water to the side of your home. However, downspouts that end perpendicular to the ground are at risk of bringing the water flow alongside your home’s foundation. Because of this, water gets pushed at a fast rate, eroding the soil around the house, leading to leaks inside the home through its foundation, causing severe damages. When you have your gutters cleaned, ensure you also attend to the downspouts for optimal safety.
Fill in the Cracks
Although they may not be evident at first, your home may contain several cracks on its foundation, which can result in flooding. These cracks may be small, but repairing them can help prevent costly damages down the line. That’s why if you see a small crack, use concrete patching to fill it in immediately.
Install Foundation Vents
A great way to condition your home against floods is by installing foundation vents that let flood water flow through your house, rather than pooling around it. It gives the flowing water an outlet and protects your walls and basement windows by diverting the intense pressure of floods away from it. However, if you’re looking for an immediate remedy, you can use sump pumps to pump water out of your basement.
Plant Vegetation Around Your Home
If you have a bare yard, you’re more prone to experience floods even if you have a reliable drainage system, leading to intense flooding and water damage in your home. Fortunately, an easy and cost-effective way to remedy this is by planting trees, bushes, and other plants around your yard. The roots of vegetation can help ‘soak up’ water more effectively, and it can also slow the flow of water, protecting your home against flooding.
Plus, it can improve your home’s aesthetic appeal, allowing you to ensure safety, protection, style, and the environment’s well-being.
Water damage in your home can lead to disastrous situations, especially when left unchecked, leaving you with a deteriorating house and bank account. Protect your house and finances with the tips mentioned, ensuring you a dry and safe home.
