6 Factors that Increase the Risk of Water Damage

Global Restoration

Most people go to great lengths to prevent water damage to their homes in cases of excessive rain or flooding. However, the complexities of home maintenance mean it is possible for the most meticulous homeowners to overlook a crucial step in water damage prevention. The first step in prevention is diagnosis; understanding where the water might come from will help ensure that it doesn't enter your property.

Causes of Water Damage: Some Unexpected Culprits

You may be surprised where the water can come from in the event of a moisture infiltration. Check out your home in the following places:

• The Outside: Exterior walls can be susceptible to cracks, holes, or places where the paint has thinned, causing penetrable weakness. Cracks can be sealed in the foundation and in these exterior walls, and exterior paint should be replenished every 5-10 years.
• The Roof: Missing or faulty shingles are likely the cause of your drips when it rains, but gapped chimneys or top vents can invite unwanted seepage, too. The source of your leak may not actually be where the drip is coming into your home, as there may be considerable runoff from the leak location down the rafters or pipes and to the bucket or pile of towels you are now relying on. Learn more about Roof Repair and Replacement.
• The Pipes: Any instance of controlled water can quickly become a source of unwanted water in the home. Dishwashers and washing machines which require high volumes of water are common spots for leakage – check for bulges or sweating pipes in these areas. In general, leaky pipes are easy to spot, but you need to be looking. Periodically venturing under the sink or in the basement or attic where pipes run behind the scenes is important.

How Can you Protect your Home from Damage?

Determining the cause and diagnosing that you have a leak is half the battle. Now that you know where your leak is originating and why, you can begin to remedy the area and prevent future problems. Regular inspection is essential.

Monitor your Attic & Basement

Many of us avoid the attic or basement unless it is time to take out the holiday decorations. Periodic checks of the attic should be afforded and include searching for leaks of air or water, holes, and more. If insulation is insufficient (indicated by an air leak), ice dams can build up with rain or snowmelt and cause water damage inside your home. In the basement, bowed walls or mold can be big indicators of infiltration.

Walk the Perimeter

The exterior of your home will have a lot to say about potential water damage. Landscaping features should be kept away from the exterior wall of the home to prevent unexpected moisture buildup. Trees should be cut back to avoid inviting insects to your exterior walls, which can leave holes and porous areas for water to seep in. Trim back ivy or other vines from the side of your home to preserve your siding, too. Irrigation spray should be monitored and kept off the side of the house to cut back on direct water impact.

Follow these expert tips to keep moisture at bay. If you find that you are drowning under the severity of your water damage, contact the water damage restoration experts at Global Restoration today!