Water damage is a frequent problem in homes. While many times it can be reversed, if not caught, could cause severe issues. If you’re interested in learning more about how to stop water damage, you’ll want to keep reading.
What Causes Water Damage?
There are many things that could cause water damage. Some of these include:
Leaking pipes
A broken appliance
Cracks in your home’s foundation
Clogged gutters
While these are the most common, sometimes water damage could also be due to a natural disaster, such as flash floods or hurricanes.
5 Ways to Prevent Water Damage
Keep Hoses Away From Your Home: It might not seem like much water would come from a hose, but it does. If you don’t shut the device off, the water will continue to drip. Over time, this small amount will start to form puddles that could leak around your home’s foundation. This could soften the structural materials and cause moisture to sneak into your crawl space.
Quickly Fix Leaks: One of the most important things to do to prevent water damage is to fix leaks. While these can be hard to spot sometimes, if not sealed, will only encourage water to keep dripping through your walls and ceilings.
For visible problems, make sure to patch them up as soon as you see them. You can also look for hidden leak signs, like a musty odor, running water sounds behind your walls, and discolored drywall.
Replace Old Caulking: Caulking creates a strong barrier around windows and doorways to thwart water droplets. While caulking does a good job at protecting your home, over time it will wear down. You’ll want to apply a new layer when you notice it curling or turning yellow.
Check Your Appliances: Many times water damage is due to a malfunctioning appliance, such as your HVAC system or washing machine. If you find that there is a lot of condensation around the devices or that there is visible water damage, quickly contact a professional.
Install New Shingles: You might be surprised to learn that old or poorly installed shingles could encourage water damage. Roof shingles guard your ceilings against rain and other natural elements. If they’re falling off or missing, your home isn’t going to be protected.
Water damage is a common problem that can create a pricey mess if not fixed. By keeping these tips in mind, you can easily prevent it. If you fear that you might already have water damage, RCS can help. We offer services that will remove water and protect your home from future leaks.
