Most homeowners focus on preventing indoor water damage, but you shouldn’t forget about your home’s exterior. The exterior comes into contact with various elements each day which mhttp://water damageakes it very susceptible to water damage. Below you’ll discover five ways you can easily prevent this issue.
5 Ways to Stop Outdoor Water Damage
Clean Your Gutters: Clogged gutters are one of the main reasons for outdoor water damage. If a gutter is filled with debris, it will be hard for water to pass through. This could cause it to spill over the edges or into small cracks in the roof.
You’ll want to be diligent at cleaning your gutter at least twice a year. You might also consider installing a gutter screen. This will trap large debris while allowing water to travel down the gutter.
Detach Hoses: Another thing you’ll want to do is detach any hose near your home. If you leave these tools attached to a water spout, water will leak out of the top or from the nozzle. This can cause standing water that could spread into your home’s foundation.
Plant Vegetation: Sometimes vegetation can cause water damage due to excessive root growth. However, certain options can also prevent it. By planting a variety of short-root trees and bushes around your yard, they can absorb the water preventing it from spreading into your home. Some of the best options include river birch, weeping willow, red maple, inkberry, and buttonbush.
Fill in Foundational Cracks: Foundational cracks can be difficult to see, but they can cause major damage to your home’s structure. If there’s even a slight crack, water can sneak into it. This could cause the foundation to crumble or result in harmful mold growth. Because of this, take some time to inspect your living space’s foundation for cracks. If you find some, fill them with caulking.
Inspect Your Roof: Your roof is designed to be durable, but it can start to wear down after a few years or after becoming damaged due to severe weather. If the shingles start to degrade or there are openings in the roof, it will allow water to seep in.
To prevent this, do your best to visually inspect your roof. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home to see if there is obvious damage, granule loss, or buckling.
Outdoor water damage is a common problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. If you’re concerned your residence might have water damage, in Sonoma County contact RCS. Our team will quickly inspect the problem and get to work fixing it.
