Protect Your Home From Water Damage in the New Year | SERVPRO® of Hayward
1/10/2023 (Permalink)
With a new year comes new possibilities! While you are busy making New Year’s resolutions and working on decluttering your life, incorporate these tips on reducing your risk for water damage in your home.
Since water damage is a constant threat no matter what season we are in, it is important to take proper steps before the threat is even present.
In order to fully understand where water damage comes from, you have to be familiar with the different ways water could infiltrate your home. Gutters with blockages and a poorly graded yard are common reasons for water damage outside the home, while fixture malfunctions and appliance failures are the leading causes inside the home.
Rusted-out pipes or caulking issues can cause moisture issues in your home. When those leaks or moist areas are left untreated, mold growth can begin or the lingering water can start to rot out the affected area.
Your appliances are also vulnerable to water where it shouldn’t be. They could rust or malfunction, leaving you with frustration and probably a big puddle on the floor.
Your appliances could also begin to rust or stop working if a drip gets to their electronic components. The sooner you catch an issue at its source, the more you can mitigate damages.
While even just an inch of water can cause widespread damage, you can practice preventive steps every day. Early detection can save you precious time and money if you can catch a problem at the source!
Regularly check your bathrooms and kitchens for water stains or the beginnings of mold growth. When it rains or on really cold winter days, check for condensation along your window panes. Be aware of any emerging musty odors in your home that could indicate a mold issue.
Inspect your roof regularly to catch any missing shingles or structural issues, and clean your gutters at the start of a new season to encourage proper water flow.
When the snow flies and the temperature dips below freezing, you have to be especially careful about ice dams forming on your roof. Ice dams can build up over time and cause extensive water damage when the ice melts and runs down your roof.
You should also have your yard professionally graded if you live in a low area or have a property that slopes toward your house. This ensures that any rain water or melting snow will run down and away from your home.
Have water damage in your home? Contact us for fast, professional restoration back to preloss condition.