Why You Should Protect Your Home From Water Damage? A KY Tech Explains.

Water damage is a hazard you can’t ignore as a home owner. The national average cost for dealing with water damage in a home is $2,439 and can run much higher if the problem isn’t handled appro­pri­ately. It’s not just about damage to your home, either. Leaks and moisture in your home can promote the growth of mold and other organisms that increase the risk of health problems. Extended exposure to mold can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms and increase the risk of respi­ratory diseases. Protecting and preventing water damage is essential to maintaining a healthy home and family. So what steps should you take?

Water Detection System And Appliance Upkeep

There is a lot to cover here. At least once a year you should inspect your plumbing or hire an inspector to do it for you. Check the water lines, shut-off valves, and fittings for any of your appli­ances that use water. Make sure there are no cracks, loose connec­tions, or corrosion on these appli­ances. If there are, immedi­ately cut off the water supply to that fixture and make repairs.

Having pipes inspected can be tricky, as most of your plumbing is concealed behind walls and under floors. The best proactive measure you can take is to install water detection system which will immedi­ately send out an alert in the case of a leak or flooding of any kind. Having water detection systems installed in your Lexington or surrounding area home and monitored by profes­sionals, like Bates, can severely limit the damage a burst pipe can inflict on your home by providing a swift response to the emergency.

Handling water damage is an expensive and time-consuming ordeal. Be proactive and defend your home from this common threat! 

Inspect your attic and roof

Keeping your roof sealed and in good shape is one of the most important things you can do to prevent weather related water damage. A leaky roof leads to moisture getting trapped in insulation, which creates a horrible combi­nation of rot and mold. It can be hard to spot leaks when they are first forming, so hiring profes­sionals to do an inspection and the necessary repairs is encouraged. If you have an attic, find the time to conduct your own inspec­tions a few times a year. It is often easier to detect early signs of leaks there than doing outside inspec­tions yourself. If you detect any signs of damage, schedule repairs immediately.

Protect your foundation

Preventing water buildup around your home is something most homeowners don’t consider when it comes to their landscaping. Check to see if the ground slopes AWAY from the foundation of your home by at least 6 inches over a distance of 10 feet. This help creates a natural water flow which helps protect your home from standing water by directing it away from the foundation. If your home has a basement, installing a sump pump may be worth consid­er­ation. Sump pumps act like a huge floor drain that keeps any water that does get in from building up. 

Trim trees, clean gutters

Cleaning gutters is a frequently neglected task amongst home owners. Don’t put it off. Having your gutters clogged, damaged, or simply draining improperly can damage your roof and redirect water towards your home instead of away from it. Using extension pipes can help you further redirect water away from the foundation of your home if it’s needed. 

Check that the trees in your yard are healthy and not putting your home in any risk. Don’t take chances, if a tree limb is extended over your roof, have it trimmed. A heavy storm can easily snap a branch and cause massive amounts of damage to your roof, leaving it wide open for water damage.