Prevent Water Damage to Your Home and Business
Remember that tiny leak you thought wouldn’t amount to anything? Well now it's found a way inside your home and drowned your floorboards. Follow this practical advice for keeping water damage at bay.
A Soggy Foundation: How Does Outdoor Water Sneak Inside Anyway?
You don't want the foundation of your house water-logged and degraded any more than you want your roof sagging or to fill pots in the kitchen when it rains. With poor or infrequent maintenance, your home and business insurance policies may not cover you. Take these preventative steps soon – before the monsoon.
- Make sure there's good drainage off the roof, and away from your home's foundation
- Keep the soffits and vents clear of blockage
- Replace damaged or missing shingles or tiles
- Check the attic for leaks, especially at junctions of the roof and vents
- Take steps to ensure water drains away from the house
Indoor Leaks?
Anywhere water is plumbed in your home risks developing a leak or crack over time. When water reaches a crack, it can degrade the materials and cause mold or mildew. Sinks, toilets, tubs, showers and major appliances like dishwashers, and washing machines, and refrigerators with ice makers should be inspected for leaks around the caulking or anywhere hoses connect. In addition to checking for leaky connections, look for wet spots on the surrounding floor. In the bathroom, leaky or burst pipes, creaky floorboards and clogged drains need to be handled by professionals. Any time you find a leak, turn off the water supply to that pipe. It's also a good idea to make sure everyone in your house knows how to turn off the water supply in case of a plumbing emergency.
Regular maintenance and vigilance will help keep you out of your rainboots while you're in the house. Your local Shelter agent can help answer questions about coverage options for your home or business, so give 'em a call.