Water damage is one of the most common causes of home damage and can lead to serious structural problems if not addressed quickly. Fortunately, there are several steps that homeowners can take to prevent water damage and protect their homes from further damage. 

Check Your Roof for Damages

Regular roof inspections are essential for ensuring that your roof remains in good condition and that any potential water issues are caught early. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as missing or loose shingles, cracked mortar, or broken flashing. Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are free of debris so they can effectively divert water away from your home. If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting your roof yourself, hire a professional to do it for you. 

Clean Out Your Gutters & Downspouts Annually 

Gutters become clogged with leaves and other debris throughout the year, which can cause them to overflow when it rains. To help keep this from happening, clean out your gutters at least once a year—twice a year if you live in an area with lots of trees or foliage near your home. 

Inspect Plumbing Regularly 

Plumbing problems such as leaks can quickly lead to water damage if left unchecked. Make sure you inspect all visible plumbing fixtures annually for signs of corrosion or leaks and repair any issues immediately before they become bigger problems. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, have a plumber come out to inspect them on a regular basis. 

Causes of Water Damage

• Events caused by the weather: floods, heavy rain, hurricanes, and snowstorms can all cause water damage to homes and other buildings.
• Plumbing problems: Like broken pipes, leaking faucets, and broken appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.
• Structural problems: Water damage can be caused by an old or broken roof, cracks in the foundation, and other structural problems.
• Poor ventilation: If bathrooms, attics, and crawl spaces don't have enough ventilation, moisture can build up and cause water damage.
• Human error: Like leaving a faucet running, letting a tub or sink overflow, or not fixing a leaky pipe.
• Sewage backup: When sewage backs up, it can damage water systems and put people's health at risk because it contains harmful bacteria and other germs.
• High humidity: can cause moisture to build up in the air and on surfaces, which can lead to water damage.

Conclusion

While there's no way to completely eliminate the risk of water damage in your home, understanding what causes it is key in helping you take proactive steps towards preventing it.

From regular inspections and maintenance activities such as cleaning gutters and checking hoses for cracks to keeping an eye on weather conditions before they turn dangerous—there are many things homeowners can do to minimize their chances of having costly repairs due to flooding and moisture intrusion due to water damage. So don't wait until it's too late; start taking action today!