Did you know that 14.6 million U.S. homes are at risk of flooding?
Water damage can be a devastating and costly experience for homeowners.
From floods to burst pipes, water damage can cause extensive structural damage, mold growth, and long-term health risks if not addressed quickly.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your home from water damage with the help of this guide on water mitigation. Keep reading and learn how to identify potential sources of moisture in your home and what measures you need to take now before it’s too late!
What Is Water Mitigation?
Water mitigation is the process of preventing or reducing potential water damage to a home or property. This may involve floodproofing walls and foundations, installing waterproof materials like tile, installing drainage systems to divert water away from vulnerable areas, repairing any existing water damage, and more.
Water mitigation can be an important part of maintaining your home’s health and preventing further damage. By taking the time to understand what water mitigation involves and how it can help protect your home, you can save yourself a lot of money and hassle in the long run.
Outside the Home
First, let’s discuss the outside of your home. Some consistent maintenance of important areas of your home can prevent water from finding its way into your home.
Disconnect Hoses
Many of us may not consider the dangers of forgetting to disconnect our outdoor hoses before winter temperatures arrive. Keeping them connected can cause serious damage if the water inside freezes; this could lead to the pipes bursting and water giving way inside your home.
It is a simple task, yet can save so much hassle and money which may be incurred due to the repair of damaged indoor pipes. So, don’t let yourself get caught unawares -disconnecting hoses in time for winter will help you avoid all potential distress!
Clear Gutters
Regularly cleaning your gutters is vital to ensure that rainwater can flow away from your home. Blockages can occur easily, and over time, backed-up water can erode the gutter seals and cause water to enter your living space.
If you do not address the problem of water backing up, it could eventually damage your house’s foundation, which is very serious. If you don’t want to use a ladder, you can hire someone to help clear your gutters and roof. But either way, you need to regularly check and clean your gutters!
Inspect Roofs and Siding
It’s easy to overlook your roof and siding, but regular inspection is important to prevent costly repairs and future headaches. Pay close attention to any gaps or small holes that can let in moisture, as these could lead to further damage if left unattended.
Likewise, inspect for loose shingles and replace them immediately as they can cause water to build up on the roof, leading to mold or mildew growth. You can easily increase the life of your roof and siding by performing regular inspections and making slight repairs when necessary.
Seal All Exterior Cracks and Joints
Sealing all exterior cracks and joints with quality materials can be one of the best ways to prevent water damage to your home. Not only will this help keep moisture out, but it also prevents other issues, such as mold growth and wood rot, from occurring.
It is especially important to have protection if your home’s exterior includes wood siding, brick, or stucco. These surfaces can be damaged by moisture. Inspect and seal any cracks or joints around your external walls or other non-porous materials to keep your home from having water damage.
Check Vents and Window Wells
Small, seemingly insignificant tasks like checking vents and window wells can be crucial when it comes to keeping your house in tip-top shape. Failing to do so could lead to more serious issues such as storm damage and water damage resulting from backed-up rainwater.
You should check these areas regularly to make sure there are no problems. Check the vents and window wells to make sure they’re clear of debris and have proper drainage. Don’t forget to check the seals on your windows, too!
If you make sure these seals are tight, your windows will not break and cause more damage. This will also save you money on water cleanup.
Inside the Home
Now, let’s discuss ways to waterproof your home from the inside. They include:
Check for Leaks and Drips
Paying attention to the smallest of details is essential when it comes to maintaining your home. An often overlooked yet important task is making sure all the pipes and fixtures have proper seals, as this can help prevent costly repairs in the future. Look for any signs of leaks or drips, no matter how small, that may be coming from fixtures like faucets and drains.
Small problems can be fixed easily, but if left unchecked they can cause serious damage and end up costing thousands. Don’t waste time – make checking for leaks and drips part of your regular home maintenance routine!
Install a Sump Pump
When it rains, floods or other weather causes water to enter your basement, installing a sump pump is an essential preventive step that can keep possible damage from occurring in the future. It will accumulate any water and filter it away from your home so that it does not cause moisture issues due to prolonged exposure.
Setting up a sump pump is relatively easy for most homeowners if the electrical connections are properly installed. Along with hiring a professional installer, having proper tools and resources as well as time is also necessary when putting one in place. Taking these steps before disaster strikes can help protect overall property values and give you peace of mind in knowing that your family is safe.
Increase Airflow
Good air circulation is essential for a healthy home. Not only will proper airflow help to keep moisture levels down and prevent the growth of mold, but it also provides other benefits like reducing allergens, improved thermal comfort and even potentially cost savings.
The most common way to increase airflow in your home is by opening windows whenever possible. When larger areas such as big rooms or communal spaces need fresh air, exhaust fans can be a great solution.
Installing them in kitchens and bathrooms can help ensure that stale air is being consistently released and clean air replenished into your living space. So if you’re looking for an easy way to improve the health of your home make sure to open windows and put those exhaust fans to work!
Install Water Alarms
Water-related disasters, like leaks and overflows, can happen. To be ready for them, it is a good idea to have alarms near appliances that use water. That way, you can find out about the problem early and do something about it before there is a lot of damage.
With these alarms in place, you can be assured of detecting any signs of a problem before things get out of hand. Installing water alarms is an effective approach to protecting your property from unwelcome surprises!
Monitor Your Water Bill
Paying attention to your water bill can help you save money in the long run, as well as ensure that you detect any unseen leaks or drips. Many people don’t realize just how much of an impact even a little drop can have on their monthly water bill. While it may seem like an insignificant amount at first, these small problems can add up to hundreds of dollars over time.
So if the numbers suddenly seem higher than normal, take the time to investigate and see whether or not there is a hidden issue that needs to be addressed before it gets out of hand. Taking steps to monitor your water bill now can help you save money down the line.
Check Your Water Pressure
If your water pressure is too high, it can be a significant source of hidden damage in your home. Over time, this kind of stress can cause pipes to weaken and even burst. This could result in lengthy and costly repair bills, and potentially leave you with a flooded home.
To prevent this from happening, make sure you regularly check your water pressure so that it stays within the normal range. If the water pressure exceeds this threshold, then adjust accordingly to protect your plumbing system and avoid unexpected disasters. Being proactive on this critical task can provide peace of mind, save money, and help keep your home dry.
Protect Your Home From Water Damage
Water mitigation is an important step to protecting your home from water damage. It involves identifying and correcting any causes of water intrusion, ensuring that the building materials in your home are resistant to moisture, and making sure the site has proper drainage.
By taking these steps you can help make sure that your home won’t suffer irreparable damage due to water damage.
If you’re considering hiring restoration companies after water, fire, mold, or roof damage, there are some definite advantages to working with a local business rather than a national one. From personalized service to faster response times, you can expect a high level of service when you choose a local company. Contact DFW Turnkey Restoration and let’s discuss your needs.
