How To Protect Your Home from Water Damage

Leaks from outside your home can cause a lot of problems on the inside. While you may not be able to prevent every leak from happening, you can minimize water damage by employing some preventative strategies.

Check Gutters

Rain and other precipitation are likely to hit your roof first. When this happens, the runoff needs a place to go. If your gutters and downspouts are clogged or damaged, however, water can pool and weaken the roof, potentially causing issues in the attic and along interior walls. Make sure you clean your drainage system and, if necessary, contact gutter replacement companies Vancouver, to install new gutters that work more efficiently.

Update Landscaping

Your landscape architect can play a role in keeping rainwater away from your foundation. He or she can angle the portion of your garden that is adjacent to your home away from the building so that water runs down the slope and away from the house. You can also plant a rain garden that uses the rainfall to nourish the plants rather than letting it flow into storm drains or erode your lawn.

Find Source

If there is a leak in your home, your best bet for minimizing damage is to find the source and shut off water flow to it. Watch for dark spots on walls and ceilings and pay attention to your water pressure. Either can be a sign of a broken pipe. A slow leak is likely to result in a significant change in water usage, so checking your water meter frequently is a good way to discover there is a problem. Finally, know where your water main valve is located so that you can turn the water off if an issue suddenly arises.

You can’t always avoid leaks, but you can probably prevent a lot of the damage when they happen. Protect your home with vigilant attention to both exterior and interior maintenance.