Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

This time of year is perfect for prepping and protecting your home from the effects of water damage. A flood or heavy rainstorm can wreak havoc on your foundation if it is not properly waterproofed. Luckily, you can do a few things to ensure your home is protected against water damage. Let’s go over some easy maintenance tips to keep your home safe.

Inspect Your Roof

A leaky roof is an easy way for moisture to find its way into your home. A simple way to inspect your roof is to look for any broken, loose, or missing shingles. If you see loose or damaged shingles, repair them as soon as possible to keep your home secure from leaks. Also, you should check and repair breaks in the flashing seals around vent stacks and chimneys. Any gap in your roof can let in moisture, which can lead to issues like mold and structural damage.

Clean Your Gutters

While you’re up on the roof, it is a good idea to clean your gutters as well. Your gutters are meant to direct water away from your house, so it does not flood your foundation. When your gutters are clogged, it allows water to flow over the sides, sending it spilling down to the basement, where it could do serious damage. It is a good idea to make a habit of cleaning the gutters twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall.

Check for Foundation Cracks

A crack in the foundation often results from soil movement caused by moisture repeatedly freezing and thawing, which can leave gaps in your basement walls and floor. If you notice a small crack in your foundation, there are a few things you can do to fix it:

• Install a drainage system to drain the water away.
• Replace the soil surrounding your foundation with more porous materials; like gravel
• Make sure your gutters are working properly and drain rainwater away from your house

If there is a large crack or multiple cracks, it is better to call a professional.

Take Care of Your Pipes

Your pipes are your first line of defense against water damage. If you have old, rusty metal pipes, it is good to have them replaced with more durable materials. With today’s innovative plumbing systems, you can even install pressure sensors in your plumbing system that will alert you if your water pressure drops.

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today for Your Waterproofing Needs

Whether you need a new sump pump installed or want to waterproof your entire basement, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420. To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.