Running water is a necessity within the modern home, not only providing us with hydration, but the ability to clean ourselves, dishes, clothes, water our plants, the list goes on. Whilst water is an incredibly valuable resource we are lucky to have so freely within our homes, once let loose, it can wreak havoc within a home. Water damage is one of the most common issues homeowners deal with, as pipes and fittings inevitably wear down over time or bad weather causes external issues. Water damage of any shape or size can heavily affect the value of a property, thus it is vital any sign of a leak is investigated thoroughly. Before any signs of water damage become evident, there are many ways to protect your home from water damage. Prevention is always the best method of avoiding water damage, as things become much more complicated after the damage is done.
Identify and fix leaks immediately
Performing routine checks and inspecting your home could allow you to spot a leak or incorrectly fitted window or door, before it causes issues. It is not uncommon for windows to be fitted incorrectly, which can in turn let show and rain sneak its way into your home. Make sure to check your windows and doors after heavy rain or stormy weather, sealing any cracks or holes in the exterior of your property. After a bad weather spell, you may also want to check your plumbing fixtures, like pipes and drains, to check if they have been clogged with debris. This is just an extra step you can take to prevent water damage from happening.
Ensure your foundations are secure
The most insidious type of water damage is that which begins in the foundations of your home. Whilst a leaking shower is still very frustrating, it is a much easier fix than dealing with unwanted water within your home’s foundational structure. What makes matter worse, is that water damage in foundations is much harder to spot, with signs of damage only becoming visible once significant damage has already been done. To combat this, ensure your home has been surveyed prior to purchase, in which any foundation issues or risks have already been outlined. You must also ensure drainage around your home is maintained, so water is not pooling anywhere outside your home.
Check downspouts and gutters regularly
Make a habit of checking gutters and downspouts, especially during colder, windier weather. With most guttering pipes being made of plastic, these can easily become damaged during tumultuous weather without us realising. In colder weather, these plastic pipes can easily fracture or become brittle and snap in the cold. If you notice water running down the side of your house, this is a key sign something is preventing your guttering from working properly.
How to deal with water damage
No matter how vigilant we may be in preventing water damage, sometimes the elements and luck is against us. Regardless of water damage being an external or internal issue, ignoring it is one of the worst things homeowners can do. Issues involving water will only get worse over time and become more expensive to fix as the problem is left to worsen. Luckily, comprehensive leak detection & repair services from Aspect use noninvasive methods to locate leak sources, swiftly repairing any damage caused to your home. Experts can use borescope cameras, tracer gas or thermal imaging cameras, to locate the exact point of the leak. These methods are not only less invasive, minimising damage and disruption to your home, but they are also much more time-efficient, as leaks can quickly be found and repaired.
