5 Helpful Tips to Prevent Water Damage

Posted on: November 18, 2014 | By: Michael T. | Water damage restoration potrero hill

Water damage restoration potrero hill

5 Helpful Tips to Prevent Water Damage

Water is a necessary element for survival, but for a house, it has the potential to be destructive by leading to peeling paint, rotting wood and insect infestation. The most effective way to prevent water damage from snowmelt and rainwater is to make sure the exterior materials of your home feature proper construction. Responsible maintenance is also key.

By investigating, identifying and repairing all cracks and leaks, San Francisco homeowners may be able to avoid extensive water damage restoration. Here are five helpful tips to get you started:

1. Check all doors and windows.

As a preventative measure, check around your doors and windows for preexisting leaks or cracks, especially near the corners. Peeling paint can be a sign of water seeping into the wood. Inspect for discolorations in caulking or paint, along with swelling in doorframes, windows and surrounding materials.

2. Seal the foundation.

Seal any holes or cracks in the external walls, joints and foundations of your home. Closely examine any places where wiring or piping extends through the outside walls, and consider filling all of those cracks with a home sealant.

3. Check the plumbing.

Check your home for clogged drains, dripping or “sweating” pipes, leaky faucets and faulty water drainage systems. Check your washing machine hoses for cracks, bulges or wetness. Replace these hoses every few years to prevent potential problems.

It is also important to inspect the water heater and the area around it. Make sure this area is free of rust and standing water. Consider draining your hot water heater at least once per year.

4. Be aware of humidity levels.

A home’s humidity should range between 30 percent and 50 percent. Condensation on windows, musty smells, and wet stains on the ceiling and walls are signs that the humidity level in your home may be too high.

Check for mildew and dampness in areas where air does not easily circulate: behind curtains, for example. Instead of turning off the air conditioning, turn up the temperature when you and your family leave for trip. Air conditioning actually removes moisture from your home.

5. Take care of your home’s exterior.

The structural integrity of exterior walls is absolutely vital. Use strong, flexible paint and sealant on your home. Reconsider using the side of your home as a space for creating a compost pile. The damage inherent in compost can increase the quickness with which your home will respond to moisture and other toxins.

While several factors contribute to water damage in the home, these tips should help you prepare for the unexpected. To see if you should take further measures, FEMA recommends checking the flood risk of your community.

If water damage is already affecting your home, you should contact water damage restoration services immediately. In San Francisco, Allied Restoration Company can help. We take pride in providing timely, professional and experienced flood repair services. If you’re facing a flood or major water damage, give us a call at 415-529-5637.