In some areas, flooding is a very real concern during the spring months. It's not just flooding that can cause water damage to your home either, as a leaky roof or cracks in the basement foundation can also cause water to seep inside your home. There are some ways to help prevent water damage to your home, and if it happens, there are steps you can take to clean up.
Outside Fixes
There are typically several entry points into your home for water and to help prevent any from entering your home you can do these outside fixes. First, you can install a downspout from the roof that directs water away from your house. If your area is prone to receiving a lot of snow, then installing window wells around the basement windows can help prevent water from seeping through the panes.
You also need to keep your property's foundation and basement windows clear of snow so that, when it melts, the water doesn't seep through. At the same time, cleaning eavestroughs of leaves, twigs and dirt on a regular basis will help prevent water from backing up and getting through any cracks in the roof or in the outside walls.
Inside Fixes
Inside your home, there are a few things you can do to help prevent water damage too. Hire a professional plumber that can inspect the pipes and the plumbing in your home and look for leaks or cracks and make sure they fit properly. The plumber might make recommendations to upgrade the pipes, and it is a good idea to follow their advice.
You can also look into getting a water damage alarm. The alarm will detect if there is any water damage in the home and will sound accordingly. When you hear the alarm, turn off the water to the house to help minimize the damage.
Clean Up
Water damage can occur even if you do everything you can to try to prevent it. If you do have water damage, then it's a good idea to hire professionals to help clean up the mold and fix the damage that was caused. If there has been a flood, you need to pump out the water first and place fans and dehumidifiers around the rooms to help air out the moisture. A professional will then sand or scrub down the walls and floors with a wire brush to remove all organic materials the mold will feed on.
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