Water Damage Repair: It Starts with Prevention

Water damage is responsible for over one-fifth of all homeowner property claims.

Have you had to look into water damage repair before?

If you have, you know it can be costly and involved, requiring expert care and advice.

That said, with just a few preventative steps, you can reduce the chances of your home suffering water damage.

Let’s get into it!

Respond Quickly to Water Risks

First, is important to respond promptly whenever you suspect water damage has occurred. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover the cost of water damage if you notice and make repairs right away. But, you may be denied coverage if you fail to act quickly enough. Additionally, untreated water damage can lead to mould growth that poses a threat to your health. Once mould has a foothold in your walls, it can be very difficult to remove. Long-term exposure to moisture can cause damage to your home’s structural support—a costly component to repair.

Protecting and preserving your home from water damage is a two-step process. As soon as you notice signs of potential water damage in your home, you should locate and eliminate the causes. Then, you must remove water-damaged materials and make repairs. Eliminating water damage risks should be a part of your plans as well.

How to Avoid Water Damage Before it Happens

Hero Response helps homeowners avoid the perils and costs of water damage every day. In this article, we’ll take a look at five ways that you can protect your home and prevent water damage from occurring.

By taking these proactive measures, you can reduce the chances that your home will suffer serious damage.

Here are 5 steps you can take to reduce your risk of water damage and limit water damage repair:

1. Ensure proper drainage of rainwater.

When heavy rains arrive, your home’s gutters and downspouts need to be able to quickly move water away from your house.

Otherwise, water will pool around the base of your foundation and leak into your basement. Standing water in your gutters can flow under your eaves into your attic. Make sure your gutters are clear of debris and properly maintained. Also, ensure that the end of your downspout is clear and directs water a sufficient distance away from your home.

2. Keep your basement’s sump pump ready for duty.

Sometimes, even the best efforts can’t keep all the moisture out of your basement. Many basements are equipped with a sump pump to remove water runoff. When a sump pump works, the water never reaches the floor of your basement. Instead, it is gathered in a well and then pumped away from your home. However, if your sump pump fails and the well becomes full, your basement’s floor will be next.

Check your sump pump regularly to make sure it is working. You may also want to install a generator or battery system that keeps your pump running, even in a power outage.

3. Limit humidity levels to prevent mould.

Rooms with high humidity are more susceptible to mould or mildew damage. If your basement or other rooms in your house are continually damp, install a dehumidifier. You should use a dehumidifier in any room that has a humidity level about 60%.

To check the humidity in your home purchase a hygrometer or indoor humidity monitor online or at your local hardware store and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Check your toilets, appliances and plumbing for leaks.

Water leaks are one of the most common causes of indoor water damage. An undetected leak can cause major damage to your home’s floors, walls, insulation, and framing.

To check for leaks inspect the areas around your appliances and plumbing regularly. Look behind your clothes washer and under your dishwasher for signs of water damage to the walls or floors. Also, inspect the areas behind and beneath your toilets. Open the cabinets beneath enclosed sinks and check for signs of leaks there too. Keep an eye out for water stains on ceilings and walls. If you notice a new stain, you will need to locate the source and eliminate it.

Another sign that your home might have a hidden leak can be found in your water bill. If you notice a sudden spike in water usage reported in your bill, you may have a large leak that has gone undetected. Water could be flowing and collecting under your home or inside a wall.

Have your plumbing inspected by a professional right away to avoid costly water damage and waste.

5. Keep your roof and windows sealed and in good repair.

Windows and roofs can be sources of water leaks and damage due to poor initial installation or failed maintenance. Each item on your roof, such as a chimney or vent, is a potential source of water leakage. Inspect your roof at least once a year for signs of loose flashings or damage to vents or pipes. Also look for loose or missing shingles. Any hole in your roof’s protective covering will allow water into your attic and beyond.

To keep rainwater and snow runoff out of your home, your windows should fit tightly into your home’s walls. The space between your windows and the exterior walls of your home should be caulked to create a watertight seal. If your windows’ caulking has cracks or gaps, water may collect around your window frames causing expensive hidden damage.

Water may also enter your home through your windows if they are no longer sealing properly. If the wood of the window frame has absorbed moisture and cannot be closed properly rain or melting ice may find its way into your home through the cracks.

If you see signs of roof or window leak potential, make repairs before water gets into your home.

Toronto’s Hero Response is Here to Help

Hero Response’s team of licensed plumbers, and trained inspectors and restoration specialists stand at the ready to help protect and preserve homes throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Hero Response prevention services, such as waterproofing and foundation repairs, can help you locate and eliminate potential water problems before they start. If your home has already suffered water damage our restoration experts can make things right again. We will work with you and your insurance provider through every step in the process.

From roof to foundation, Hero Response knows home repair and restoration.

If your home has experienced water damage or you suspect it may be at risk, give us a call. Let us put our expertise to work for you.