Everyone wants to live in a durable home that can protect us from the elements, but there will be times when harsh weather conditions can wreak havoc on our homes. Hailstorms, hurricanes, and strong winds are just some elements of nature that can cause superficial damage. Fortunately, proper maintenance and repairs are an effective remedy against superficial damage.
However, certain types of structural damage are not superficial and can permanently affect the structural integrity of our home. Water damage is known for being one of the most prevalent types of damage to homes. In fact, the United States is known for experiencing 14,000 water damage emergencies in a day.
What makes water damage so dangerous in the first place? When water and moisture come into contact with wooden surfaces, this can cause rotting and make it more vulnerable to molds and other biological contaminants. Water can also cause rotting in metal surfaces, which might compromise the integrity of your home. The best way of addressing water damage is by preventing it in the first place, especially since this can cause long-term and permanent damage to supporting structures.
So what are some preventive measures for water damage? How do you effectively protect your home from long-term water damage and prevent flooding? Here’s what you’ll need to know in this situation.
Using the Right Building Materials
First and foremost, one of the most crucial parts of preventing water damage to your home is by incorporating it into the design process. When you’re still in the process of planning out your home, you’ll need to ensure that you are using the right building materials.
Contrary to what most people believe, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use wood or metal building materials. There are a variety of ways of waterproofing your home. This is especially useful if your home has balconies, decks, and terraces that are vulnerable to pooling rainwater. Fortunately, you won’t have to look far since there are highly reliable deck waterproofing supplies that can keep your balconies, decks, and other aspects of your home in pristine condition, even after long-term exposure to flowing water and rain.
Inspecting Your Roofing
One of the most important ways of keeping your home away from water damage is by focusing on your home’s roofing system and gutters. What makes your roofing and gutter system so important? Although this isn’t the first thing that most people see when visiting your home, your roof and the gutters surrounding you are integral to keeping your home safe during harsh weather conditions.
The last thing you’ll want as a homeowner is rainwater seeping into your home’s nooks and crannies or heavy snow accumulating on your roof, which can lead to roof collapses. Although many homes usually abide by rules and building codes, it’s still important to keep in mind that some types of roofing are specifically designed for certain weather conditions. For instance, most homes in coastal regions exposed to hurricanes and heavy winds will have sturdier roofing that can hold down the structures. However, this does not mean that they’re going to stay in good condition.
If you want to ensure that your home is in good condition, you’ll need to plan ahead of time and choose the right materials for your roofing. Certain roofing materials are more well-balanced for different types of weather conditions. But that doesn’t mean that they are completely immune to water leaks. Consistently maintaining your roofing systems at least twice a year is the best way of averting damage.
Start Clearing Out Debris From Your Gutters and Drainage System
Last but not least, one of the best ways of preventing water leaks and ensuring that your home’s foundations remain sturdy is by keeping your waterways and your gutters clear from debris. Gutters are essential in redirecting water to the proper downspouts and storm drains.
Having gutters is crucial in preserving your foundation’s integrity and ensuring water does not seep to hard-to-reach areas. If there is debris on your gutters and drainage systems, you should start clearing out debris as soon as possible. You might want to consider cutting tree branches that are too close to your roof since they can clog up your gutter systems.
Although water doesn’t seem like a destructive force at first glance, it can significantly lower your home’s lifespan and compromise its structural integrity in the long term. If you want to prevent water damage, you’ll need to think of your home’s entrances. Water will generally fall to the lowest parts of your property, so planning ahead of time is the best way of preventing damage.
