5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

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Water damage can be a serious issue. It can develop from a leak in your roof that you hadn’t noticed, after extreme weather events, or a burst pipe. Regardless of the cause, this danger is always around the corner and can be difficult to prevent and identify—eventually causing significant damage to your home! 

The good news is there are a few simple actions you can take to reduce the risk—and none of them require special skills or fancy tools. Here are five easy ways you can keep your home safe from unexpected water damage.

Stop Problems Before They Start

Did you know that nearly one in four home insurance claims between 2018 and 2022 were related to water damage or freezing? This makes water or moisture the second most common damage reason after wind or hail. 

Fortunately, some basic prevention makes all the difference. Routine checks are an easy way to spot trouble before it gets out of hand. So, be sure to build a habit of examining pipes under sinks and around your water heater. Consider also looking for drips, puddles, or corrosion—they can all be all red flags of water damage!

Be Prepared Should Damage Happen

Even with all the best practices of prevention in place, it can be difficult to avoid the risk of water damage altogether. Sometimes water finds its way in, be it from a damaged part of the roof or from a leaky pipe. 

That’s why it’s important to know your home insurance policy thoroughly. You’ll want to check if you and your home are covered for water damage—and, be aware that standard policies can differ and may not include this risk! You should also keep a list of reliable water damage restoration experts on hand to be able to act quickly and prevent further damage.

Learn About The Water Damage Red Flags to Watch For

Water damage isn’t always obvious. Sometimes, the telltale signs are not easy to spot. That is why it is crucial to know what you are looking for. Here are some simple signs that you may be dealing with water damage:

• Musty or damp odors that don’t go away

• Moisture and mold around the house

• Bubbling or warped paint on walls or ceilings

• Dark or discolored spots—especially on the ceiling

• Squishy flooring or soft spots when you walk

Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean

When your gutters get clogged, they stop doing so. job. Instead of allowing water to flow away from the house, they direct it inside. This can cause moisture to start pooling around the roof or foundations. So, be sure to keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning. Ideally, you’ll want to repair gaps between the gutters and the roof and cleaning away debris that may be clogging them. 

This is a useful task to tick off your to-do list when deep-cleaning your home, or you could schedule yearly appointments with a professional for better peace of mind. 

Check Your Home’s Exterior

Last but not least, be sure to check the outside of your home for any area that could lead to water infiltration. Just a simple walkaround once a month can help you spot the signs of something wrong before it turns into an emergency!