Learn These Water Damage Signs and Preventative Measures

Water damage is one of the most common and costly issues homeowners face. From minor leaks to major floods, moisture in the home can lead to serious structural damage. In this helpful guide, we will discuss how to proactively identify and prevent common causes of water damage.

Causes and Consequences of Water Damage

There are different causes of water damage homeowners should be aware of. Plumbing issues are among the most common causes of water damage. The issue could be as simple as a leaking faucet or as severe as a pipe burst in the wall. During your recommended yearly home maintenance inspection, remember to check the pipes throughout your home for corrosion, cracks, and leaks.

Water damage can also occur from in-climate weather, such as storms. Over time, seals around your windows, roof, and siding can break down causing moisture to penetrate underneath. The resulting water damage can weaken your home’s frame and increase the likelihood of roof or ceiling collapse.

Mold growth is another potential consequence of water damage. Mold is a living organism, which means it can spread to other parts of the home. It thrives in moist environments and can pose a serious threat to human health. The presence of mold can further weaken and eat away at your home’s structural materials, making it even more imperative to catch and resolve early on.

Signs of Water Damage

To thoroughly check for signs of water damage, you want to start outside your home first. This way, you can identify any breaks in your home’s defense and pinpoint where the damage is internal. Weak spots can include warped siding, lifting shingles, and gaps in window frames. Make sure your gutters are intact and downspouts lead away from the home.

After your thorough inspection of the outside, take a look inside the home. If you notice lifting or missing shingles on the roof, you’ll want to go up into the attic and look for signs of water damage. For the most part, water damage is easily identifiable, including warping, splitting, cracking, and discoloration. However, sometimes you may have to dig deeper by removing wallpaper or opening up walls entirely.

Preventing Water Damage

At Advance, Inc., we can’t stress enough how important it is to check your home yearly. Annual home maintenance is key to preventing damage, cutting back repair costs, and ensuring your home is safe and up to code.

During routine checks and maintenance, you can identify weak points in your home’s defense. You may have to replace shingles, siding panels, and resealing windows. In more severe cases, a larger repair or full replacement may be required.

When inspecting the inside of your home, check faucets, pipes, and appliances. Even a seemingly minor leak can become a larger problem if not promptly fixed. As an added preventative measure, you can install water detection devices that will sound off when in contact with moisture.

The Advance team understands how concerned homeowners are about water damage, especially those who live along coastal Delaware. Contact us today to discuss our various services or visit our website. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.