When you think of water damage, you probably picture those catastrophic hurricanes and floods you’ve watched in horror on the news. But in the course of our everyday lives, water damage can occur from much more mundane sources. In fact, water damage can happen to any homeowner at any time. But if you make yourself aware of the common sources of water damage, and learn how to prevent them, you’re much less likely to suffer this type of calamity.
Clogged gutters. The whole purpose of gutters is to direct rainwater off your roof and away from your house. But when gutters are clogged, all that water has to go somewhere. It can pool and then find the path of least resistance… And often that path leads directly into your home. Make sure to clean your gutters about twice per year, to remove clogs and prevent backlogged water.
Damaged roof. If your roof is damaged, a small leak can go undetected for some time. But the damage might not be so “small”! A slow leak over time can rot the wood just under your roof, and create a mold problem in your attic or ceiling areas before you ever notice a telltale stain on the ceiling.
Regularly check your roof for loose or damaged tiles, or other signs of damage, and fix those spots right away. An experienced roofer can guide you.
A slow leak in a pipe. Not all water damage events are caused by one massive gush of water. A tiny pinhole leak in a pipe can slowly drip water into a wall, subfloor, or basement, where it eventually causes rotted wood and mold growth. If you’ve noticed a drop in water pressure or a strange mildew smell, you could have a small leak in a hidden pipe.
Turn off all faucets and appliances that use water, and then watch your water meter for about one hour. If it moves, you have a leak somewhere in the house. Call a plumber right away, so that they can find the source of the leak and repair it.
But of course, if the worst happens, we are here to help you clean up water damage. We can also check for the presence of toxic mold and help you repair any damaged structures in your home.