| The Basics of Water Damage Prevention |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Your laundry room, basement, and roof are almost as likely to
have water damage and leaks as your bathrooms and your kitchen
are. So, what can you do about it?
Check your washing machine hoses often for moisture around the
ends of the hose and signs of cracking or weak spots. The hose
should be replaced as often as is necessary, but this should not
be more than every three to five years.
The water heater in your home can pose problems, as well. If there
are areas of rust on the tank or wet areas in the floor nearby, you
might have a leak on your hands.
Hot water heaters should be located in the lowest level of your
home possible, preferably the basement, and always next to a floor
drain. If it has to be installed on upper floors, it should be installed
inside a large drain pan and the water directed to a drain in the
floor.
This way, if it begins leaking, it will not damage your floors or any
area of your home on the next floor down.
Your air conditioner collects condensation and each one should
have a drain pan line to direct the water collected by your air
conditioner.
Outside your home, any low spots around your houses foundation
should be filled in so that water drains away from the house and
not toward it and end up seeping in through any flaws in the
structure.
Caulking around windows and doors should be inspected; if it is
cracked or missing anywhere, it is best to remove it and completely
re-caulk it.
The area round your roof should be draining properly and if it is
not, water seeps into the wood and causes it to rot.
A leaky roof can be a definite cause of water damage and is
another thing that is not uncommon. Keep your gutters and
downspouts free from leaves and other debris that can prevent the
water from leaving the roof efficiently.
Do not walk on your roof unless you have to for repairs and it
could be wise to invest in a roof preservative to help limit the
amount of water your roof sponges up.
Wood soaks up water pretty easily and if you want to prevent water
damage to your home, it is a good idea to get a sealant for
wooden areas of your home that are exposed to the elements.
have water damage and leaks as your bathrooms and your kitchen
are. So, what can you do about it?
Check your washing machine hoses often for moisture around the
ends of the hose and signs of cracking or weak spots. The hose
should be replaced as often as is necessary, but this should not
be more than every three to five years.
The water heater in your home can pose problems, as well. If there
are areas of rust on the tank or wet areas in the floor nearby, you
might have a leak on your hands.
Hot water heaters should be located in the lowest level of your
home possible, preferably the basement, and always next to a floor
drain. If it has to be installed on upper floors, it should be installed
inside a large drain pan and the water directed to a drain in the
floor.
This way, if it begins leaking, it will not damage your floors or any
area of your home on the next floor down.
Your air conditioner collects condensation and each one should
have a drain pan line to direct the water collected by your air
conditioner.
Outside your home, any low spots around your houses foundation
should be filled in so that water drains away from the house and
not toward it and end up seeping in through any flaws in the
structure.
Caulking around windows and doors should be inspected; if it is
cracked or missing anywhere, it is best to remove it and completely
re-caulk it.
The area round your roof should be draining properly and if it is
not, water seeps into the wood and causes it to rot.
A leaky roof can be a definite cause of water damage and is
another thing that is not uncommon. Keep your gutters and
downspouts free from leaves and other debris that can prevent the
water from leaving the roof efficiently.
Do not walk on your roof unless you have to for repairs and it
could be wise to invest in a roof preservative to help limit the
amount of water your roof sponges up.
Wood soaks up water pretty easily and if you want to prevent water
damage to your home, it is a good idea to get a sealant for
wooden areas of your home that are exposed to the elements.
Author: Jim Corkern