Protecting Your Home from Water Damage in the Winter

Occurring Water Damage
Water damage occurring in your home is never desirable. With cold weather approaching fast, it goes a long way to inspect your home’s exterior and see for any potential problem areas.
Imagine how annoying it is to see a constant drip from the ceiling, just before the holidays. Even worse would be to go down your basement and find there is water everywhere. Any such potential problems can be avoided, if you just don’t ignore cleaning service of certain areas and you inspect your home for any potential problems before a disaster strikes.
Here is what you should look into:
- Gutters – this is the one area you should pay most attention to. If you only have time to do one inspection, do it to see that your gutters are clean. Chances are you will have to do some climbing and possibly taking a tour on your roof, but it’s definitely a must. Whether your hire a professional to perform such cleaning service, or you take on the task alone, you have to keep in mind that it is what can save you a lot of trouble. Gutters often get clogged with fallen leaves in fall, which is a recipe for disaster. Water overflowing on the exterior is already bad enough, even if it doesn’t end up into your home. Don’t just be preventive about water damage from gutters and rely on cleaning service to do the job, but also make sure you invest in quality gutter design. The goal is to have water redirected as far away from your home as possible. If you use barrels or other containers to collect water from gutters, you must make sure that they don’t freeze. For this reason, you have to open the taps and clean the screen.
- Windows – in case the design of your windows and doors is set flush with the façade, i.e. lacking overhangs, you will have to rely on great installation. Depending on the type of windows and siding, installation may differ, but you generally need head flashing to direct water away from the siding and back of the window. Often inspect your windows for weep holes and caulk to fix this problem. Proper window cleaning is also required, as often removing old caulk and applying new can make a significant difference.
Roof – if your roof is leaking, nasty water stains on the ceiling are the least of your worries. A more serious issue is wet insulation, which could in turn lead to mold and rot. Make a thorough inspection of your roof to see for any visible damage, and get that fixed as soon as possible. Hire a professional, who can detect problem areas and potentially save you a lot of trouble.
- Foundation and perimeter – inspect the perimeter to see for areas where water may enter the foundation from. There is always the danger of water finding its way in your home. The way to prevent this is by designing the grading at the perimeter in such a way to ensure it slopes away from your home. A proper patio cleaning can also ensure that water doesn’t bother that much.
Make Your Inspections
Make your inspections now, so you don’t feel sorry later when winter frost comes around. Nothing can ruin your holidays more than leaks and water damage, so be sure you avoid them.