With the rising temps of summer, it might not be in your mind, but water damage threatens your home year-round. In the summer, water damage most often threatens a home that is ill-prepared for a severe storm or flood. Other culprits can be leaky pipes, outdated appliances, or faulty HVAC systems.
Check out some of the DIY home improvements you can take to protect your home from water damage:
Inspect Your Roof
You shouldn’t wait until you get a leak to inspect your roof for damage. Weak spots, discoloration, and uneven or broken shingles can mean trouble if a big summer storm unleashes rain and high winds on your home. Identify and fix these problems as you find them.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
This is a task that many complete in the spring, but it’s important to keep your gutters clean throughout the season. Poor drainage causes moisture to build up, which weakens your foundation and can lead to cracks. Once your gutters a clear, make sure the downspout is properly connected and directing water away from your home.
Revisit Older Seals
When was the last time you sealed your windows? How old is the caulk around the seals in your shower or bathtub? It’s important to regularly change the seals in your home that are most vulnerable to water damage, including ceiling fixtures, drains, and plumbing fixtures. This might seem like a time-consuming task, but it’s actually simple and inexpensive.
Test Your Sump Pump
If the day arrives where you need to use your sump pump, the last thing you’ll want to discover is that it isn’t working properly. Your sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against flooding and stagnate water. You should test your sump pump at least one a year.
Upgrade Your Appliances
During the summer, older appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners are put under added stress. This can lead to drainage problems and leaking water. If you have an outdated appliance that leaks, it could be slowly growing mold and deteriorating certain areas of your flooring or walls.
Should you find yourself “swimming” in water damage this summer, call the experts at Royal Renovations. We will track the cause of the problem, work to restore the area, and offer solutions for the future.