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 Other culprits can be leaky pipes, outdated appliances, or faulty HVAC systems.<\/p>\n
Check out some of the DIY home improvements you can take to protect your home from water damage:<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n You shouldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is a task that many complete in the spring, but it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When was the last time you sealed your windows? How old is the caulk around the seals in your shower or bathtub? It\u2019s 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\u2019s actually simple and inexpensive<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If the day arrives where you need to use your sump pump, the last thing you\u2019ll want to discover is that it isn\u2019t working properly. Your sump pump is your home\u2019s first line of defense against flooding and stagnate water. You should test your sump pump<\/a> at least one a year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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 If you have an outdated appliance that leaks, it could be slowly growing mold and deteriorating certain areas of your flooring or walls.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nInspect Your Roof<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Keep Your Gutters Clean<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Revisit Older Seals<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Test Your Sump Pump<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Upgrade Your Appliances<\/strong><\/h2>\n