Protect Your Home From These Sources Of Water Damage
Protect Your Home From These Sources Of Water Damage
It's not fun. It's not pleasant. It's completely necessary.
Written by The Stay Sane Mom Staff | See Comments | Updated 11/30/2021
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Protect Your Home From These Sources Of Water Damage
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Certain materials within your home are not supposed to be exposed to excess water. Brickwork can start to spall, metal can start to rust and wood can start to rot. Anything electrical can meanwhile become a hazard when exposed to water. Fungus such as mold can also thrive in damp conditions - which can also be a health hazard.
All in all, it’s important to prevent water damage. But just what causes water damage and how can you defend against these sources of water damage.
Flooding
Flooding can cause the most devastation. This is most likely to occur in homes that are near large water sources such as lakes, rivers, or the sea.
In areas that are prone to flooding, it is wise to invest in flood-proofing measures. You should choose between wet floodproofing and dry floodproofing. Wet floodproofing allows water into the home, but may involve taking measures such as using waterproof interior flooring and installing electrical sockets higher up the wall. Dry flood-proofing involves using barriers and diversion methods to stop water from getting in.
If your home has already been damaged by a flood, you should focus on repairing this damage first. Mitigation services are worth investing in during the first couple of days in order to reduce the amount of long-term damage. Home insurance may cover some homeowners against floods, helping to make repairs more affordable - it’s worth calling your insurer directly after a flood occurs to make a claim.
Plumbing Leaks
Leaks from pipes, bathroom fixtures and appliances (such as washing machines) can be another major source of water damage. Homes with old plumbing are more likely to experience leaks.
A plumbing inspection is worth carrying out when moving into a new home. This involves hiring a plumber to check every faucet in the home for potential issues. Any issues that are identified can then be fixed before a major leak occurs.
If you’ve already experienced plumbing leaks, make sure that they have been repaired by a professional plumber. Avoid DIY repairs using tape - this may temporarily stop the leak, but it won’t solve it completely.
Leaky Roofing
Another common source of water damage is rainwater or meted ice dripping through a damaged roof. If ignored, these types of leaks can get worse and worse, causing more and more damage to the inside of your home.
Old roofing is a common culprit. The average lifespan of a roof is 30 years (although certain materials like slate can last much longer). Research into the age of your roof to determine whether it may need replacing. Missing tiles, visible signs of sagging and frequent previous leaks are all other signs that you need to get a new roof.
Rising Damp
Rising damp is when moisture from the earth travels up through the walls of a home. It is another common cause of water damage.
Most newer homes are now fitted with a damp proof course - this is a waterproof membrane that is installed around the base of a home to protect water getting into the walls. It’s worth checking that your home has one of these installed, particularly if it’s an older home. Installing a damp proof course will usually be enough to prevent rising damp from occurring.
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The Stay Sane Mom Staff
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Occasionally we post blogs that are a team effort from The Stay Sane Mom staff. Fear not, these are still up to our quality standards, they just don't come from any one person (rather the team at large). As my 4-year-old says, teamwork makes the dream work.