When it comes to avoiding water damage in your home, there are three areas you can focus on: exterior walls, the roof and the basement. Here are some things you can do to protect your home so you spend less money on water damage restoration.

Exterior Repairs

The first place you should look is your gutters. If your gutters are full of debris or damaged, water can pool in places where there isn’t enough drainage. Make a check that your gutters are clean and in good shape.

Cracks in concrete close to the walls of your home is another place to look for potential water damage. For small cracks, you can clean and caulk them yourself, but larger cracks should be seen to by a professional. In some cases, large cracks may point to foundation issues.

Lastly, check your doors and windows. These are open passages to your home that need proper sealing around the edges to keep moisture out. Some caulk can usually fix small issues, but watch out for places where your door has warped and should be replaced.

Roof Leaks

While roof repairs aren’t something you should tackle yourself, you can keep an eye out for leaks. Any you notice should be addressed as quickly as possible. If you have access to your attic, check there periodically for leaks that might not be making it all the way to your living spaces.

The Basement

If you don’t have a basement, then you are done checking your home for waterproofing needs. However, if you do have a basement, here’s what you need to know. You can check for moisture yourself with a simple test involving aluminum foil. Place a 1-foot square on a wall and check it 24 hours later. Condensation means there is moisture that needs to be addressed.

If you need to know more about protecting your home from water damage and what to do for flood cleanup, contact Mold Masters. We perform repairs at all hours of the day and night.