The following tips will assist you in inspecting your home for potential water damage as well as take steps to prevent it. If you do find signs of water damage, it is very important to contact a mold inspection professional right away for a comprehensive investigation.
- Check Exterior Walls: Look for signs of water damage such as discoloration or rotting wood on the outside of your home. If your exterior walls have water damage, the damage can easily spread to your inside walls.
- Check your Drainage: If you have a sprinkler system in your yard, make sure it is not spraying water on the side of your house as this can cause unwanted moisture intrusion into the interior. You must also make sure that the water drains away from your home to prevent seepage through the foundation.
- Locate Water Shut-Off Valve: Make sure you know exactly where your water shut-off valve is in case of an emergency. Tell everyone else in your home where the valve is and how to turn off the water.
- Check Soil near Home: If the soil around your home is constantly wet, this means there may be a problem with your drainage system or gutters. Ignoring this issue could result in a flooded basement.
- Trim Tree Branches and Shrubs: Trim any tree branches that touch your roof, siding, or gutters. It is also a good idea to remove ivy from the exterior of your home because it can grow within a crack or hole and make it bigger.
- Metal Flashing: Check the metal flashing near the roof joints, chimney, and vent pipes to ensure that there is no damage or leaks.
- Inspect HVAC System: It is possible for your HVAC system to leak, especially when running the air conditioner. Check the system for any damage, leaks, or bad connections.
- Inspect Roof: Leaks in the roof can lead to very serious damage. Check your roof for damage or potential leaks and contact a professional roofer if you find an issue.
Water and flood damage is no light matter and it can become exponentially worse if you do not act immediately. Following these tips will help you prevent water damage and mold issues before it starts which will save you the trouble of dealing with extensive structural damage or mold.