4 Ways To Help Keep Water Out of Your Home
To homeowners, water damage is the source of nightmares. Those wet basements, leaky roofs, and caved in walls are all expensive to fix and no one wants to have their home furnishings ruined by mold and water intrusion. That’s why savvy homeowners are always looking for ways to prevent water from getting in their homes in the first place.
If this sounds like you, you are in luck. If you would like to keep water at bay, the following waterproofing tips will be of help:
Keep your gutters clean
Not only are cluttered gutters an eyesore, they can make it easier for your home to become damaged. When leaves and other debris build up in your gutters, the blockages can cause rainwater to overflow and trickle down your walls and into your foundation. When this happens, the water will pool on the side of your home, which can cause cracks in the foundation. To help eliminate the threats that cluttered gutters can pose, it’s a good idea to clean your gutters at least twice a month, more if it’s been storming lately. Also, be sure to direct your downspout at least six inches away from your home.
Keep an eye on your landscaping
Landscaping is a great way to improve the aesthetic appeal of the exterior of your home. But, if the plants are too close to your foundation, the constant watering will ultimately cause cracks. Furthermore, it’s possible for the roots of the plants to growing in your drainage system, sprinkler system, and even your septic tanks. To prevent this from happening, slope the soil away from your home – about 7 inches for every 10 horizontal feet.
Watch your water bill
Most of your pipes are hidden within your walls, which can make it hard to know about a leak until it’s too late. But, there’s a simple way to get around that, and you won’t have to order x-ray glasses either. Take a look at your water bill, if it’s higher than normal, do a quick inspection and look for any instances of peeling paint and wall caving. Both of these are signs that your walls are suffering from water damage.
Put your hose away when not in use
Always disconnect your hoses when you are no longer using them. Standing water in your hose can freeze and cause an ice block that can stop your water flow.
Need more help keeping your basement free from water damage? The experts at AA Action Waterproofing will be more than happy to help.