Being a homeowner means accepting the responsibility of caring for a property. You have invested a lot of money into purchasing this house, so taking care of it should be a top priority. A well-maintained home remains comfortable for your family and is likely to sell should you choose to move in the future.
One of the most common issues that homeowners have to deal with is water damage. Water damage can be caused by many circumstances, including burst pipes, rainstorms, broken water heaters, leaky appliances, and a deteriorating foundation. When water makes its home in places where it doesn’t belong, you can experience damage to your possessions and the structure of the building.
Taking steps to eliminate the risks of water damage is a smart way to protect yourself from big expenses. The last thing you want to deal with is a flood in the basement or an unexplained water stain forming on the ceiling of the family room. Here are some tried and true methods for protecting your home in West Chester, PA from significant water damage.
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Know the Signs
Multiple signs could indicate that there is water damage in your home. Knowing what to look for can help you locate the source of the problem and take steps to eliminate it, saving you from a much more expensive issue. Keep an eye out for water stains and discolorations on your floors, walls, and ceilings. If parts of the building’s structure appear to be bending or bowing unnaturally, this could indicate that water is collecting nearby. If you notice a musty smell coming from a certain room, there could be mold growing in a dark space somewhere, and where there is mold there is moisture. If you notice any of these signs, search the nearby areas for the source of the water leak and take immediate action to fix it before the damage becomes catastrophic.
Fix Cracks and Holes Quickly
Over time, a home is likely to develop cracks and holes in building materials. It could happen near windows, in the corner of the room, under a bathroom, or somewhere else in the structure. Fixing cracks or holes with sealant materials should be done as quickly as possible to eliminate the risks of water damage. These imperfections, if left alone could grow in size and lead to flooding if a bad rainstorm hits. It is particularly concerning if these issues are happening to your foundation. Additionally, the cracks or holes themselves could be the result of water damage, so when you notice them popping up, inspect the nearby area.
Update Your Siding
If you discover that you often have water collecting in your home after a rainstorm, then the problem could be your siding. Many structures may have been built with old materials like stucco that do not do well at keeping out rain. If this is the case, then you’ll want to consider a stucco remediation project for your West Chester home. This upgrade may leave a big impact on your bank account, but it will increase the value of the property and protect the home from further water damage when rain occurs, making it worth the investment. If the siding of your home is outdated, it could be the source of any leaks that are occurring, so take steps to update the materials and better seal your home against the dangers of water damage.
Protect Pipes in Winter
One of the main culprits of water damage in the winter is burst pipes. When water freezes, it expands, which can put too much pressure on the structure of a pipe in your plumbing system. If that pipe bursts, water could spill into your home over time, doing lots of damage before you even realize it. It could also cause a fast leak, having drastic effects in such a short amount of time that it is too late for you to stop it. To protect your pipes in winter, make sure that they are properly insulated, especially in areas of the home that are exposed to cooler temperatures. Another idea is to leave a faucet or sink slightly on to allow a trickle of water through your pipes at all times. Moving water cannot freeze, so this trickle can prevent your pipes from bursting.
The Benefits Far Outweigh the Costs
Though many of these action steps require a little bit of investment on your part, or a lot of it, the benefits will far outweigh the costs. You won’t want to wait on repairing a hole because you don’t want to spend the money because the risk of water damage will end up costing far more if it happens. Plus, protecting your West Chester property is a key aspect of homeownership, so it is your responsibility to enact these preventative measures. If you are worried about spending this money, just imagine how much it will cost if water collects in your home and compromises the entire structure. You’ll wish you had invested a little bit of money then.
