Whether it’s an unexpected flood because of a broken water pipe or the slow accumulation of moisture in our basements and crawl spaces, water damage is quickly becoming a prominent concern for homeowners. In fact, 1 in 50 homeowners will file water damage or freezing claims every year. This accounts for 24% of all homeowners’ insurance claims. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to protect your home from water damage. Here are eight simple tips on doing just that.
1. Know the Warning Signs of Water Damage in Your Home
There are a few telltale signs that you can watch for when it comes to water damage. One of the most common is the presence of mold; if you see mold or mildew growing anywhere in your basement or crawl space (or even under your kitchen and bathroom sinks), this is a sure sign of water damage. Other signs include discoloration or spots where paint is flaking from the walls, suspicious odors, and moisture in your basement when you turn on the lights.
2. Check for Water Damage as Soon as You Spot One of These Warning Signs
This is an important step that many people overlook. When you notice the first sign of any type of water damage in your home, immediately call a professional to assess the situation and determine how it happened and what repairs need to be made. If not dealt with promptly and professionally, water damage can spread very rapidly throughout your home, causing even greater damage.
3. Call a Water Damage Cleanup Service
Water damage cleanup may sound like an easy job, but it’s not. The water needs to be removed from the affected areas as quickly as possible before mold can develop. A water damage cleanup service will be able to use advanced water extraction techniques, dehumidifiers, and other equipment to extract all of the water from your home or office as soon as possible.
4. Find a Water Damage Restoration Service
Once the water has been extracted from your home, the next step is water damage restoration. This process involves repairing any damaged areas of drywall or plaster, securing water-damaged furniture or other belongings, and reconditioning affected materials to get them back to their original condition.
A water damage cleanup service can help you avoid the headache of dealing with water damage yourself and ensure that your home is restored to full working order as quickly as possible. Call us today to learn more!
