How to protect your home from severe water damage

Water damage can become a problem for any home, even if you don’t expect it. Many homeowners find that water damage has occurred in parts of their home, such as the attic or basement, without realizing until it’s too late. Water damage can be incredibly difficult to fix, especially if it is severe, caused by flooding or leaking pipes.

In this blog, you will learn how to protect your home from all kinds of water damage, as well as what to do if you discover that your home has been affected by water. 

What are the signs of water damage?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s cover the problem! Here are some telltale signs of water damage. 

Discoloration of your walls, floors or ceilings. If your walls begin to look darker or discolored, it could be that your home has fallen prey to water leakages. If you notice these signs, touch your wall to see if it seems damp. 

Dripping sounds within walls or in basements and attics. If you can hear a drip-drip sound coming from within your wall or in rooms you don’t often access, it’s time to check it out. 

Rotting in wood or plaster. If there is a bad smell or wooden fixtures seem soft and damp, these are both signs of water damage. 

How to protect your home from water damage

Water damage can be prevented through taking proper preventative measures. Here is how to protect your home from water damage before it hits. 

Use the right construction products. High quality tiling on your roof, insulation, sheeting and other products like supercast hydrofoil, will lower your chances of having water damage in your home.

Air out your home regularly. You need to keep your home well ventilated to stop damp and mold from building up in your walls, floors and ceilings. Keep your windows open on dry days and ensure you get a dehumidifier if your home is prone to high humidity.

Speak to an expert. If you are concerned about preventing water damage – for example if your local area is prone to flooding or bad weather – speak to an expert and have your home inspected. 

What to do if you find water damage in your home

Water damage can be very challenging to tackle once it has set in. Depending on the severity of your water damage, there are a variety of options to explore when searching for a solution.

Firstly, you need to call an expert, in the form of a plumber or construction contractor. You need to try to find the source of your water damage – whether it is coming from your home’s water supply, or outside circumstances like weather. 

Once you have determined the cause, you must do all you can to stop the flow of water. A plumbing or construction expert will be able to advise you further on how to stop the flow. If it is coming from a leaking pipe, for example, turn off your water supply and call a plumber.

Overall, protecting your home from severe water damage is extremely important to save money and stress in the future!