Ways to prevent rainwater from damaging your house

Water damage, left unchecked, can cause a lot of expensive headaches to homeowners and serious damage to the structural integrity of homes. Preventing water damage before it even starts will ensure your house will be a cozy home for years to come.

Maintain your roof

  • Weather conditions and climate changes would eventually damage your roof. A tear in the rubber membrane or a loose shingle could compromise the structure of your house. Inspecting your roof now and then and doing maintenance when necessary can preserve the lifespan of your roof and your house.

Clear your gutters

  • Clogged gutters could cause water to flow down your exterior wall and cause damage to your home’s interior and foundation. You can prevent potential rainwater damage by making sure that your gutters are free from debris and foliage. You might need to clean your gutters more often if your house is surrounded by trees and foliage.

Check your downspouts

  • Making sure they’re clear from obstructions and that they’re set in a way that they divert water away from the house is imperative if you want to prevent water from seeping into the house. Downspouts should be long enough and angled well so that you don’t see puddles forming at the base of your house.

Maintain your house’s exterior

Regularly inspect your exterior wall for signs of damage like cracks, holes, or wood rot if you have a wood exterior. Repainting your exterior would bring back your home’s aesthetic appeal and also serves to prevent water from seeping in.

Improve your grading

  • If water puddles form near your foundation, you might have incorrect grading. Removing or adding dirt to make a slope should be a quick and inexpensive fix to prevent damage to your foundation.

These are some simple and inexpensive steps you can take to avoid a potentially stressful and expensive problem.