Your home is one of your largest investments, and most homeowners want to do all they can to protect their investment. However, the weather, accidents and poor maintenance can put your home at risk. A number of common hazards account for most of the damage that homes may incur and result in most of the repairs that are needed. Here are 3 common home damage areas and what you can do to prevent these incidents.
The first thing to know before anything else is that you need a reliable company to help you mitigate and repair damages that might have occurred to your home. It’s important to hire a company that is well-recognized for both its professionalism and efficacy. A company like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore can be a huge help when your home is damaged.
Water Damage
Moisture can be your home’s worst enemy, and it can occur in places you don’t expect and from sources you rarely check. Water-related damage can lead to the rotting of materials and the growth of mold that can make you and your family sick. Make a point of doing an annual inspection of your plumbing system. Check under sinks and around tubs. Check your roofing system every spring for loose tiles, broken gutters, and other issues. Immediately investigate any ceiling stain that could indicate a hidden leak. If you suspect a problem with water intrusion in your home, call a repair person immediately to avoid expensive damage to your home construction materials.
Wind Damage
Spring and summer storms often cause significant damage to homes. Some of these problems can be avoided by careful attention to exterior and landscaping maintenance. Fix loose windows or have them replaced. Trim bushes and trees that are close to windows. Bring in lawn furniture, toys, lawn maintenance equipment, and other items that can cause damage in heavy wind. Make sure gutters are securely affixed to your structure. Reinforce your garage door to avoid severe wind damage. If you live in a wind-prone area, consider storm shutters to protect windows and doors.
Snow & Ice Damage
Some areas of the country experience heavy snowfalls and the buildup of ice that can damage home structures. You can remove thick layers of snow on your roof by using a roof rake to prevent heavy snow buildups that can damage older roofs. You should also clean your gutters regularly to prevent “ice dams” that can intrude on the roofing material and leak into your home’s interior. Trim large branches near your home that could break if laden with heavy snow.
In many cases, regular maintenance can help you to avoid home damage from weather-related events and other unexpected repairs. Doing routine tasks can save you from additional expenses later on. Damage in these three listed areas can be avoided if you take the time to do the preventative work.
