Here are four places to protect to keep water damage out of your home.
We’ve had plenty of rain recently, so today I’m sharing four areas of your house to protect against water damage. We’ve walked into many homes lately that have leaks, which puts buyers on edge and creates issues with transactions. Here are some easy fixes in four areas to minimize the risk of water getting into your home:
1. The roof. Popped nails, missing shingles, and cracked vent boots around roof pipes are relatively easy and inexpensive repairs. Sometimes insurance companies will take care of them, and sometimes it’s around $100 for the roofer to come out and mend them. These little fixes can save you a slew of money down the road. If water penetrates your roof, you may have to deal with mold or rotting boards underneath, which create huge headaches for you. Take care of roof issues while they’re simple.
2. Gutters. Clogged gutters due to falling tree debris and chipmunks making their nests in downspouts can create water issues. Take some time in the fall and spring to clear them out so that you don’t get water overflowing and running down into the foundation. Also, extend your downspouts five or six feet from the house.
“If water penetrates your roof, you may have to deal with mold or rotting boards underneath.”
3. Grading of your land. After moving the downspouts, take a look at the grading to see if the slope of the soil goes away from the house. We often see the soil sloped toward the house, which puddles water against the foundation and leaks into the basement. Improper grading is another easy fix.
4. The basement. During Hurricane Ida a few weeks ago, quite a few sump pumps got overworked, or people lost power, so the sump pumps shut off. Consider putting a backup battery on your sump pump or replacing the pump if it’s old to ensure you don’t have any problems. It’s much easier to take care of this easier chore than to be forced to renovate your entire finished basement.
Whether you plan to stay in your home for years or are considering selling, these are things to think about taking care of to ensure your house stays safe from water damage. If you have questions about this or any other real estate matter, please give us a call or shoot us an email. We’d love to help you.
