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How Water Can Enter Your Home | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County
12/12/2022 (Permalink)
If you experience any water damage inside your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County.
A slow water leak can go unnoticed for a long time, but you can train yourself to check for signs. When there is too much moisture in an area, the air quality can be lowered, creating a musty and unpleasant smell. You may also notice peeling or bubbled paint, stains or even cracks that could be indicative of water somewhere it is not supposed to be.
Your appliances could also begin to rust if there is a leak nearby. While these are all subtle indications that you have a leak, the most obvious sign of water intrusion will always be a puddle on the floor.
Water damage can run very deep and create serious problems in the home. The more you learn about how to detect, prevent and correct them the safer you can keep your house.
Water fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom are common causes of slow leaks. Caulk that has deteriorated or a puncture hole in a water line can lead to water spots around sinks, toilets, tubs and showers.
Check these areas regularly, and correct even a minor drip quickly in order to prevent massive damages. Thousands of gallons of water are lost each year to small leaks, so the faster you act when you spot an issue the less likely you are to need costly repairs.
Refrigerators with ice makers or other water lines and dishwashers are two large appliances with a high risk of leaks that could go unnoticed long-term. These leaks often happen underneath the appliance and could lead to serious floor damage and a hefty restoration project.
If you suspect there may be an issue with one of your appliances, unplug it and pull it away from any structures or walls. Check for pools of water, mold growth or any wet spots beneath and behind the appliance. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call us right away to get things handled quickly and correctly.
Not all water damage originates from inside the home, though. Slow leaks can come from external sources through windows or doors, or you could experience a destructive flood that happens all at once from a severe weather event.
We have experienced plenty of flooding events in our area over the years. Typically originating from heavy rainfalls that cause our creeks and streams to overflow, these floods have led to streets full of water.
Being in the Hudson Valley means always watching river warnings as well.
Even with all the risks we face, you can manage them to protect your home. You will need to put some steps into action and follow up with them often, but when you do you can rest easy.
Keep a careful eye on your roof, gutters and downspouts. When your gutters are not clear, water can be forced to overflow and create a leak that runs through your roof, walls and into your foundation. Keep them cleaned out, and remove any debris that gathers at the base of your downspouts as well.
Take a look at your windows and doors to ensure they are well-sealed. Loose seals can lead to excess moisture in these entry points that could cause mold growth or other damages to your home.
You can also use your property’s landscaping as a way to keep water out of your living areas. Create slopes away from the base of your house with organic materials. This not only means water rolls away, it can also help absorb heavy rainfalls faster to prevent puddling water that could seep in through your floors. The more action you take to protect your home, the safer you will stay—and the more you can play worry-free.
If you experience water damage inside your home or business, call us, 24⁄7. We have the experience and equipment to get your property back in working order fast