How to Make Your Home Leak Proof
It’s that time of year when the sun disappears, and the rain and snow clouds seem to be never ending. While a few rain drops may not seem to be causing an issue, the continual buildup of water that sneaks through cracks in your home will result in severe structural damage and mold growth, among other issues. Ensuring that your home is completely leak proof is the first step in the longevity of your house.
Fortunately for you, we have compiled a list of areas to check in order to avoid a beating from the rain and snow.
Look Up!
· Inspect your roof
One of the more obvious locations you may notice wear and tear from annual water build up is your roof. While a leaky roof may be an obvious problem, there are some less conspicuous problems that can occur from water damage to your roof. You’ll want to inspect and repair any areas of damage including loose or misplaced roof tiles as well as the area around your chimney. If the flashing surrounding your chimney is cracked or loose, that is an easy entrance for water to collect. If you have a flat roof, make sure the drain outlet stays clear of debris, if not, water will work it’s way down.
· Insulate Your Attic
While your attic may provide a great space for you to store seasonal decorations, it’s also a great space for moisture to collect. Proper insulation of your attic will help to maintain both the moisture and temperature level of your home increasing energy efficiency.
· Clean your gutters
Your roof may be doing its job draining water, but that doesn’t mean its effectively draining away from your house. Leaves and other debris will block your downspout, leaving water to sit on your roof and eventually run down the exterior of your house and potentially leaking inside.
Look Down!
· Waterproof your foundation
Now that you have secured your roof from any leaks it is time to ensure that water runoff isn’t leaking into your foundation. Even the smallest cracks in your home and foundation can allow for water to build up and cause damage, so it is crucial to inspect and repair any and all cracks. While small cracks can be sealed with masonry caulk, larger cracks may need the use of hydraulic cement to effectively keep water out. If you notice large cracks in the foundation call your contractor and have it checked out.
· Direct water away from your foundation
So your roof is watertight, the gutters are draining and your foundation is waterproofed- now you need to make sure that water runoff is directed away from your home appropriately. By providing a sloped grade away from the house, you can rest assured that water will not build up around your home and cause damage to the exterior or foundation.
Look All Around!
· Check door and window seals
The smallest gaps can result in massive water damage if not sealed off correctly. Applying caulk to both sides of window coverings will help to prevent water from seeping inside while using weather-stripping on exterior doors helps to provide a strong seal from the elements. Not only will these water proof seals help to prevent water damage but the energy efficiency of your home will improve as well. Remember, caulking is not permanent and needs to be checked on an annual basis for shrinkage, gaps and missing.
· Check your pipes
Last but not least, it is crucial to inspect and repair any damage to your plumbing to avoid future problems. Your home may be secure from leaks due to rain water, but internal plumbing leaks can lead to major home issues. As the months get colder, it is recommended to properly blow out any exterior irrigation systems to prevent pipes from breaking.
If you work through this checklist and address any issues, you can rest assured your home is properly waterproofed and your wallet won’t be drained repairing water damage.