How to keep your home from water damage this summer

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

A Gutter that hasn't been clean and will result in water damage

As we hit the midway point in the summer and the temperatures continue to rise, the experts at SERVPRO want to make sure your home stays dry all season long. With vacations, landscaping, and outdoor use at its height right now, it’s important to be aware of the ways you can leave yourself and your home vulnerable to water and flood damage. We’ve put together some exterior tips to help you keep your water where it’s supposed to be this summer, keeping you hydrated and cool!

Clean out your gutters. Cleaning the gutters is one of those seasonal chores that are always on the list, but none of us want to hop on that ladder and tackle all of the gunk that settles in there. It’s time to stop putting it off! Gutters need to be clean and clear of any debris need to be free of debris and in good condition. Be sure to also keep all downspouts within ten feet of the foundation of your home empty, and all trees trimmed. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow into various spaces of your home, causing significant damage. So break out those ladders, and be sure to hire a professional if your gutters are too high to safely reach yourself.

Take care of your roof. Spot check your roof for any missing or damaged shingles. While you’re scoping that out, keep an eye on any water stains along the bottom of the roof, at the sheathing, truss, and rafters. You also want to make sure all insulation is in good shape by looking for any holes in the attic. Any of these issues could leave the roof of your house vulnerable to a leak, and we know how strong those summer thunderstorms can be, yikes!

Be careful with your landscaping. We all love to give our yards some extra time and attention in the summer, but be aware of the location of some of your landscaping. Stay away from any designs that require bedding material or mound soil to be set up against your home, and don’t ever stack piles of leaves or compost in a place that’s touching the foundation of your home. You also want to avoid those pretty yet pesky vines that climb up the walls of the house, because that can result in cracks later down the road.

Make sure your house is “vacation ready”. Summer wouldn’t be complete without that family getaway, but don’t forget to create a checklist for the home so it stays in great shape while you’re gone! In addition to locking all windows and doors, be sure to close up any vents and skylights to keep the elements out. If you have window air conditioning units, it’s best to turn them completely off, because too much condensation can build up in the drop pans during hot days, causing it to overflow if the pan isn’t emptied regularly.

If you apply these tips, the chances are higher you’ll have a dry home to enjoy all summer long. However, if your house suffers from water or flood damage this season, SERVPRO is here to help. Contact our water removal and cleanup specialists when flooding or water leaks cause water damage. SERVPRO will quickly dry your property using state-of-the-art water removal equipment and advanced drying techniques, documenting the drying process to make sure your property is dry and the job is done right.

If you have mold or water damage, call SERVPRO at 610-546-2484 to schedule a cleanup.  Your SERVPRO professionals of King of Prussia have the training, certifications, and equipment to remediate mold.

Call today for a free estimate, and mention this post and get 10% off all your cleaning needs.