At AdvantaClean of Lake Norman, Hickory and Gastonia, we know that you care about your home, and we want to help you take care of it. An important part of keeping your home in the best condition is taking precautions to prevent common forms of damage, including water damage. In this article we will provide three effective tips to help you protect your home from this serious form of damage.
- Clean Your Gutters. One step you can take to help prevent water damage is to keep your gutters and downspouts clean and clear of debris. Your gutters divert rainwater away from your foundation, but when they are clogged, they become less effective at this job, which can put your foundation at risk. We recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year to avoid this hazardous situation.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs. Another thing you can do to reduce your risk of water damage is to properly maintain the trees and shrubs in your yard. Specifically, it’s important to keep the roots of these plants away from utility pipes, as the roots can wrap around them and cause them to burst. In some cases, you may need to remove trees that have grown too large in order to protect your underground plumbing.
- Install Water Detectors. Moving into the interior of your home, a third way you can reduce your risk of water damage is to install water detection sensors near your water heater, sump pump, dishwasher, washing machine, and toilets. These devices will alert you when they come into contact with moisture, allowing you to catch even tiny leaks early and get them fixed before mold can set in.