Autumn Home Maintenance Projects to Avoid a Water Damage Disaster

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton highlights fall maintenance projects that help prevent the need for damage restoration and mold remediation services.

The water damage restoration professionals at SERVPRO® of Carrollton are highlighting several maintenance projects that homeowners can undertake this autumn to prevent the need for water damage restoration. A water damage disaster is disruptive and inconvenient, and these tips are offered with the intent of helping homeowners avoid the stress of water damage.

A cool breeze, falling leaves, and gray skies signal the changing of the season from summer to fall and then fall to winter. A respite from the Dallas, TX, heat is much appreciated. However, the wind, leaves, and precipitation not only usher in fall but can also lead to water damage around the home. However, a few hours of inspection, cleanup, and repairs can prevent a water damage disaster and avoid the need for water damage cleanup and restoration services this fall and winter.

Project: Start at the top, the roof!

While conducting this inspection, practice ladder safety. Take no risks. Secure the ladder or have someone hold it. Make sure the ladder is on level, stable ground. Stay a safe distance from the edges of the roof. A stiff, sudden breeze or an instant of disorientation or vertigo can be disastrous.

During the inspection, look for missing shingles. Repairs must be made immediately before any water damage occurs in the attic. Also, look for lifted shingles. High winds or improper installation may be the cause of the lifting. Shingles may also curl if the attic ventilation is insufficient. Keep an eye out for cracks, gaps, and granule loss. If the roof shows signs of age and if the shingles are asphalt rather than architectural shingles, have a reputable roofing contractor inspect the roof. Insurance may cover some or all of the repairs and possibly some or all of the replacement costs.

Project: Check out the chimney.

While on the roof, inspect the chimney for cracks, damaged flashing, warped or spongy roofing around the structure, and missing or cracked caulking. Fireplace and chimney repair should be left to a certified professional. Water damage is bad enough, but fire damage can be perilous.

Project: Fall is time for a gutter check.

While on the roof, inspect the gutters. If the gutters are loaded with silt, the cause could be granule loss from damaged or aging shingles. Silt buildup can cause gutters to pull away from the roof, resulting in water damage to the soffits, attic, and possibly interior walls. Wear thick gloves when cleaning the gutters. The rotted leaves, twigs, pine needles, and sludge in gutters can be very unsanitary. Glass shards, sharp rocks, nails, and other debris can cause cuts and puncture wounds. Clogged gutters are a common cause of water damage to the roof, attic, and interior of the home.  Also, assess the tree canopy. Overhanging branches, dead limbs, and diseased trees may call for the services of a certified, bonded, insured, and reputable arborist to take care of tree and limb removal or treatment for disease.

Project: Inspect windows and doors for leaks.

Doors and windows should be airtight and watertight. Aging and the elements will take a toll on windows and doors. Warning signs include caulking that is discolored, hard, cracked, or missing. From the inside of the home, inspect the area under the window for leaks around the windowsill. If the flooring below the window is moist, warped, or spongy, a leak may be the culprit. If windows and doors fail to open and close with relative ease, a leak may be the source of the problem. Remove and re-caulk where needed. If the damage is extensive, a damage restoration company can deal with any water damage or mold. They can also repair any structural damage.

Project: Winterize exposed plumbing.

The cold snap that hit Northeast Texas, including the Dallas/Fort Worth area, is a reminder of the importance of winterizing exposed pipes and faucets before the thermometer plunges below freezing. All exposed pipes should be covered with insulation, and outside faucets should be properly insulated to prevent freezing and bursting.

Bonus tip: Inspect the supply lines to the ice maker, washer, dishwasher, and all faucets.

Look, feel, and sniff. Look for obvious signs of leaks. Feel the connections for small amounts of moisture. Apply a sniff test to the cabinet areas under sinks in the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room.

These and other projects will help keep a home dry, clean, and safe. SERVPRO of Carrollton has the latest equipment, cutting-edge technology, advanced cleaning techniques, and EPA-approved products to provide industry-standard water damage cleanup and restoration. Mold damage often accompanies a water damage disaster. The team at SERVPRO is IICRC-certified and can tackle the most demanding mold remediation projects.

Contact SERVPRO of Carrollton to learn more details about water damage restoration service in Farmers Branch, TX. The office can be reached by emailing office@SERVPRO10952.com or by calling (972) 446-0383.