Exterior Maintenance Tips to Prevent Water Damage

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Ensuring your gutters are clean and not full of debris is a great way to prevent potential water damage.

With Hurricane season not over just yet and the constant afternoon downpours North Florida has been experiencing this summer, it is a great time to learn about how you can prevent possible water damage to your home or business.  

SERVPRO of Alachua County West/Gainesville West has been serving the community for more than 15 years and has seen its fair share of water damage and all its causes.

Today’s tips focus on exterior maintenance to prevent water damage from rainfall, because heavy rain is a part of living in our area of Florida. Follow these tips for routine inspection and maintenance to help prevent costly water damage.

Clean Your Gutters and Check for Proper Drainage

Clean gutters will drain water off your roof and away from the foundation. Make sure your gutters are clear and remove any leaves and other debris that may have accumulated over the winter. Check that water drains properly through your gutter and out the downspout.

The downspout should direct water away from your home or business. You can purchase an extension that attaches to the downspout so that rainwater will be directed farther away. These are inexpensive and available at any hardware store.

Check Window Seals

This is another inexpensive project. Walk around the outside of your home and inspect the seals around your windows, because improperly sealed windows are another potential source of entry for moisture and rainwater to get into your home. Look for missing/cracked caulk on the outside. From inside the house, visible mold spots or crumbling/peeling walls next to the window can signal leakage in that area.

Increase the Grade of Soil Closest to Your House or Business

Fill in any holes or gaps in landscaping around the exterior where water can pool back toward the home. Replace the dirt with the highest level at the property and gently slope down to the rest of the yard to promote drainage.

Inspect Your Roof

Your roof is potentially a significant point of entry for rain. Check for any loose or damaged shingles and replace them if necessary. Unlike the other projects mentioned, due to the risk involved, you may want to hire a professional roofer to handle this job every few years.

Even with proper maintenance, sometimes Florida’s heavy rains during thunderstorms or even hurricanes create leaks or flooding. If you suspect water damage or experience flooding, give us a call at SERVPRO Gainesville West/Alachua West right away. Not only do we want to help with water damage mitigation quickly, but the faster you address the water damage, the less likely you are to develop mold problems.

We are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Give us a call at 352-374-6589.