Let’s face it; there is no way under the sun to completely waterproof your home from heavy rain or plumbing disasters. However, ask any water damage San Diego company if there are some steps you can take to better protect your home from the pangs of water damage and they will say absolutely! Before delving into some of the precautionary and maintenance tasks you can perform, be aware that if you ever do encounter water damage from a pipe leak or from Mother Nature, call for water damage restoration services without delay otherwise the damage can quickly turn from manageable to severe. Remember, your home will likely be your biggest investment and you owe it to yourself to protect it from any semblance of chaos, water damage included.

Exterior Inspections

When it comes to waterproofing your home the water damage San Diego pros say to make sure your gutters are cleaned out and your downspouts are turned away from the home. This way when rain comes water will have a place to travel away from the house. Also, make sure the group near the foundation does not slope towards the house. Otherwise the next big rain storm could soak and rot your foundation.

Check the Roof

If your roof has any imperfections or damage, the next big rain could cause a lot of damage. Perform a visual inspection and look for any missing or damaged shingles and have them replaced. You can buy a bundle of these from any home improvement store for under $25.00.  You will also want to look for the following:

• Large amounts of black algae and moss
• Missing or damaged chimney cap
• Shingles that are curling, buckling or blistering
• Rust spots
• Cracked caulk

Moss and algae can indicate a moisture problem in the roof and would require a mold inspection to ensure the materials are free from toxic spores.

Protect Your Plumbing

Another thing stressed by water damage San Diego professionals is to respect your plumbing by treating it appropriately. Avoid flushing harsh paper products or grease and oil down your toilet, as this can cause a blockage and send up black water into the home. You should also make sure your sewage backflow valve works to prevent returning water from spilling out.  Check all the drains and make sure the water goes down quickly without a gurgling sound or any signs of a blockage that makes drainage slow. Finally, inspect your pipes for rust, cracks or leaks. These things can all result in a pipe burst if not attended to right away!