Water damage can occur on any property, caused by plumbing leaks, roof failures or unexpected flooding from seasonal rainfalls. Mold can develop quickly after any of these events and can lead to expensive damage to materials and health problems in sensitive individuals. Here are some ways you can protect your home to prevent these issues:

1 – Seal Cracks in Your Foundation

Homeowners often neglect the inspection of their foundation walls where small cracks can allow water into basement areas. Sealing these small crevices will help to prevent them from becoming a larger problem when spring’s freeze-and-thaw cycles cause the cracks to become larger. This measure will help to prevent mildew and moisture damage that is common in basement areas.

2 – Pay Attention To Minor Plumbing Leaks

Even the smallest plumbing leak can cause extensive damage to walls, ceilings and floors over a period of time. If you notice that your water bill is higher than usual, you may have a hidden leak somewhere in your home that is causing damage. A professional plumber can help you locate the leak and repair it so that you don’t have to pay for expensive construction damage. If you have a burst pipe or other large leak, a professional water damage contractor can help to restore your property to normal.

3 – Inspect Your Roof and Repair Minor Problems

Homeowners should do an annual roof inspection to find areas of separation or lifting that could allow water into the interior of the home. If tiles are missing, they should be replaced immediately to prevent water intrusion. A roofing contractor can do a thorough inspection to ensure that roofing underlayments have not been affected by the superficial damage.

4 – Clean Up Flooded Areas Immediately

When flooding occurs, homeowners should clean up affected areas as quickly as possible to avoid damage to construction materials and mildew. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following steps for mold removal:

• Sweep out or vacuum out excess water using a shop vac device.
• Dry out the affected area with large fans, opening windows to allow good airflow.
• Remove wet paper, carpeting, fabric and other materials that have been drenched in the flooding.
• Dispose of according to your community’s recommendations.
• Carefully wash construction materials with soap and water to remove odors and spores. Avoid using chlorine bleach, which can irritate lungs.

Contact an inspection company to ensure that the area has been properly treated. Professional mold removal may be necessary in some cases.

Spores in the air can be a severe health hazard, causing irritation of the nose, throat, lungs and skin. If you have had moisture in your home, you must take aggressive steps to prevent the growth of mold in your home interior. These tips will help to keep your home clean, dry and mold-free, so your family can enjoy a pleasant and healthy home environment.