DIY Solutions To Protect Your Home From Water Damage

Water can be one of the fastest most damaging things to a home. Gutters are mandatory in many regions though with our deep eves we haven’t need to add many except for in a few specific places. We’re also fortunate to live on a bit of a hill and, with very sandy soil in our area, water damage is not something we had to be terribly worried about. HOWEVER, living in northern MN, we do need to worry about ice damns on our roof and years when we get a lot of snow the run off from that as well.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

When it comes to the major risk factors your home faces, water is up there as one of the worst. Flooding can ruin your floors and possessions, water can cause mold and damage your walls, and underground leakage can damage the very foundations of your home. Waterproofing is therefore incredibly important.

Water damage can be especially troubling when you have to deal with insurance. There is a lot of confusion about water damage coverage in homeowners insurance policies. This is because most insurance policies specifically leave out flooding coverage and will not pay out if they deem the water damage to be due to neglect.

If water damage is caused by an accident or sudden weather event, your insurance probably will pay. But the responsibility is on you to protect yourself from water damage.

For this reason, many people choose to go with a professional rather than DIY for waterproofing. However, as long as you know what to do, you can do your own waterproofing, saving money while doing a job more thorough and careful than a professional.

Here are the DIY solutions you should take to protect your home from water damage.

Regularly waterproof flat roofs

Flat roofs are often the cause of water damage, as rain does not run off them as easily as it does with sloped roofs. The damage builds up over time until there are holes or mold that lets water through.

It is fairly easy to waterproof a flat roof with waterproofing acrylic. Cover the roof as you would with paint, making sure to use as much as the instructions on the can recommend. Do this at least once a year.

Use caulk to insulate

At least once a year, check your insulation. Take a close look at windows and doors, checking for cracks and using caulk to close them up. This is important not just for potential water damage but for keeping cool air in during summer and for heating during winter.

Check your water fixtures as well. If there are cracks or worn spots that could become issues, use caulk to secure them.

Sump pump checks

Your sump pump collects groundwater underneath the house and directs it away. This keeps the foundations of your house in good shape, preventing damage from water buildups. If your sump pump stops working and you do not know about it, your home could be in big trouble.

Do regular sump pump checks. Your sump pump should last ten years, but always keep track of how well it is functioning.

Clean gutters

Gutters are no one’s favorite part of a home. They are a necessary fixture. A gutter doesn’t always look great, and the insides get gunky, but without them your home will sustain water damage. Gutters therefore need to be cleaned regularly, even if it is a horrible job.

Do it at least once a year, at the start of the rainy season. If you have trees that hang over your gutters, cut them back if possible so that debris does not constantly fall in.

Plant a rain garden

To protect your home from erosion and long term water damage, plant a rain garden. A rain garden ensures that the amount of groundwater in your garden remains balanced. Plants that need a lot of water are great for areas that remain too moist, while adding mulch to dry spots can give them the humidity they need.

Keep track of your water bill

If you pay your water bill through a debit order or any other type of automatic payment, make sure to take the time to keep track of it every month. If there are water problems in your home, they may show up on your bill. A sudden surge in your bill may point to leaks. You’ll only notice it if you are aware of how much you use and what kind of activities (or climate) lead to high water usage.

To protect your home from water damage, it is necessary to regularly check and maintain fixtures and any potential points of entry. Even if you leave the heavy lifting to a professional, it is up to you to identify when there is a problem. Use the above tips to keep on top of your water situation.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)