Posted by Bealing Roofing Comments Off on Keep Your House Safe from Water Damage Gutter, Roof

Gutter Installation & Repairs in Hanover, PA

One of the most damaging things that can harm your home is water, and as seasons change the potential only increases. Heavy spring rains can lead to flooding. Winter snow and freezing rain can also lead to some severe issues. It is always a great idea to get ahead of these problems before they occur. Here are a few tips to keep your house safe from water damage.

Inspect and repair your roof

A leaky roof can cause some pretty significant issues to your home. These may start as unsightly water stains on your ceiling, but behind that stain could be lurking so much more. Roof leaks almost always lead to wet insulation. In turn, that damp insulation can lead to rot of wooden structure and mold problems. 

 This damage, often unseen, can lead to some costly repairs. They must be addressed early and quickly. Hiringa reputable roofing contractor to inspect your roof is a great way to discover potential undetected leaks. 

 Trim your trees

One way you can experience severe water damage is from tree damage. If a sizeable tree limb crashes through your roof, you’re likely to end up with an entry point for water from the damage caused by the limb. 

 Check to make sure any trees near your house are alive and well. Have dead or unhealthy limbs removed. A dying tree or a tree with a dead limb may not seem like an issue but in a heavy wind storm, you will quickly discover just how much of an issue it can become. 

 Clean your gutters and downspouts

Gutters and downspouts are designed to keep water away from your foundation. It’s very important to make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris. Also, remove any clogs you may find in your downspouts. During this cleaning process, repair any gutter leaks and install splash blocks or downspout extensions to direct water away from your foundation. 

 Don’t forget your foundation

One of the most common areas of water damage in the home is flooding in the basement. To keep your basement dry and prevent basement flooding, the first step is to make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. You will want at least a 6” slope over the first 10’.

A good investment to consider is installing a sump pump in the basement. Sump pumps help to remove any groundwater that may seep inside your basement. If your basement is finished, or you plan on finishing it, make sure you hang drywall approximately 1” off the floor. This way, if water seeps in, it will not wick up the drywall. Wet drywall is the perfect breeding ground for mold. 

 If you are looking for a reliable, local contractor for your next home improvement or repair project, give Bealing Roofing & Exteriors, Inc. a call. We treat every project like it’s our own!