Preventing Water Damage in the Attic

Controlling the natural drying of your property must start at the attic as it is located at the top of the house, separating between the roof and the rest of the house.

Ceiling and Floor

Be sure to look both up and down when inspecting the attic. Pay special attention to openings through the roof such as pipes, vents and the chimney. Take a look to confirm that all surfaces are dry and that there is no mold or rot. Also, check the bottom of the roof sheathing and roof rafters. It is recommended to inspect during the morning to make sure that the roof is sealed and that no daylight penetrates through roof cracks. Inspect the floor and make sure it is dry.

Recessed Lights Canisters

The presence of rust and corrosion indicates possible moisture invasion and a potential electrical hazard. Additional indicators for potential water damage are stains above or near the wood, or on the insulation around the canisters. Consider replacing old recessed lights canisters with newer, safer ones that include built in insulation.

Vents

Attic ventilation is important. Commonly, vents are installed along the peak of the roof. Moisture or surface discoloration near vents is a sign, locate the moisture source and fix the problem. When inspecting the roof, remove any bird nests and debris blocking the vents.

Insulation

When damaged by moisture and water, the insulation becomes thin and flat. Check the insulation frequently, especially after the rain season. Touch it. If it feels wet, find the moisture source and fix the problem right away. Remember: wet insulation is useless, but it will continue to hold water for a while and will create high moisture conditions. If the insulation is wet, replace it.

Common Attic Appliances

Periodically, check attic air conditioners, swamp coolers and HVAC systems. Look for wear and tear and loose connections. Inspect around and under these appliances. Remember that appliances failures may cause water damage to everything that lies below.

About The Author
Terry Allen is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. To learn more about water and fire damage restoration, visit http://restorationsos.com.
terrya@restorationsos.com

Water Damaged Carpet, What Can Be Done?

Water damage can come in many varieties, from a spilling a single bucket to a complete basement flooding. How you approach your carpet clean up will also depend on the quality of the water if it is clean water, like rain water, or is it from a sewer backup. Each situation should be evaluated on an individual basis, but here are some general guidelines.

First the obvious try to stop the water at the source to eliminate further damage. Check behind the walls as water may be trapped in the insulation or behind the vapor barrier. Next remove all furniture from the room, lift up the edges of the carpet and remove the uderpadding and discard. Extract as much of the water as possible, try to do this soon as you can, as bacteria and mold can set in quickly. Note – depending on the size and scope of damage it may be worth calling in a professional. After you have extracted as much of the water as possible treat the carpet with a disinfectant. Finally prop up the carpet to let airflow get under the carpet and put fans throughout the room to speed up the drying process.

Unsanitary water has many more health issues and concerns and you must take some precautions. Using rubber gloves and rubber boots is a must. I would recommend calling in a professional technician to handle this type of problem. The damage may not be isolated to just the carpeting it could extend to the drywall, insulation and wood studs. This type of water damage if not handled properly could pose a serious health risk.

About The Author
Randy Heslip is a regular contributor to www.vacuum-reviews-cleaners.com where you can find more information to help you choose the right vacuum for your cleaning needs. Article may be reproduced if resource box is left intact.

Preventing Water Damage in the Basement

A wet basement can quickly develop into a complete disaster. Many maintenance systems are installed in the basement. These systems generate moisture leading to potential water related problems. A periodic inspection will provide accurate indications for a water problem somewhere else in your home and can help preventing a much bigger damage.

Heating and Air Conditioning System

HVAC systems must be regularly inspected if located in the basement. Check the drain pans and remove debris to allow it to flow. Do not overlook the filters and replace when needed. When inspecting the HVAC, take a close look at the ductwork. Deteriorating insulations must be treated and sealed.

Ceiling and Walls

Moisture walls are a red flag for a water problem in the basement and may be a hint for internal leaks. Take a look at the walls and search for stains. If visible, follow the trails to locate the source of the problem and fix it. Even the smallest sign for a leak in the basement must be treated promptly.

Pipes

A common problem is pipes condensations caused by pipes sweating. This problem promotes mold and corrosion if ignored. To reduce condensation, consider installing insulating on all pipes.

Sump Pumps

Sump pump assist in keeping unwanted water out of your basement. When checking the pump, make sure the outlet pipe is not clogged and that it directs water away from your home. Test the pump by filling the pit with water to make sure the pump is working. Check that the pump is running and that it is actually pumping out water. Clean the air hole in the discharge line. Make sure that the motor is running well and that there are no strange noises. If you own a battery operated pump, check the battery and replace when needed. Keep in mind that all problems must be fixed immediately.

About The Author
Leo Nov is the editorial director of http://restorationsos.com, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages.
To learn more about water damage restoration, visit http://restorationsos.com.
leon@restorationsos.com

Is a Silent Invader Attacking Your Home?

Expensive repairs from water damage might be needed in your home. Repair them before they multiply! Water damage is possible any time in the year-from the weather, malfunctioned appliances, clogs, or by poorly done home repair. You can save on most home repair costs by ensuring that your home is safeguarded from water damage seasonally before anything turns into expensive repairs.

What does water damage look like? Standing water can weaken a surface, causing it to rot, rust, or mildew, and eventually turn into expensive repairs.

The most expensive repairs are foundational damage and mold growths. Such home repair can force you to vacate if the home is deemed unsafe even after treated for water damage by professionals. Take control by learning how to home repair or prevent potential water damage sites.

Outdoor water damage prevention home repair tips:

1. Do-it-yourself home repair for gutters are simple and not expensive. Repairs can be minimized if you remember to check for water damage or leaks and clean out the gutters and downspouts each season.

2. Block debris with gutter guards, and use downspout extensions to help divert the runoff from the foundation to prevent further expensive repairs from water damage.

Indoor water damage prevention home repair tips:

1. Home repair any loose window and door caulking to prevent rain or snow from seeping in and causing water damage.

2. In below-freezing weather, keep the water running at a trickle and allow heat to reach the pipes. This will avoid having them burst, with the potential for water damage.

3. Avoid expensive repairs to your basement's sump pump by keeping it in working order.

4. Replace or home repair the sump pump as needed, ensuring the surrounding area remains dry and water-damage-free.

5. Check refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines regularly for water damage itself, or for leaks that can cause water damage to floors or walls.

6. Avoid needless expensive repairs or home repair to bathroom drains and pipes by using drain guards to trap hair.

7. Home repair clogged drains with a plunger or a bent wire instead of professional products.

8. Replace leaky faucets, run bathroom exhaust fans during use, and thoroughly clean and dry surfaces regularly to prevent water damage and mold from building.

9. Don't use carpeting in areas exposed to water-damage can occur if carpeting is damp.

When to call on professional help:

1. To thoroughly dry carpeting/floor after flooding.
2. When home repair fails to correct a problem.
3. If water damage causes you to vacate the home.
4. To service your air conditioning unit.

Before you can file a claim for expensive repairs caused by water damage to your home, your insurance company expects you to have followed through with all safeguarding measures. Otherwise, be prepared to pay for any home repair due to your negligence.

When water damage comes from floods, make sure your home insurance includes flood coverage, for it to pay for each home repair-including all of the expensive repairs-caused from water damage. In the U.S., the reality is that flooding and water damage can occur anywhere. Home insurance covers home repairs needed as a result of structural damage or theft, but in most cases you will need to purchase a separate flood policy if you want any water damage home repairs covered as a result of flooding. Flood insurance is truly a safeguard on home repairs, an affordable investment that pays for itself.

http://www.metlife.com/Applications/Corporate/WPS/CDA/PageGenerator/0,1674,P250%257ES781,00.html
http://www.ibhs.org/publications/view.asp?id=342
http://www.rainguardusa.com/house-foundation-water-damage.php
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_improvement/home_improvement/1465317.html
http://www.keidel.com/resource/diy/clogs.htm
http://info.insure.com/home/water.html
http://www.statefarm.com/consumer/preventwater.htm

About The Author
Adam Jackson is a home repair expert striving to bring you the best free home repair and improvement information on the web.
household-helper.com
info@household-helper.com

Preventing Water Damage in Your Basement

The wet basement can develop into a complete disaster especially since many maintenance systems are installed in it. For example: electrical wires, water and sewage pipes, garbage disposal etc.

HVAC Systems

Heating and air conditioning systems must be inspected frequently. Check the drain pans and remove debris to allow free flow. Inspect the filters and replace whenever needed. When inspecting the HVAC, look at the ductwork and seal deteriorating insulations.

Pipes Condensations

Pipes condensation is a common plumbing problem caused by sweating pipes. This problem promotes mold corrosion and rot if ignored. Insulating your pipes will reduce condensation.

Sump Pumps

Sump pump systems assist in keeping unwanted water out of your home. When checking the pump, make sure the outlet pipe is not frozen or clogged and that it directs water away from your home. Clean the air hole in the discharge line and make sure that the motor is running well. Test the pump by filling the sump pit with water to make sure the pump is working properly. Check that the pump is actually pumping out water.

Walls and Ceiling

Check the walls and look for moisture signs. Moist walls may indicate an internal leak. Look at the walls and search for stains. If you detect stains, follow them to locate the source of the problem and fix it. Even the smallest sign for a leak in the basement must be treated promptly.

The Foundations

Foundations are not always waterproof. Gaps and cracks are created as the house shifts and settles over time. Landscape is also changing over time and may lead to excessive water in the soil around your home. Seek professional help if you need to make any landscape or foundations repairs.

Ventilation

When checking the ventilation systems, be sure to inspect all ventilation systems including water heater, exhaust fans, dryer vents etc. if you suspect any failure in these systems, repair it right away.

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About The Author
Terry Allen is an editorial staff member of http://restorationsos.com a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. In addition, http://restorationsos.com provides professional home maintenance guides for free. To learn more about water and fire damage restoration, visit http://restorationsos.com or call 1-877-767-2407