Don’t let water damage ruin your renovation project

Water damaged property

When planning a renovation project, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to keep the property protected from water damage. Not only can a property’s structural integrity be compromised by water damage, there can be secondary consequences such as the formation of damp patches which can lead to insect infestations and bacterial growths!

A home with features such as a functioning gutter system and leak-proof roof will help to alleviate any anxieties of potential buyers, particularly if the property is situated in an area prone to flooding or heavy rainfall. Such measures will not only help to increase the perceived value of the property when the time to sell comes, but it will also improve your chances of getting your claim for structural insurance accepted. Here are some easy steps you can take to ensure your renovation project doesn’t fall victim to water damage.

Upgrade your roof

A leaky roof can quickly lead to fungal growths and rot, so it’s imperative that this is one of the first things you look into when you begin your renovation. If you’re unsure whether your roof needs replacing, it’s a good idea to bring in a contractor who can make the necessary observations and provide guidance on the appropriate course of action; whether it’s repairing a few tiles or redoing the entire roof. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is the UK’s leading roofing industry association and provides a comprehensive directory of roofers by geographic region. Choosing a roofer who is a member of this association is beneficial because their competency has already been verified and you are guaranteed to be charged at a fair rate.

Fix leaking gutters

Inadequate or unclean gutters are a primary cause of water damage in homes. If the gutters have not been cleaned for a while, debris can clog up which can ultimately cause overflowing, which can result in water damage – both to the landscape and to the property itself. Depending on the scope of your renovation project, you may wish to hire a contractor to have your gutters cleaned professionally. Again, it always pays to pick a verified tradesman who has viewable testimonials. Your tradesmen should be able to advise you whether your guttering needs to be replaced, more often than not however, the functionality of the gutter is usually impaired by leaves and debris which can be easily removed during a professional clean.

Trim the trees

Following on from the previous point, it helps to trim the trees in the immediate proximity of your property, since they will shed leaves which can end up clogging up your gutters. In addition to this, any branches which are near to or hanging over your property should be removed, since these can become hazardous in the event of a storm.

Caulk the gaps around your windows and doors

Sealing any potential air holes is essential for insulation purposes (this will also help to improve the value of the property). However, caulking the windows and doors is also a good way to protect the property from excess moisture – the result of which can manifest as unpleasant odours, stains, damp areas and fungal growths. This is not a complicated task, and if you don’t feel like spending your precious renovation budget on hiring a contractor, you can do it yourself with a putty knife, a wire hanger, a caulk gun and a plastic spoon.

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