3 Ways to Avoid Water Damage in Your House
April 20, 2016Perhaps the biggest problem associated with water damage is that if left unchecked, it can weaken your home’s foundation and the very core that holds it together. It also creates a thriving environment for mold growth and pests, which can cause secondary health and safety issues.
At this rate, preventing it is much more advisable than paying for repairs. In fact, the American Insurance Association states that water damage is the second most frequently filed insurance claim in the U.S. Huff ‘N Puff, the experts in gutter installation, discusses the top three ways to avoid water damage in your home:
Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear of Debris
Your roof gutters drain water away from your home, but leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog the troughs and cause the water to cascade down the side of your house. The water then seeps into interior wall voids or trickles down to the basement. In most cases, there’s no indoor evidence of the damage, until wood rot, mold growth, and structural damage sets in.
Huff ‘N Puff can help maintain your gutters in Albany, NY, so there are no incidences of clogs. We install Gutter Helmet® protection systems to prevent any debris from getting into the troughs. With this system, your gutters will be able to function effectively for years to come.
Watch Out for Ice Dams
An ice dam on the roof is a result of melted snow running down the roof and re-freezing near the eaves, stopping the flow of runoff into the gutters and sending it back to the shingles. This causes interior leaks and water damage to the indoor walls and ceilings. In addition, the added weight of the ice dams and icicles can compromise the structural integrity of the roof structure, which is a different damage on its own.
When we install Gutter Helmet, we also offer Helmet Heat®, a hidden cable system that melts snow and ice before they cause damage. Helmet Heat is self-regulating, energy-efficient and easy to use for your gutters in Albany, NY.
Ensure Adequate Ventilation
Humid air can also be a source of water damage so you need to make sure it doesn’t fester in your home. We work with Renewal by Andersen® to offer a wide array of windows that can boost ventilation in your home. Choose from our casement, sliding, or double-hung window options to maximize airflow in and out of your home.
Contact Huff ‘N Puff today at (518) 688-1624 in the Capital Region or at (845) 245-2630 in the Hudson Valley area for a FREE quote on these products. Let us work with you to prevent water damage in your home.