Whether you live in an area that’s prone to floods or the rain just gets particularly heavy, water damage is inevitable. It’s among the many horrible things we don’t want to find in our properties, but at least 37% of people have suffered it.

But just how do we [literally] combat the elements? Water is tricky to fight and protect against, as it can seep through the smallest of cracks. This means you’ll have to be thorough in your defense, and must adequately seal up any holes afterward.

It’s an ongoing, ever evolving process, and it starts here. If you’ve recently suffered some form of water damage, or want to protect against it, you’re in the right place.

 

Repairing and future-proofing the inside of your home should be task number one. You have several options here too, so consider each of them.

Firstly, you should check all faucets, pipes and hoses for any places that may be leaking. If your water pressure is too high, it can cause pipes to burst, which will be a major problem in future. If water is leaking in through your roof, identify whether there’s anything you can do from inside. You could seal off an old chimney, or properly seal off a skylight.

If damage is incurred, then start with the important aspects. Assess the safety of your electrical outlets, and consider roping in a water damage restoration service to fix any major damage. In future, try and keep all electrical appliances and gadgets in the room that gets affected least. Consult with your local government office and request information on any anti-flood defenses.

Hurricane Irene in NY // Source

Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with the location of all water shut off valves. This will prove invaluable when you go on holiday, for instance. If your water isn’t running, your pipes can’t burst and leak!

 

If your roof leak can’t be cured from indoors, then hire a professional roofer to build you a new one. I wouldn’t recommend attempting any roof repairs yourself. It’s a dangerous job to undertake and requires thorough training.

I previously mentioned sealing off any windows from the interior, but you should also do the same from the exterior. Caulking is quite a basic process, so you should have no problems doing it yourself.

The gutter is another way that allows water into the home, usually due to overflowing. Installing some quality gutter guards can help water flow more smoothly, and make it less likely to build up.

 

If any electrical appliances have become wet, do not plug them back in! Throw them out. At the very least, repair the power strip. It would be incredibly unsafe to use these items again, no matter how safe they appear.

I would also purchase a suite of fans, dehumidifiers and heaters to help dry out and properly ventilate your home. If possible, install a mini-vent that leads outdoors. This helps some of the excess water vapor that has accumulated leave the property.

Lastly, if your property is prone to flooding, be sure to keep any and all receipts for furniture and appliances you buy. Having these receipts to hand allows insurance companies to properly assess how much they will help you with.