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We want to be an overall website for home
information and home and garden decor. We hope these tips come in handy. Enjoy.
Preventing Water Damage
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Inspect your roof and flashing twice a year, using
binoculars outside and a bright light in the attic.
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Water should be directed into downspouts and not allowed
to drain from the end of a gutter onto an adjoining roof slope. Standing water
in gutter should be eliminated.
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Be sure to maintain caulk around all doors and windows.
Debris collecting between the screen and sill will hold moisture and lead to
damage. If screens are not used, remove and store them for the next homeowner,
or drill weep holes at the bottom rails of screens and clean behind them
often.
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Find out what type of foundation drainage system you
have and make sure it is working. Make sure drains are not obstructed by dirt
and debris. Other drainage systems should not be tied into foundation drains.
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Check to see if your basement has a musty smell or damp
feeling. Efflorescence (powdery white deposits) on poured or blocked walls
also is a sign of moisture. Dehumidification, and possibly sealing, is needed
if excess moisture is in the air.
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Excessive moisture in bathrooms can cause wallpaper to
peel and mold and mildew to grow. Homeowners need to ensure moist bath air is
sent outside (not into the attic) with an exhaust fan.
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Make sure you have a good, working shower pan, the
membrane that goes between the mortar bed in your shower and the subflooring
and stud walls.
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Keep grout and caulking well maintained to avoid
moisture problems in walls and floors. Rocking toilets and the smell of sewer
gas are indicators of a failed seal and possible leak.
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Consider a maintenance contract with an HVAC company. An
annual checkup can keep many potential system-related water problems at bay.
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To make insurance claims easier, keep a detailed
phtographic inventory of all your personal belongings. If damage occurs, do
not dispose of any items you feel may be complete loss until they've been
examined by an adjuster.
*Tips
provided by home inspector Larry Lewis.
Homefurnishings1.com
Our home and garden decor offer a unique approach to interior and exterior household decorating and designing. Home furnishing gift kits are decorative choices that we offer along with home decor and home furnishing catalogs.
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