Our homes are built to withstand nature’s elements, among them - water. When water enters your home, it can cause damage to its structure and finishings, as well as to your personal belongings. Over time, it can also lead to mould.
Here are simple proactive steps you can take to ensure your home stays dry inside.
1. Clean eavestroughs and downspouts regularly
Your eavestroughs and downspouts are meant to channel rainwater away from your home , but they can only do this job properly if regularly maintained. Clear dirt, leaves and other debris that can cause blockages. If you’re unable to do this yourself, consider hiring a professional. Also, inspect downspouts to make sure water is not pooling close to exterior walls.
2. Plan landscaping to avoid soil settlement and water ponding
The area surrounding your home has been graded or sloped by the builder to ensure that water does not accumulate near the foundation. In fact, most water penetration problems at foundation level are the result of surface water not properly directed away from the home. If you plan to add flowers or other plants close to the exterior walls, be careful to avoid water accumulation.
3. Inspect foundation walls for potential issues
Regularly inspect your home’s foundation for anything that may result in water getting inside. For example, cracks that are more than two millimetres in width should be repaired as soon as possible. If you’re not sure whether foundation cracks allow water into your home, you can conduct a simple water test by using a hose to direct water along the face of the exterior foundation for up to 20 minutes and checking periodically for water penetration.
Warranty coverage for new homes
Keep in mind that if you own a newly built home and experience water penetration that is due to a construction defect, your builder-provided warranty provides coverage for two years from your date of possession.
Find more information at tarion.com.
www.newscanada.com
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