Regular home maintenance like tree trimming and gutter cleaning isn’t exactly on any one’s top ten list of things they want to do or that seem fun. While not fun, these tasks are important in prepping your home for bad weather and keeping it safe and strong. Be sure to just do the necessary work it takes to prep your house and prevent damages, especially water damage in West Bloomfield Michigan.
Tips to Prevent Water Damage to Your Michigan Home
- Cleaning Gutters – Clean gutters are essential for them to properly do their job of moving water away from your roof and home. If you let your gutters clog up, you can really cause damage to your roof, resulting in water damage that can hold its own host of issues. Regular gutter maintenance is cheap and easy, so it’s better to just get it done and save yourself the headache.
Trimming Trees – It should go without saying that trimming your trees is essential for keeping your roof and home healthy. If trees are allowed to rub against your roof, this can cause damage to your roof and lead to water damage. Roofs with water damage can cost quite a bit to repair or replace, so just take the time to maintain your nearby trees. You’ll also help to reduce the risk of branches falling on your roof.
- French Drain Installation – A French drain can really help to prevent water damage as it helps to remove standing water from around your home and direct it to a ditch or other runoff location. Lightly sloped to move water away from your foundation, the French drain is a simple and useful addition to your yard that goes a long way.
- Generator Preparation – It’s always a nuisance when your power goes out. While a few minutes or an hour really isn’t the end of the world, it sure feels like it. When the power goes out for over a day, it seems like there is no hope. One way to combat this and to fight some significant money lost (spoiled food!) is to invest in a generator but also make sure it’s functional. Your generator needs to be checked on regularly to be sure that it’s still working in case you should suddenly need it.
- Hardscaping Your Yard – A well maintained yard isn’t just for aesthetics. In fact, a well maintained yard with the right accessories can assist your home in being more resistant to fire and thus water damage. Keeping your lawn well maintained and groomed also prevents feeding any fire. While it can be some work, keeping a tidy yard is a great idea.
- Impact Proof Windows and Doors – Did you know that there are actual weather strength and tested doors and windows you can select when updating your home? You may want to consider these when you notice your front door rattling off its hinges mid thunderstorm. When you select windows, doors, and garage doors that are impact resistant, you prevent structural damage from the wind coming into your home.
- Insurance Updates – It’s always a good idea to read the fine print when it comes time to renew your home owner’s insurance each and every year. Make sure your policy is current and continues to cover all the costs associated with your home should disaster strike. Make sure floods are covered as well. Be sure you do your part to maintain basic home improvements to prevent voiding any kind of coverage. If you were negligent in the care for your home, you could be responsible.
- Fire Extinguisher Check – No one wants to truly think about the risk of fire. Unfortunately we have to and it’s better that we do so that we are prepared. Fire extinguishers may not expire, but they can lose their strength over time. It’s important to regularly check your extinguishers to make sure the locking pin is still intact and the pressure indicator still reads full. Also be sure you have one extinguisher per floor of your house so that you can be prepared for anything.
- Wise Plants – Did you know that your choice in landscaping plants can impact the fire resistance of your house? It can! Choosing plants with stems that are waxy or oily isn’t the greatest idea when selecting plants to go near your home. These are flammable plants that won’t hold of flames. Instead, choose plants that are resistant to fires or even succulents which hold a higher water content. Be mindful of mulch and other bed linings as they too can be flammable.
If you have any type of water damage in your home be sure to call us at (248) 509-8104. We offer water damage restoration as well as mold removal if needed. Trust Michigan Restoration Pros with all your home restoration needs in West Bloomfield Michigan.
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