Protect Your Home During the Rainy Season
In 2003, Under Armour® Performance Apparel launched one of its most successful campaigns to date. In three simple words, in a “call to action” format, Protect This House became a motto for all competitors to stand firm and protect what is theirs. The successful slogan motivates athletes to defend their home turf against the opposition. Originally, the target audience was young male athletes, but the campaign was far-reaching and females quickly transitioned to the Under Armour® brand. A variant of the slogan included the popular “I will…Protect This House” phrase, which resonated with numerous celebrity athletes. It is safe to say that this campaign was a success.
Why is this slogan so successful?
It’s simple. People want to protect what is theirs. Protect their domain. Guard their home turf. So why should this mantra stop at the athletic field? Jump on board and let everyone know you will…protect YOUR house.
Now that spring has arrived, protect your home from water damage, moisture, and mold growth.
Here are 5 easy ways to protect your home during the rainy season.
Review Homeowners Insurance Policy Coverage
One of the biggest misconceptions among homeowners is that you have to live in a “flood zone” to get flood insurance. This assumption is very common and homeowners are often left paying out-of-pocket expenses related to flood damage or mold growth. Two things to look for in your homeowners’ insurance policy are flood coverage and mold coverage. Most likely, flooding and mold are NOT covered, which could cost you more than just a headache. Most insurance coverage will not cover mold remediation if a preventable leak, flooding, or high humidity causes the mold.
The average cost of water damage and mold repair repairs is $3,112 conservatively. These numbers continue to climb once you factor in replacing ceilings, walls, flooring, plumbing, furniture, and personal items. Just one inch of water can cost a homeowner over $25,000!
Depending on where you live, you may benefit from private flood insurance (insurance not funded by the federal government). NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) typically does not cover basements or any area of your home below ground level. Ask your local insurance agent to guide you through this process and give you quotes for both private and government-funded insurance.
A note to renters. You should always get renters insurance. It’s worth its weight in gold.
Check Filters On Your Home Humidifiers
A humidifier adds moisture to the air inside your home. Too much moisture can accelerate mold and mildew growth, and too little moisture can cause damage to wood floors, painted walls, and even furniture. The ideal indoor humidity for the whole house is anywhere between 30 – 50 percent (depending on where you live).
How often you change the humidifier’s filter will depend on a few factors. Change the filter every 3 – 6 months unless you have pets in the home or smoke. In these cases, you’ll want to change the filter every 2 months.
If you opt to have a whole home humidifier installed, then changing the filter once a year is recommended. Whole house humidifiers use a water panel, which is commonly referred to as a humidifier filter.
Regardless of the type of humidifier you purchase, pay close attention to when it is time to change the filter. Otherwise, mold and bacteria could build up, preventing the filter from working properly.
Check For Sweating Windows Indoors
One clear sign of moisture problems is when you see condensation build up inside the windows. If you have new windows installed without considering other ventilation measures, you may see “sweaty windows.” The relative humidity increases in a home, causing condensation to build up inside the windows. This is because moisture can’t leave the house.
If you do renovations or install new windows, contact a roofer or contractor to see how you can increase venting in the attic based on cubic footing.
Check Sump Pumps and Back Up Sump Pumps
If you have ever experienced a sump pump that doesn’t work correctly, then you fully understand the consequences that occur. Check to see that the sump pump is installed correctly and working. Investing in a high-quality water sump and a dependable backup system is one of the best ways to protect your home from water damage.
If your sump pump is battery-operated, make sure the battery is charged.
Check Your Foundation For Cracks
Harsh winters can put a lot of stress on your home’s foundation. Once the snow and ice begin to thaw, carefully inspect the foundation for cracks. Even the smallest cracks can allow water to seep into your home.
Cracks can be hidden behind or beneath decks or other structures, making detecting them difficult. If part of your foundation is hidden, it’s helpful to inspect the perimeter of the basement (if your home has one) to check for signs of moisture. Some obvious signs are moldy walls, a musty smell, a bowing floor, or molding. If you can see cracks in the foundation, hire a structural engineer or professional to assess the situation. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 – $10,000 for repairs, depending on the severity of the situation.
Go undefeated this rainy season and Protect Your House.
