Weather and flooding are the most common causes of home damage, but it's not the only type of damage you should be concerned with. About 20 percent of all property damage comes from nonweather-related water sources, so it's worth assessing your plumbing and appliances to make sure they are in good condition.
Landscaping
Keeping your yard well-kept is important for a number of reasons, including increasing the value of your house and regulating extreme temperatures. In addition, properly maintained landscaping can deter pests and improve your home's appearance.
In addition, regular gutter cleaning either by yourself or by hiring a professional gutter cleaning service like Gutter Cleaning Douglasville GA prevents rainwater from soaking into your landscaping and causing erosion and other damage. It also keeps your plants healthy by removing organic material that can encourage the growth of mold and fungus, which in turn, can lead to water damage.
Trees and branches: Check your trees and tree limbs regularly to ensure they are not encroaching on your home. It's also a good idea to cut down dead and dying foliage, especially in areas of high wind or drought.
Keep your roof in good condition: Having an old or damaged roof is one of the top causes of home damage. It can easily rip off or fall off your home if it's exposed to strong winds or rain, making the inside of your house uninhabitable.
Install storm windows and doors: These are great for preventing wind damage to your home, but they can also be very effective at keeping out rain and snow. They also help you avoid water damage by allowing the rain or snow to run off your roof rather than pooling at the foundation of your home.
Invest in flood insurance: If you live in a coastal area, it's a good idea to purchase a policy that covers flooding. You can find policies that cover this particular risk with a simple search online.
Prevent burglary: Burglaries can be a nightmare, and they often require costly repairs. To protect your home against criminals, consider installing a motion-detecting light at the front and sides of your home. You can even put up a fence, but you'll want to be sure that it's sturdy enough to withstand vandals' attempts at climbing it.
Proper lighting can also deter troublemakers, so make sure that your driveways, walkways and entry points are well-lit and secure. This will make it more difficult for criminals to sneak through your doors, and it'll be easier for you to see them as they approach.
Use an open/close sensor: This will automatically send you an alert if someone breaks into your liquor cabinet or gun safe. This will allow you to quickly respond and take action before they do any serious damage.
A good home insurance policy can also protect you from the cost of repairing or replacing your personal property. Depending on the type of policy you have, your home may be covered for theft as well.
In general, prevention is always more cost-effective than repair, so it's always a good idea to focus on the most common causes of home damage and work to fix them before they become worse.
