Avoiding and Alleviating Mold and Water Damage

Now that winter is officially upon us homeowners and landlords everywhere should be checking the exteriors of their homes and tenements to help them avoid water damage. Buildings in Calgary, with its freeze and melt cycles caused by chinooks, are particularly susceptible to water damage and mold. To help you spot problems before they arise here are 4 things you can do to help keep your home free of water damage and mold.

1. Clean your gutters
   If you don’t keep your gutters clear then the water they normally channel will have to go somewhere else. This can mean water washing up onto the edges of your roof and potentially flowing into your home. If water freezes in cracks in your roof you can end up with a huge mess on your hands as the frozen water enlarges the cracks that will allow water to seep into the building. Clean your gutters once a year, and make sure that your downspouts direct water away from the building’s foundation. Ideally you should position your down pipe and any down pipe extenders so that water flows away from your building and directly into a drain or sewer.


2. Check the foundation
   Give the exterior and interior of your house a thorough once over to check for any water damage to the foundation. Check for cracks in the foundation, and take note of any areas where water appears to be pooling near the foundation. Even if you don’t see any water seeping in now pools of water near your foundation can have devastating long term effects on the structural integrity of the entire building.


3. Check the roof, siding and windows
   Avoid dealing with the mess and hassle of leaks and floods by checking your roof, siding and windows. Damp patches may seem like a small nuisance, but they can become breeding grounds for mold. Mold is not only unsightly, but can also severely damage your home and can lead to a variety of health problems. If mold is left to flourish it can become very difficult to combat.


4. Call in a professional
   If you discover any problems or potential problems you can’t fix yourself you should call in a professional. Adjusting a downspout is something you can do yourself, but if you discover any damage you should contact a professional so the situation can be properly assessed. Professional restoration companies not only have the knowledge and tools to rectify the situation, they are also experts at helping you address problems before they occur, saving you a costly headache later on.

24/7 Restoration uses their extensive training and expertise in restoring homes and businesses that have been damaged by water. If you would like more information on water removal in Calgary contact us today at 403.247.4365 and visit 247restoration.ca.