STOP Restoration has seen firsthand the impact that natural disasters, accidents, and everyday wear and tear can have on homes. While the Service Team of Professionals are experts at restoring homes after damage has occurred, they also believe in the importance of proactive home improvement measures to prevent damage from happening in the first place.
Home improvement can take many forms, from minor cosmetic changes to major renovations. However, any home improvement project should prioritize functionality and safety above all else. This article shares a few areas where homeowners can focus their home improvement efforts to aid in damage prevention.
Water Damage Prevention
One of the most common restoration jobs in homes is water damage remediation. Leaks, floods, and other water-related incidents can cause significant damage to your home's materials and your personal belongings. To prevent water damage, homeowners can take several steps, such as:
Regularly inspecting and maintaining plumbing fixtures, including pipes, faucets, and appliances like water heaters and washing machines.
Installing sump pumps and backflow valves to prevent water from entering the home during heavy rain or flooding.
Ensuring proper ventilation in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens by utilizing fans and dehumidifiers.
By incorporating these suggestions, homeowners can avoid costly water damage repairs and mold growth.
Fire Prevention
Fires pose a significant threat, not only in terms of safety but also in their ability to wreak havoc on homes. The damage they leave behind can be extensive and costly. Homeowners should always be aware of fire safety measures and should make it a priority to prevent fires from starting. Some ways to do that are as follows:
Installing smoke detectors on every level of the home and testing them often.
Making sure that electrical wiring and appliances are routinely serviced and are compliant with regulations.
Investing in yearly chimney inspections and sweeping to deter creosote buildup.
By implementing these fire prevention tips, homeowners can protect their homes and loved ones from the devastating effects of fires.
Mold Growth Prevention
Mold growth is a common but serious problem in many homes. Mold can create damage by eating away at drywall, carpets and insulation as well as causing dry rot. Additionally, breathing in mold spores can cause a slew of potential health risks. Keeping your home mold free is worth the effort. Here’s how:
Declutter your living spaces to allow proper air circulation and to eliminate dark humid spaces for mold to grow.
Purchase a humidity monitor to help keep your house at moisture levels that discourage mold growth, the sweet spot being between 30-50%.
Opt for mold resistant drywall, paints and other products when renovating.
Keeping the mold at bay in your home is crucial not only for the structural integrity of your home, but also for your overall health and wellbeing.
In conclusion, home improvement is an essential part of maintaining a safe, functional, and comfortable living space. By focusing on water, fire, and mold damage prevention, homeowners can increase the likelihood that their homes remain in good condition for years to come. Unfortunately, property damage can happen to even the most prepared homeowner. No matter the circumstances, the team at STOP Restoration is always ready to help homeowners remediate damage and restore their homes to their former glory.
