Prevent water damage, prevent mold damage

With fall weather that already seems too cold and the freezing winter months approaching the U.S. quickly, it is important that business and homeowners prepare their homes for water damage, or the prevention thereof.

The Insurance Information Institute reports the average claim due to water damage is about $5531. While some homeowner insurance policies may provide some coverage for certain types of water damage, not all do. One should review their home and business insurance policies with their agent to see exactly what is covered and what is not. Are there any riders, or policy add-ons, that can be added for extra protection? What type of water damage is covered?

In addition to being covered for the unexpected, one should prepare for it as well. Water damage prevention tips include painting water sealant on basement floors, moisture-sealing windows, and installing drains or valves that do not allow water reentry. Preventing and remediating water damage will help one avoid having to deal with mold damage, which can be costly to eliminate.

NJ.com provides the following tips from The Institute for Business & Home Safety:

• “Inspect hoses and faucets. Check hoses leading to water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerator ice makers annually. Replace those with cracks or leaks, and replace them all every five to seven years.
• Shut off the water supply to the washing machine while away on vacation. Never leave the house while the washer or dishwasher is running. Know where the main water shut off valve is in your home.
• Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system to protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes.
• Remove debris from downspouts. Turn off and drain outside faucets to protect against frozen pipes.
• Install gutter guards to protect the clogging of the roof gutter so water flows easily off the roof.”

Other tips to prevent water damage when the weather gets cold include:

• Prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
• Weatherize a building for the winter months.
• Prevent fires in the home and be particularly careful with holiday decor. Remember: fires are put out with water, which can cause water damage. Fires also have smoke, which can also cause damage to one’s property.
• Layer windows and insulate.

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