Reduce Your Water Damage Risk With These Spring Maintenance Tips for Nashville Homeowners.
Spring is a great time of year to perform maintenance tasks around your home to reduce the risk of water damage. In Nashville, TN, spring brings rain, storms, and increased humidity, which can all contribute to water damage if your home is not properly maintained. Here are some spring maintenance tips to help reduce the risk of water damage in your Nashville home.
Did you know, in Nashville, TN, the average rainfall during the spring months of March, April, and May is about 9-13 inches? However, the amount of rainfall can vary from year to year and from month to month. It’s important to be prepared for potential rain and storms during the spring season, as excessive rainfall can lead to water damage in homes that are not properly maintained.
- Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is the first line of defense against water damage, so it’s important to inspect it regularly, especially after the winter season. Check for missing or damaged shingles, and make sure that the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights is properly sealed. If you notice any damage, contact a professional roofer to make repairs before the spring rains arrive.
- Clean Your Gutters
Gutters play an important role in directing rainwater away from your home’s foundation. If your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris, they can’t function properly, and water can overflow and pool around your foundation, leading to water damage. Clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure that water is being properly directed away from your home.
- Check Your Basement and Crawlspace
Basements and crawlspaces are prone to water damage, especially if they are not properly sealed. Check your basement and crawlspace for signs of water damage, such as water stains, mold growth, or musty odors. If you notice any signs of water damage, address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 55% of homes in Nashville, TN have a basement. However, this percentage may vary depending on the specific neighborhood or area of the city. It’s important to keep in mind that homes with basements may have unique maintenance requirements to prevent water damage, such as ensuring proper sump pump function and checking for cracks in the foundation walls.
- Seal Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are common areas where water can seep into your home, especially during heavy rain or storms. Check the caulking and weatherstripping around your windows and doors, and make sure that they are properly sealed. If you notice any gaps or cracks, use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them. This is one common source of hidden water damage in your walls, which can lead to extensive damage.
- Maintain Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system plays an important role in controlling the humidity levels in your home.
Spring is a good time to perform maintenance on your HVAC system to ensure it is running efficiently and effectively throughout the summer months. Here are some maintenance tasks you can perform on your HVAC system in the spring:
- Replace the air filter: Replace your HVAC system’s air filter to improve air quality and ensure proper airflow. A dirty air filter can restrict air flow, making your HVAC system work harder and less efficiently.
- Clean the air vents: Dirt and debris can accumulate in the air vents over time, reducing airflow and air quality. Use a vacuum or brush to clean the air vents and remove any buildup.
- Check the thermostat: Check that your thermostat is functioning properly and set to the appropriate temperature. Replace the batteries if necessary.
- Inspect the outdoor unit: The outdoor unit of your HVAC system can become clogged with debris or foliage over the winter months. Check the unit and remove any debris to ensure proper airflow.
- Schedule a professional inspection: Consider scheduling a professional inspection of your HVAC system to identify any potential issues and ensure it is functioning properly. A professional can also clean the system and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance.
Performing these maintenance tasks can help ensure your HVAC system is functioning properly and efficiently, which can save you money on energy bills and prevent costly repairs down the line.
- Test Your Sump Pump
If you have a basement or crawlspace, it’s important to have a working sump pump to prevent water from flooding your home. Test your sump pump by pouring water into the sump pit to make sure that it is functioning properly. If you notice any issues, contact a professional to make repairs or replacements.
- Install a Dehumidifier
Nashville’s humid climate can contribute to moisture buildup in your home, which can lead to mold growth and water damage. If you spot mold, it is always best to contact a mold remediation specialist near you to inspect and remove the growth.
The size of the dehumidifier needed in a typical home in Nashville, TN will depend on several factors, including the size of the home, the level of humidity, and the specific area of the home where the dehumidifier will be used. However, a general guideline for selecting the appropriate size of a dehumidifier is to consider the square footage of the space where it will be used.
For a typical home in Nashville, TN, a dehumidifier with a capacity of 30-50 pints per day should be sufficient for a space of up to 2,000 square feet. For larger homes, or areas with higher levels of humidity, a larger capacity dehumidifier may be necessary. It’s also important to consider the specific needs of the home, such as whether the dehumidifier will be used in a basement, crawlspace, or other areas of the home.
When selecting a dehumidifier, it’s important to choose a model with a built-in humidistat, which will allow you to monitor the humidity levels and adjust the dehumidifier accordingly.
Additionally, choosing a model with an Energy Star rating can help you save on energy costs over time.
Conclusion
Performing spring maintenance tasks around your Nashville home can help reduce the risk of water damage and protect your home from costly repairs. By inspecting your roof, cleaning your gutters, checking your basement and crawlspace, sealing your windows and doors, maintaining your HVAC system, testing your sump pump, and installing a dehumidifier, you can prepare your home for the spring rains and storms ahead. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take these steps to protect your home from water damage today.
If you do find yourself with a water damage issue, contact us anytime day or night about our emergency water damage restoration services.
