There’s nothing quite like owning a home.
There’s the pride of achieving a financial goal. There’s the comfort of having a sanctuary and space of your own in which to build a lifetime of memories.
Occasionally, as many homeowners can attest to, there’s also the element of surprise when things suddenly break — like appliances, the furnace or water heater — and need to be fixed or replaced. Water damage is the most common — and unwanted — surprise for homeowners. According to Mercury Insurance, water-related damages accounted for more than 45 percent of its homeowners insurance claims in 2020, resulting in $160 million in property damage.
“A water leak can happen at any time, so it’s important for homeowners to routinely check for potential sources to help combat this issue,” Christopher O’Rourke, vice president of property claims at Mercury Insurance said. “It’s also important to address the cause of any brown spots on the ceiling or bulges in the walls immediately - these usually indicate a leak or water build-up and most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover long-term leaks. Left untreated, this can lead to extensive damage.”
3. The home’s exterior and roof
Be sure to keep rain gutters and downspouts free of debris to prevent clogs, and position downspouts to direct water away from the house.
Holes, cracks and gaps can be entry points for unwelcome water, which can cause rot or structural damage. Walk the perimeter of your home to look for imperfections in its facade. Inspect the condition of the weather stripping on your windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed to keep out the elements. Also, look for damaged, missing or loose roof shingles, which can be seen from proper vantage points on the ground.