What to do When Water Damages Your Home

Right now Maryland and the DC area are experiencing heavy rains. As important as water is to us, we know that there are times when too much of it in certain places can cause all kinds of trouble. Here are some of the first steps to take in the event that heavy rains, a storm, or even a previously hidden leak have caused your dwelling to be exposed to large amounts of water.

If your home has sustained significant water damage, you should:

First decide if your home is safe enough for habitation. Is there any standing water?

Call your insurance company to inform them of the damage.

Turn off the power in your home.

Shut off the natural gas supply line.

Turn off the main water supply.

Look for any broken electrical fixtures and exposed wiring.

Look for damage to plumbing connections and pipes.

Look for problems with tree limbs or power lines.

The more quickly you act, the better. Fast thinking can prevent more damage and keep you from losing valuable assets to water damage.

Keep the Heat In

The recent cold snap we experienced reminded me that even though winter comes every year, we sometimes forget about the preventative maintenance we can do to prevent cold weather from being a hassle.

I was talking with a friend recently who told me that when the temperatures dropped, her pipes froze. These tips are too late for her and they may be too late for you if this also happened to you recently, but it is good to be reminded for the future.

Here are some things you can do to keep your pipes from freezing and to keep warmth in the house overall:

-Close the damper for your fireplace (when you are not using it).

-Have ducts checked for air leaks.

-Look for and stop drafts. There are some drafts (like the ones near doors and windows) that you can find easily yourself. Other drafts (like ones in the attic) may require an expert’s assistance.

-When you know temperatures will drop severely, leave the faucet running. Not at full blast, but just enough so some water trickles out.

-Open the cabinet doors under sinks. This way the warm air that is flowing in the house will reach the pipes.

Homeowner Resolutions for 2008

The new year has just arrived and with everyone making resolutions, it is a good idea to make some commitments with regard to your home. Resolve to be a better homeowner and take better care of your home. After all, it is one of your most important investments, and it is up to you to take care of it.

Homeowner Resolutions for 2008
Resolve to keep a watch on your credit rating
This will allow you to monitor your credit to safeguard yourself from fraud and mistakes. You will know the shape you are in when it comes time to refinance, sell, or buy additional property.

Resolve to know what’s in your home
If you have already taken an inventory of your home, it is time to update it. If you have never done so, take a little time to do it now. You should make a list, take pictures, and if possible keep a copy in a safe deposit box at your bank.

Resolve to put maintenance on a schedule
Rather than looking up and realizing that you need firewood, that pests are creeping in, or that the gutters suddenly need cleaning, why not set up a maintenance calendar? Write down reminders or set up automatic ones online.

Clean Sweep

No matter how often you do or don’t use your chimney, you should have it cleaned once a year, at a minimum. If you use it infrequently, you still need to have it cleaned because it is possible for animals to build nests in the flue. There could also be some kind of damage or other buildup that you are unaware of, so be sure that you don’t neglect your chimney, even if you rarely use it.

When you hire someone to clean your chimney, make sure that you hire someone who is knowledgeable. This person shouldn’t simply sweep out the fireplace. A thorough job includes a visit to the roof to check the flashing and the mortar. There is cleaning to be done on the top of the house as well as on the inside.

Some homeowners with woodburning fireplaces enjoy this feature, but notice there is an odor emanating from the hearth. Creosote deposits in the chimney have a noticeable smell. These deposits are part of what happens when wood is burnt. Getting the fireplace cleaned can help tame some of the odor. You can also purchase products to deodorize the chimney or try sprinkling baking soda in the fireplace.

Time to Winterize p.2

Now that you have taken some steps to get your home ready for the winter, you should continue this maintenance before it gets to be too cold. There are many small tasks that if done early, can go a long way towards preventing big problems later.

Here are five more things you do now so that you can spend a cozy winter relaxing in front of the fire (or space heater)—

1. Make sure that your outdoor drains are free of leaves and debris. While you’re at it, you can also rake below your porch or deck and clear the wells of your basement windows.

2. Wipe down lawn furniture and put it into storage. If you do have adequate indoor storage for your lawn furniture, use covers, a tarp, or a plastic sheet to protect it from the elements.

3. Trim tree limbs to prevent them from causing damage if there is a storm.

4. Check for cracks in your walkways, driveway, and steps. You’ll want to patch any cracks or small holes.

5. Keep outside water faucets from freezing over by closing the valves for these faucets. Use insulation to wrap water pipes and put insulated covers on outdoor faucets.

Time to Winterize p. 1

In other areas of the country, temperatures start to drop the moment fall starts, but this is not always the case in our area. Sometimes the continued warm weather can lull homeowners into a false sense of security. You may have put off getting your house ready for winter, but it is time to get started.

Just as many people winterize the cars they drive to keep them working despite the chill, you need to winterize your home. With summer-like temperatures, your heating systems may be the last thing on your mind, but you do not have to wait until temperatures drop to get ready for the cold.

Besides, even though it is still warm during the day, nighttime temperatures are dropping.

October is time to:

Check that your furnace is in good working order

Make sure the area around the furnace is uncluttered

Change filters

Test for carbon monoxide

Insulate your water heater

Re-stock your supply of firewood

Exchange screens for storm windows

If you do these things at the same time each year, they will become routine. You change the oil in your car (or have someone else do it) on a regular basis, right?

A house is no different: it must be maintained to keep it in good order. Look for more tips on getting ready for winter next week.