Each year, countless residential and commercial property owners have to contend with water damage. In fact, water damage costs U.S. home and business owners upward of a couple billion dollars each year. If your home becomes damaged by water, you could be facing repair bills in the thousands. If the water damage wasn’t caused by a sudden, unexpected event like a storm, your homeowner’s insurance policy probably won’t cover it. Fortunately, you can protect your home from water damage using sprayed cork products. Here are a few simple tips to help you keep your property safe:

Preventing Roof Leaks

There are many common causes of roof leaks, like damaged and missing shingles, cracked flashing, and improper roofing material installation. Regardless of whether you have a metal or shingle roof, you can reduce the risk of a roof leak with sprayed cork. Cork, which is harvested from the cork oak tree, is naturally water repellent. If you turn any wine bottle with a cork stopper upside down, you can see this property in action. When sprayed cork is applied to a roof, it fills in any existing cracks or gaps, and forms a waterproof barrier.

Reducing the Risk of Fire-Related Water Damage

It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the biggest causes of water damage in buildings is fires. When firefighters arrive at a structural fire, they spray huge amounts of water at the building. In addition, some buildings feature interior fire sprinkler systems, which are designed to automatically spray water when a fire is detected.

Sprayed cork products are an effective way to mitigate the effects of fire-related water damage. Sprayed cork can be applied to the interior walls of buildings. Because there are a wide range of color options available, sprayed cork can be a beautiful choice for decorating a home or commercial property. If a fire sprinkler system goes off inside the building, the sprayed cork on the interior walls will repel the water and help to protect your home from water damage.

In addition, sprayed cork can protect the exterior of the building from fire-related water damage by not only repelling moisture, but also by reducing the risk that a home will catch fire in the first place. Cork is not only naturally water repellent; it’s also naturally fire resistant, making it a great choice for homes in areas that are prone to wildfires.

Cleaning Your Gutters

In addition to protecting your home by applying sprayed cork to your roof and walls, there are a few other steps you can take to reduce the risk of water damage. One of those is to regularly clean your gutters. When the gutters become clogged, water can’t drain away from the home properly. This can lead to water damage at the foundation, as well as water leaking inside the home. Once your gutters are clean, consider installing gutter guards to stop leaves and other debris from settling into the gutters in the future.

Caulking Your Windows

The windows are another possible point of entry for moisture. Check the caulking every couple of years for signs of damage. Most windows will need new caulk at least every five years. Remember to choose an exterior caulk comprised of 100% silicon. Avoid acrylic caulk, which tends to shrink and crack. First, remove the old caulk and clean the surface. Place the tube of caulk into a caulking gun and use even, consistent pressure to apply a strip of caulk. Use a caulk-smoothing tool to smooth down the caulk.

Checking Your Pipes

Your home’s plumbing system is another potential source of water damage. If a pipe bursts inside your home, it can cause significant damage to your possessions and the structure of the house itself. You should schedule a plumbing inspection periodically to make sure your pipes are in good condition. If you notice any potential signs of pipe damage, call a plumbing company right away. Those signs of damage can include the following:

  • Poor water pressure
  • Damp drywall or puddles of water in the basement
  • Unpleasant sewage odors
  • Rumbling noise near the water main
  • Sudden decline in water quality
  • Clanging or grinding noises

Inspecting Your Appliances

When many homeowners think about the potential for water damage, they often envision the water pouring in through the roof or coming from a burst pipe. However, appliances are also a common cause of household water damage. Washing machines in particular are a major culprit. You should inspect your washing machine hose at least every year and replace it if it appears bent, brittle, or crimped. Even if the washing machine hose appears fine, it’s a good idea to replace it every five years—just in case. In addition, many refrigerators contain water and ice dispensers. Check the water line hose every year for signs of damage. You’ll find this between the fridge and the wall.

Using ThermaShield to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

ThermaShield is a company deeply committed to preserving the environment for future generations to enjoy. It’s our mission to help homeowners and commercial property owners reduce their carbon footprint by embracing sustainable and energy-efficient building practices. You can apply our unique sprayed cork products to your home’s roof, interior walls, and exterior walls to protect your home from water damage, and to improve its energy efficiency. Contact us online to request a quote. You can purchase ThermaShield sprayed cork products from anywhere in the U.S., and application services are available in select areas of California, Texas, and Arizona.