Expanding your home with a new addition can be exciting and a great opportunity to get more out of your house. However, there are a lot of things that can go wrong during and after construction, including many potential causes of water damage. If you don’t want moisture to dampen your excitement, then consider these ways to keep it under control.

Pay Attention to the Roof

Since additions are components added after the fact, seamlessly connecting the new roofing to the roof of the existing structure can be a challenge. That’s why materials need to be carefully selected, installed and completely sealed. Owners also need to be vigilant about roof leaks for the first year or two after building an addition. The faster you recognize a roof leak, the cheaper and easier it is to fix.

Clean Gutters and Drainage System

Home additions need the same level of stormwater drainage as the rest of your home, if not more. If the roof of the addition is lower than the rest of the building, then it can handle the runoff. Keep your gutters and drainage channels clean and free of clogs throughout the year so they can continue to protect your home.

Ensure Good Pipe Insulation

Often, additions are more exposed to the temperature and weather than other interior spaces. If the new construction has any pipes connecting to local sinks, toilets or other fixtures, then it creates an elevated risk of water damage. That’s why you need to make sure all the pipes running to and from the addition are insulated to withstand cold temperatures as necessary.

Check for Warning Signs

Water damage is almost always progressive, which means it gets exponentially worse over time. Prevention and early detection are the keys to fixing issues before they cause substantial and expensive problems. A lot of serious issues with new construction can appear within the first year or two after it’s finished, so homeowners should be vigilant as they enjoy their new living space.

Get Professional Maintenance

Don’t neglect professional maintenance for the plumbing and HVAC system in your new addition. Taking care of pipes, appliances and fixtures is an essential step in preventing water damage from happening in the first place. You should also know the location of and ensure easy access to water shutoff valves so you can react quickly in case of a pipe burst or major leak.

The Value of Water Damage Prevention and Remediation

Water can be incredibly destructive to your home addition if you don’t address it immediately. Even small leaks can cause mold to grow in a home or compromise structural supports that hold the whole thing together. That’s why homeowners in San Jose, CA should connect with H & L Remediation to address water damage with fast and effective expert solutions.