Slow Drip, Big Problem

Sometimes it’s the small leaks that are the most devastating. A small leak in your roof may seem harmless when it first develops, but after some years of drip/drip/drip you find yourself with waterlogged insulation, damaged drywall and framing, and maybe even a good dose of mold.

The best solution to that particular problem is vigilance. Stick your head up into the attic during a heavy rainfall or snow melt and look for signs of leakage. If you should see stains starting to form on your ceilings, take immediate action.

Basements are a simpler thing to monitor. Too often, though, we throw a bunch of stuff down there, shut the door and ignore it for weeks or months at a time. A small water leak develops, which is not so uncommon given that most basement ceilings have water supply and drain lines running every which way, and by the time you discover it, your stored belongings have been severely damaged.

Make a point to inspect all of those out-of-the-way storage spaces in your house from time to time. If you catch a small leak early, it can be repaired quickly. You can save your house, and your stored belongings, from serious damage.

* By Jeff Beneke, About.com Guide

*more information at www.1-800fasthelp.com