Water damage becomes a considerable nuisance in homes, especially if you have an older property already highly prone to leaks, cracks, and other issues. Unfortunately, you can only sometimes be at home to deal with water damage promptly. That's why it's better to take preventative measures beforehand. This guide will discuss five things you can do to keep your home safe from water damage. What Is water damage? Water damage refers to any damage caused by excess water. It can range from moldy carpets and weakened foundations to collapsed ceilings, warped walls, and more. While a common cause of water damage is natural disasters, this is not always true. Negligence on your part can also result in water damage in your home. For example, if you do not winterize your pipes and they burst due to freezing over, that can create significant problems for you and your home. Why is it important to prevent water damage? The main reason is to save money. The more water damage your home incurs, the more costly repairs and replacements become. Water can weaken the structural integrity of your home, leading to potential safety hazards. Water damage can also result in mold growth, a severe health concern. Why deal with all this when you can prevent it in the first place? How can you prevent water damage? There are many ways to prevent water damage in your home. Modern technology can also come in handy in this regard. Inspect your roof periodically Irrespective of its type, you need to inspect your roof occasionally. Do a fun project out of it. Get on your top and look for any broken or loose shingles. You can also invest in a weather-tight roof. Such a roof is designed to be more resistant to inclement weather and can last longer. However, a weather-tight roof will only be necessary if you maintain your regular roof properly. Here's what to look for: Take a ladder and plop it up against your property. Get on the roof and look for shingles that might be out of place or broken. Also, check if there is any overgrown moss. Sometimes, moss can grow between the shingles, creating gaps that allow water to enter. If trees are nearby, their branches and twigs might fall on your roof following a storm. You should always inspect your roof after a storm to remove these branches, as they can damage the shingles, creating pockets for air and water to seep through. Keep your drains flowing The drains in your home are saviors when it comes to water damage. They divert the water from entering your home and prevent flooding. Ensure that all the drains in your house are working properly and without any blockage. If they don't work correctly, the wastewater may enter your home. For example, it can leak into the cabinets under your sink. Or there may be a leakage in the drain-waste-vent, further accumulating water inside the walls. Here are some ways to keep your drains clean: