Preventive maintenance includes:
Taking care of repairs that are needed in a quick manner whether they are minor or not as neglect may cause eventual damage to your property. This may include replacing a dripping faucet or a roof flashing that is leaking.
Regular maintenance of the home as well as its systems including cleaning dehumidifiers, trim shrubs replacing worn toilet flappers. Maintain the home in good order reduces the risk of water emergencies.
Annual or bi-annual home inspections preferably during Spring and Fall in preparation of the changing season. Look for potential water problems signs such as worn roof shingles, damp spots, or water stains.
Periodically check the roof drainage system, such as gutter and downspouts, and make sure it takes water away from the walls and foundation.
Clear the foundation of the landscaping to prevent moisture formation against exterior of the building and to allow ventilation
Sprinklers should be kept away from the building.
Sump pump operation should be maintained
The humidity should be controlled inside your home at a relative humidity range of 40%-50% as this will discourage condensation.
Utilize exhaust fans when cooking, showering, running the dryer or dishwasher.
Moisture sources should be limited such as: indoor storage of firewood, lots of house plants, indoor drying of clothes, combustion heaters that are unvented(like kerosene heaters, whose moisture production amounts are high moisture), and/or humidifiers.
Cover the ground of your crawl space with a moisture barrier, for example heavy plastic.
Cold air ducts or water pipes should be insulated to prevent condensation on the ducts and pipes.
Act fast immediately you spot moisture or condensation on your walls, windows, and pipes. Dry the area as condensation signifies high humidity.
Avoid concrete basement floors or carpet as they are ideal breeding grounds for mold.
Allow space between window treatments on exterior walls and furnishings in the house for air circulation.
Vent all the combustion appliances in your house to the outside.
Your home should not be overcooled with an air conditioner, as this can cause condensation, besides using too much energy.
Keep drip pans of the air conditioning clean and the drain lines flowing properly and unobstructed
For troubled spots, consider using dehumidifiers if other measures of moisture control do not work.
