When you think of protecting your home from water damage, you may only think of maintaining the roof, and it may be true that many cases of water damage are caused by an old and damaged roof. However, there are many other areas of a home that can be in disrepair and which can lead to water damage; in turn, your home could suffer mould growth, softening of the home's building materials, cracks, and the like. Note a few simple but important tips for protecting your home from water damage, inside and out.

Plumbing and bathroom

Inspect and replace the caulking around the home's bathtubs, shower surrounds, sinks, and toilets on a regular basis. If caulk seems dry and brittle and is pulling away from the surface below it, scrape up this old material and replace it.

Have the home's plumbing pipes inspected for leaks regularly as well; a plumber can perform a sound test or other test to find leaks around connectors and other areas. He or she can also replace washers and bolts that are old and corroded and which are allowing for drips and other leaks.

Appliances

Inspect and replace hoses leading to appliances, including the washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator, and replace these at the first sign of cracking and other such damage. Tighten clamps if necessary, and ensure that the hoses are not crimped or otherwise blocked; this can cause them to split and then allow for water leaks and subsequent water damage.

Flooded property

Look for flooded or "squishy" areas around your property; if there is water seeping onto the topsoil from the layers underneath, this can mean a plumbing leak or a leak in your home's sprinkler system. This leak can allow water to collect around the home's foundation and cause damage, so have the sprinklers and pipes inspected as needed if you notice any excess moisture on your lawn.

Inspect gutters and downspouts

If you notice rainwater sheeting down the side of your home, or flooded areas around the downspouts, your home's guttering system may need repair or replacement. The gutters may be too small for your area's average rainfall, or may have pulled away from the home's exterior. The downspouts may also have leaks around separate sections or connectors. Have these repaired as soon as possible, or replace them with larger pieces, so that rainwater gets directed away from your home and doesn't collect around the foundation.