Floridians are all too familiar with hurricanes, ground saturation, and afternoon summer showers. In summary, Florida's a wet state – meaning your home is more susceptible to water damage.

Common causes for water damage include burst pipes, leaks in the roof, windows, water heaters, and even drainage backups. You can count on these situations as being inconvenient and costly, so always be aware of what your homeowner’s insurance covers when you file a claim.

After a rainstorm or hurricane, it's important to inspect every corner of your house for water damage, as you might find it hiding where you least suspect it.

6 Places Water Damage Might Be Lurking

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), Floridians pay about $1,988 annually for homeowners insurance premiums, which is significantly higher than the national average of $1,272. In most cases, homebuyers must take out a policy to be eligible for a loan on a house.

However, although homeowners insurance is expensive, you'll be thankful you have it in the unfortunate circumstance that your house has water damage. Here are six places water damage might be lurking in your home.

Windows

Wind and rain from a hurricane can wreak havoc on old or poorly installed windows, allowing water to seep within the cracks. If water appears on your windowsill or you find yourself standing on a wet floor or carpet, it could mean your windows are water damaged.

Be sure to fix window leaks early to avoid costly repairs. Over time, water can work its way into the walls and cause rotting.

As hurricane seasons intensify in Florida, replacing windows with hurricane-proof models might be a good idea. Hurricane-proof windows can withstand winds at 200 miles per hour – about the wind speed of a Category 5 system.

Hurricane relief and financial support are available if you or someone you know requires support after a natural disaster strikes. Additionally, you can donate to a recognized disaster relief organization or volunteer your time to help others more heavily affected.

1. Roof

When was the last time you had your roof inspected? If it's been a while, you should hire a professional to inspect it yearly.

Most Florida houses have asphalt shingles, while Spanish-style clay tiles usually adorn South Florida rooftops. Depending on the roofing materials, the average roof should last about 20 years under the right conditions.

Roof damage and loose shingles pose a nightmare for homeowners living in Florida's wet climate. You could easily miss water penetrating the roof and damaging the roof deck, costing between $5,689 and $12,241 for a replacement.

1. Inside the Walls

Florida is built on expansive soil that absorbs moisture from the high water table, risking structural damage following heavy precipitation – the primary reason Florida homes don't have basements.

However, you don't need a basement to experience water damage in your home. Water is fully capable of appearing inside the walls.

You could have a broken pipe if you notice a wet spot or brownish-yellow stain on your walls or ceiling. As drywall soaks up moisture, water damage could lead to rotting and mold in between the framing.

1. Behind Appliances

Washing machines and dishwashers are familiar hiding places for water damage in your home.

Seeing that we rarely move large appliances out of the way after installation, you may not know there's anything wrong until there's a puddle on the floor.

Yet, with Florida's humidity, even a minor leak could lead to severe problems for your household.

Moisture and humidity are an ideal combination for mold and mildew. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold spores can exacerbate allergic reactions and irritations and cause asthma attacks and respiratory issues.

1. Bathroom Fixtures

You can guarantee that anywhere that connects to a water line may eventually have water damage, such as bathroom fixtures.

Like large household appliances, toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks are susceptible to leaks. The average household wastes 10,000 gallons of water annually due to dripping faucets and other loose valves.

Look for caulk that's stained or pulls away from the shower wall or around the bathtub and toilet. Be alert for musty smells and dripping noises, as well. A flashlight will help you spot mold growth and excess moisture under a dark sink.

1. Inside the HVAC Unit

Who wouldn't want to live where there's warm weather all year? Of course, you'll probably run your air conditioner daily to combat the Florida heat.

It's a good idea to check your HVAC unit's pan for pooling water regularly. As you run the AC, condensation forms on the evaporator coils and flows through a small drain line. However, water might back up or overflow when the drain line is clogged, allowing mold to develop inside your HVAC unit.

Aside from water in the pan, look out for rust, mildew, foul odors, and puddles

Prevent Water Damage in Your Home

Responsible homeownership means staying on top of your home's maintenance to prevent water's disastrous effects and expensive repairs.

Consider these essential preventive measures to avoid water damage in your home and pay particular care to the following:

• Schedule annual inspections of your home's water damage hot spots, such as the roof and walls.

• Recaulk your bathroom hardware and kitchen sink.

• Ensure that water flows easily through your downspouts into the gutter.

• Use strainers in all sinks, showers, and bathtub drains to avoid clogging.

• Tighten all leaky faucets and valves.

• Ensure your washing machine and dishwasher drain hoses are correctly attached.

• Seal or replace older windows.

While living in Florida, you can never be too careful in protecting your home from water damage.

A Dry Home Is a Safe Home

Keeping your home dry ensures your household is healthy and safe from mold and mildew. Stay ahead of potential water damage following rainy weather by checking for water damage in the most unlikely places.