Stop Flood Damage on Your Property
2/13/2023 (Permalink)
Everyone should take steps to protect their property from flooding. As little as an inch of water can cause a good deal of damage and leave you with an incredibly high repair bill.
If you are not in an area that has an extreme risk of flooding, you may not qualify for funding from either your insurance or other federal resources, which means the more damage mitigation you can do, the better.
Protecting your home means understanding your risks. Over the years, we have seen substantial flooding in our area.
Our springs typically bring volatile weather that can include heavy thunderstorms, tornadoes, and torrential downpours that lead to flash floods. This means the more we can protect our homes, the safer we can stay.
Even when the skies seem blue, an unexpected rain can pop up that leaves your gutters overflowing and your yard soggy. When you prepare your home outside and in, you lower your risks and can rest a little easier.
Your gutters serve as the first line of defense, and when they are clear of debris, you can be assured that water will roll away from your home. An extended downspout can be an inexpensive way to keep water flowing and avoid ponding around your home.
Landscaping is another great way to prevent water damage. Gardens pull water down through the soil and help prevent puddles. Mulch and other organic materials added in a sloping pattern near your home can also help keep water moving away, which protects your foundation and prevents water in your basement.
There are also a few upgrades you can make to your home, including moving your electrical outlets up and anchoring fuel tanks. These investments can be costly, but even an inexpensive rain barrel that catches water directly from your gutters can aid in flooding prevention and provide a free source of water for your gardens.
The best form of protection for your house from external sources of water will always be a firm foundation and a well-sealed basement.
A sump pump can also be effective in preventing water damage. Upgrading to a battery-operated pump can mean you are protected even when there is no power.
Protecting your home from floodwaters that are not from a natural source only requires a little simple maintenance.
Pipes are the top source of flooding from within, so keep a close eye on toilets, showers, sinks, and other plumbing sources. Stop leaks as soon as they start and consider adding a leak sensor. This device will let you know when water is somewhere it shouldn’t be and can often be added to your home security package for a little extra peace of mind.
Regardless of how the flood starts, water will damage any paper goods and photographs it comes into contact with instantly. Keep irreplaceable items stored on a high shelf, and make sure you know where your emergency plan is. Keep SERVPRO listed as one of your contacts too, so you can call us 24⁄7 to get your restoration started faster.
Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration completed faster.