After experiencing a cold, harsh winter, the emergence of spring is a desired relief to many people. Nature awakens, and the weather warms up. However, with spring also comes a great deal of rain showers.
The volume and frequency of spring storms provide many opportunities for your home to suffer water damage. The rain may accumulate too quickly and not have the chance to drain away from your home. If water pools around your home, it can seep into the foundation and leak into your basement.
The water will become absorbed by porous furnishings and building materials, like wood and drywall. The damage worsens with time and increases the likelihood for mold growth.
Knowing this, spring weather can be a serious threat to your home. You cannot stop or control the rain and weather, but this does not mean spring water damage is inevitable. If you prepare your home for the increased rainfall in the spring, you can prevent water damage.
Continue reading to learn more about what water damage prevention tips you can use to prevent spring water damage in your home.
Clogged gutters can increase your likelihood for water damage
Address Roofing and Landscaping Flood Issues
Start with the outside of your home and inspect your roof and landscaping. Check the gutters to make sure they are clean and free of debris. Clogged gutters can increase your likelihood for water damage because water cannot run through them and drain properly. Instead any water that accumulates will pool up and run over the edge, gathering near your home’s foundation.
Additionally, double check that your downspouts direct water far enough away from your home. If they do not, then one way to solve this issue is to add downspout extensions. These will ensure that any water that travels through your gutters will be directed further away from your home. With this increased distance, there is a lesser chance that water causes damage to your foundation.
Take time to look at your roof as well. Your roof provides protection against the outside elements, but your roof cannot provide effective protection if it is damaged or in poor condition. Make repairs or install replacements for any broken or damaged shingles.
Install or Test Your Sump Pump to Prevent Water Damage
A sump pump is a great addition to your basement and a useful fixture for water damage prevention because it helps keep your area dry. It is installed in the lowest part of the basement so that, when excess water accumulates, it will flow into the pit. Then the sump pump will pump the water away from your basement.
If you do not already have a sump pump installed in your basement, then you should consider adding one. Basements are one area of the home that is prone to flooding, so a sump pump can be especially helpful — even more so during rain-heavy times like the spring.
If you already have a sump pump, then you should test it on a regular basis to make sure it works properly. You do not want to find out it needs repairs when your basement has already flooded, and you need it most.
To test your sump pump, slowly pour water into the pit. This should trigger it to pump the water. If not, have a plumber repair it as soon as possible.
You can also consider installing another sump pump to provide backup in case your primary one fails.
Repair Cracks and Other Openings
If you find cracks in your home’s foundation, make sure that you get those fixed. These openings are an easy way for water to leak into your home, and you do not want to take chances by leaving them as is. Furthermore, inspect your home’s doors and windows for leaks, too, and seal them up.
If your home suffers water damage, you should consider getting help immediately
Professional Water Damage Restoration Services in Illinois
If you take the time to prepare your home for spring weather, then you give your home a good chance at avoiding spring water damage. However, disasters still occur, and the aforementioned tips do not guarantee your home will never suffer water damage. That said, it is important to know what to do if your home is damaged by excess water or flooding.
In the event that your home suffers water damage, then you must get help immediately. Water travels quickly and will be absorbed by porous building materials and furnishings. The water will spread through these materials, which increases the amount of damage.
The longer water remains, the greater chance there is for mold growth as well. If mold grows, then it will cause additional damage and can be harmful to your family. Knowing this, reach out to a professional for water damage restoration help.
ServiceMaster of Aurora provides professional water damage restoration services in Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, IL, and the neighboring areas. Through these services, we can help homes recover from a spring water damage or flooding emergency. Our technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to extract water and will restore your home to its previous condition.
