How To Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Basement Demolition From Water Damage

Spring has officially arrived in the Columbus, Ohio area. Even though spring brings sunshine and flowers, it can also bring some nasty storms. During severe weather, your home can experience brutal conditions including water damage, flooding and destruction both inside and outside your home. Unfortunately, you can’t stop the weather but there are steps you can follow to help minimize the potential damage a storm may cause to your home.

1. Adjust your home water valves: If your city’s main sewer line often gets backed up during a heavy rainstorm, you could find yourself in a “crappy” situation. Consider installing an interior or exterior backflow valve to prevent your water system from being contaminated from water that is flowing backwards into your own supply lines.
2. Clean your gutter, drains, and downspouts: Leaves and other debris can often build up in your gutters and downspouts, blocking the flow of water. If the water has nowhere to go, then you have water overflow, which is not good. Make sure you clear out any excess leaves, twigs, and other debris, so the openings to the downspouts are completely clear. A garden hose can be used to check the flow of the water. If it is necessary, extend your downspouts by at least 10 feet from your home to get the water a safe distance away.
3. Cover air vents: One of the most common ways water can find its way into your home is through your air vents. If you’re aware that you will be experiencing heavy rains in the near future and have a high chance of flooding, use a thick plastic sheeting to cover your air vents from both inside and outside your home.
4. Have your roof inspected: Ideally, you should have your roof checked every year but you should always have it inspected before wind, rain, and snow sets in. A new roof should be inspected after the first five years, then again at 10 years, 13 years, 15 years, 17 years, and after that it should be every year. It is important to have your roof inspected so you can catch problems before it becomes a headache and possibly causes water damage.
5. Check your sealant: Make sure there are no gaps or holes in the sealant surrounding your doors and windows. If you find gaps in the sealant, fill them in immediately. By filling in these gaps and holes in the sealant, it prevents rain water from finding its way into your home.

If water still manages to find a way into your home, call SERVPRO of Northeast Columbus at (614) 888- 5700. We’re always here to help!