Springs Rains Are Upon Us: Take Steps Now to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

The month of April is notoriously a rainy one.  The benefit of the rain will be seen in the signs of spring that are on their way; green grass, leaves sprouting on the trees and of course beautiful flowers.  But first we need to ensure that we get through the spring rains, part of which means protecting your home from water damage. 

Taking the following precautions can ensure that your home makes it through the rainy season with no costly water damage.

Inspect the roof

The winter’s snow, ice and wind can do a number on your shingles.  A visual inspection can identify any problems, heading off potential leaks.  If you do find a missing or damaged shingle, replacing this immediately can prevent damage while also extending the lifetime of the roof.

Ensure proper drainage

If water from rain is accumulating and causing large puddles near the exterior of the home, this may be putting your foundation at risk.  Standing water near the home can seep into cracks in the foundation, causing flooding in the basement or other areas of the home.  Taking the time to divert the water flow away from the home will go a long way to reducing this risk.

Check your gutters

Properly functioning gutters are essential to protecting your home from water damage.  Gutters that are full of leaves and other debris or are not angled properly may cause the water to run down the side of the house, collecting at the foundation and creating a flooding risk.

Trim hanging branches

Trees that have branches hanging over the home are susceptible to fall during heavy rains and storms, damaging the roof.  Trimming any hanging branches or removing dead trees can go a long way to preventing this.

Protect your contents

Your belongings stored in your basement are susceptible to water damage from spring flooding. Take the time to review your storage strategies. Are your items in cardboard boxes? They might be better off in water-proof plastic totes. Are your items directly on the basement floor? Elevating them on pallets or blocks is a best practice to keep them off the ground.

Water damage to your home can be costly and leave you at risk for mold growth.  The easiest remedy is to take steps beforehand to prevent water from entering the home. Inspect your basement daily during rainy season to detect flooding early.  If your home does experience damage from flooding, the restoration teams at Soil-Away have you covered.  With teams on call 24/7, Soil-Away is only a phone call away.

You can reach Soil-Away’s restoration team at 603-641-6555.