Preventing Water Damage From Heavy Rainfall | SERVPRO® of Ames

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Regular inspection and repair of vulnerable areas in your home can save you from water damage when heavy rainfall happens.

Heavy rain—falling at a frequency greater than 0.3 inches an hour—can expose vulnerabilities in your home that you many not be aware of. Here’s what you need to know to prevent water damage in your home.

Backup of Clogged Gutters 

Clogged gutters can cause significant damage to your home after heavy rains. A buildup of debris prevents water from draining and can cause leaks when water puddles against the roofline. To prevent this, make sure you clear your rain gutters early in the spring and again in the fall.

Leaks Around Windows and Doors 

External openings of a home are usually tightly sealed during its construction, but with age, the areas around these openings can become more exposed. Heavy rain can work its way into small vulnerabilities in sealants and also leak in through gaps in door and window frames. Inspecting your home’s doors and windows every spring and repairing any weaknesses or gaps you find around the frames will help keep out heavy rain.

Poor Drainage Around the Foundation

Water sitting against the foundation of your home can quickly lead to water damage in cellars or basements, and this is far more likely to occur during heavy rain. Check your downspouts to make sure they are directing water far enough away from your house. Your yard should slope away from your foundation and may need to be regraded if it doesn’t. You should also check for any visible cracks in the foundation and repair and seal them.

Leaks In and Around the Roof 

A leaky roof is extremely common because of how infrequently roofs are typically inspected. A single missing shingle or weak spot can allow rain in slowly at first and become a much bigger problem when heavy rain is involved. It’s recommended that you have your roof inspected at least once a year by a professional to spot weaknesses so you can have them repaired before any damage occurs.

Malfunctioning of a Sump Pump System

Sump pump failure is one of the most common causes of basement flooding. They require  regular testing that includes several points of inspection and regular maintenance to prevent leaks or malfunction. If you don’t feel qualified to do a full inspection each year, it’s advised you hire a plumber to do it for you.

Leaks Around Chimneys and Skylights 

Much like doors and windows, the seals around chimneys and skylights can become weakened with age. It is important to inspect these spots regularly and repair weaknesses to ensure they are leakproof during heavy rainfall.

SERVPRO of Ames is ready to help you recover from water damage due to heavy rainfall. If you live in Ames, Story City, Madrid or any of the surrounding areas, call us at (515) 233-4544 any time, day or night, and we’ll be there quickly.