April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also bring water into a home. Though many welcome warmer temperatures after a cold winter, spring flooding can be quite a nightmare for many homeowners in affected areas. Not only can spring flooding damage lead to costly water damage, but it could also result in harmful mold growth.
Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to protect a home from spring flooding, and now is the time to do them. Keep reading to learn more about seven things homeowners should do to prevent water damage from spring showers.
Take the Past into Consideration
One of the most important things that homeowners can do is learn from their past mistakes. If they lived in the house the spring before, they should have an idea of whether or not the house is susceptible to spring flooding. If the basement leaked last year, there’s a good chance it will do the same this year. Instead of dealing with more mold and water damage, it’s best to identify the source of the problem and address it head-on.
Ensure the Sump Pump is Ready
If a house doesn’t already have a sump pump, one should be installed. For homeowners who own sump pumps, it’s important to make sure that it is ready to handle the heavy rains this spring. A sump pump can be tested to ensure that it is functioning properly, and these tests should be done regularly. It’s also crucial that the pump have a backup power source in case the storm takes the electricity out.
Clear Debris from Drainage Areas
Gutters and downspouts are great at directing water away from the foundation when they are clear. However, debris like leaves, sticks, nests, and dirt can easily clog them. When this happens, the water runs off the roof and can pool around the foundation. It can also seep into attics and walls. Homeowners should also maintain their eaves troughs and window wells to prevent any other water from seeping into the house.
Learning how to clean up after a flood is essential to minimize damage.
Remove Snow
While snow is beautiful when it’s freshly fallen, it can quickly lead to many problems for homes that are susceptible to spring flooding. If there are large piles of snow built up around the foundation, the snow melt must go somewhere. Unfortunately, this sometimes means that it will go into the home’s basement. It’s advised that homeowners clear snow so that it is at least three to five feet from the foundation.
Create a Path for Water to Move Away from the House
Even with downspouts, water can still end up pooling around the yard if it doesn’t have anywhere to drain or run off. This is especially common in houses that don’t have a proper grade that sheds water away from the house. Homeowners may have to consider re-grading their yard, but that can be a messy and expensive process. Other alternatives to consider include:
- Adding Downspout Extensions
- Installing Foundation Drain Tile
- Removing Plant Debris
- Adding More Soil to the Yard
Inspect Foundation for Cracks
Homeowners should routinely check their foundations for signs of damage. Even the smallest cracks can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage. Fortunately, most of the minor issues can be repaired with a concrete patch. However, it’s recommended that any larger problems be handled by a team of professionals. These waterproofing experts can help provide more options for water damaged foundation or basement.
Get Insurance Coverage
Finally, one of the best things that homeowners can do to protect themselves against spring flooding is to ensure that they have the proper insurance coverage. Most insurance policies do not cover water damage caused by floods. Homeowners will have to purchase a separate policy to cover the damage that comes from heavy rain this spring. It’s recommended that homeowners speak with their insurance agent and review the exact details of their policy to learn more.
Contact Water Damage Professionals to Help with Cleaning up After a Spring Flood
If spring flooding occurs despite a homeowner’s best efforts, they don’t have to stress over cleaning up the house on their own. Contact First Call Restoration for water damage restoration services, they can make the process as stress-free as possible. Best of all, their highly trained professionals are available 24/7 to help with any flooding emergencies, so homeowners can contact them any time—day or night.
To request assistance from their team of fully certified restoration professionals, homeowners should pick up the phone and call (845) 442-6714. They also have a simple online form that can be submitted to take the next steps.
