April showers bring May flowers, or so the saying goes. The gentle spring rains can be soothing to hear and can serve as a reminder that nature is busy preparing for spectacular displays in the landscape. However, when rain exceeds 0.30 inches per hour – the official meteorological threshold – it is classified as heavy rain. And heavy rain poses a threat to your property, especially if it lasts for an extended period and is accompanied by high winds and flooding.
You can help prevent costly water damage to your home or business by understanding the risks associated with damage from heavy rains.
How Heavy Rains Can Cause Water Damage
Heavy rains can cause damage in unexpected ways. Here are some possibilities to consider.
- Basement flooding – when the soil becomes saturated due to excessive moisture, pressure can drive water into cinderblock walls and/or concrete floors.
- Foundational cracks – if rainwater is not diverted away from your home or structure, it can collect around the foundation and cause weakening.
- Roof deterioration – improperly maintained or installed gutters may cause rain to collect on your roof which can weaken roofing materials and structure.
- Faulty seals – chimney, skylight, and plumbing vents are sealed with flashing, caulking, and cement, which can deteriorate over time and allow water penetration.
- Siding damage – if siding is not properly installed, water can find its way between the siding and structural walls. Over time this leads to serious damage and mold growth.
- Sewer backup – too much rain can overload your sewage system, causing blockages, overflow, or backflow leading to unpleasant and costly repairs.
- Mold – moisture promotes the growth of mold and other dangerous organisms, increasing the risk of serious health problems.
From devastating damage to your foundation to mold growth inside your home or office, heavy rains can cause some of the costliest and most pervasive harm. But with proper maintenance, you can reduce the risk and protect your home.
Protect Your Property Through Routine Maintenance
Here are some tips to help you keep your property in great shape and avoid water damage.
- Inspect your property thoroughly at least twice each year. Look for loose shingles, gutters and downspouts, gaps in caulking seals, and damaged siding.
- Make sure that the ground around your structure is channeling water away the foundation and that water doesn’t pool at the bottom of downspouts.
- Check seals around windows, doors, skylights, and exterior vents. Look for loose screws, cracked caulking, and gaps.
- Check chimneys for gaps and cracks. Consider installing a chimney cap prior to the rainy season to prevent rainwater from coming in at all.
- Make sure your sump pump is working properly. If you’re not sure how to do this, hire a professional.
- Consider installing check valves or back-flow valves in plumbing and sanitary sewer lines to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains.
- Keep the trees around your house trimmed. Remove loose branches that may become dislodged in heavy rain or wind, causing damage to your roof.
- Inside, look for any signs of existing water damage. A sagging ceiling, discoloration, or warping of the walls is likely a sign that water has already made its way inside.
- If items are stored in the basement, keep them off the ground on shelves or pallets. Also, make sure basement stairwell drains are clear of debris.
Make careful note of your findings and schedule repairs promptly. Basement flooding or a leaking roof can lead to expensive interior renovation projects and mold remediation. But you can take steps now to prevent spring rains from causing major water damage. Inspection and maintenance can help prevent damage and the costs associated with restoration. Now is the time to take action so that you’ll have peace of mind when the rain starts falling.
Call PuroClean Restoration Services for Water Damage Remediation in Lanham
Water damage can be a devastating experience for homeowners and business owners alike. Whether from a burst pipe, a natural disaster, or any other source, acting quickly and calling a professional water damage remediation company like PuroClean Restoration Services is important. We have been providing top-notch water damage remediation in Lanham for years, and our certified technicians have the expertise and equipment necessary to handle even the most severe cases. With our quick response time and 24/7 availability, you can rest assured that we will help you when you need us most. Please call us today at (301) 277-2755 or visit our website.
