In recent news for Clemmons, a seventy seven unit townhouse building project was just proposed between Lewisville and Clemmons road, right off Old Glory road.
One concern is constant. Will new builds add to flooding impacts in Clemmons?
Will new builds add to flooding impacts in Clemmons? Key Takeaways
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Lengthen downspouts
- Ensure your roof is free from missing shingles
- Ensure your foundation is free from cracks
- Check the sealant on your doors and windows, replace if needed
- Mitigate standing moisture
Clemons has frequent flooding. Sitting near both the Yadkin River and Muddy Creek, it experiences runoff and storms. High rises and high-density development, like this current concern, make the ground soil less able to absorb water. Local storm drains cannot keep up with the run off that is no longer going into the soil. According to the Clemmons flood map, over 600 properties are at risk to flood in the next 300 years. With these changes, it won’t be surprising if that number grows.
There are concerns that will the removal of floodplains for this development, the problem will only get worse.
The project is currently approved, so here are some things you can do now to minimize the impact
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clemmons likes it rain. The summer months, July and August, win the peak rain seasons award. Early spring is the next runner up. One way to protect your home from flood impacts is to clean your gutters and downspouts from any debris. This should ideally be done whenever you notice pile-ups starting to form, but at least before each rainy season.
Lengthen Downspouts
Downspouts are what allows water to run off from your roof, and do so in a controlled manor. Most downspouts end near a home’s foundation, which can cause pooling and damage. To lessen or remove this impact, you should consider adding a metal downspout lengthener and positioning it away from your house.
Ensure your Roof is Free from Missing Shingles
Your roof is a major line of defense when protecting against water intrusion and flooding. Before the rainy seasons, and after winters, you should inspect your roof for any signs of wear-and-tear or missing shingles. It typically better to be cautious than to discover missing shingles after your couch is under water.
Ensure your foundation is Free from cracks
This is equally important as inspecting your roof, if not more. Especially with the changes to flood lands, cracks in your home’s foundation could let in any nearby water. If you spot a small crack or fissure early, you can repair them using specialized concrete fillers. If you are unsure, or the crack is bigger, asking an inspector to come help is never a bad idea.
Check the Sealant on your Doors and Windows, Replace if Needed
This is a seemingly small, but very important step to protect against water and flooding impacts. Water can creep under windows or your door frame if there is an opening. Once a quarter, you should inspect windows and doors to ensure there are no openings present. This only takes a second; usually windows will show condensation and little pools of water around the edges if the sealant is broken.
Mitigate Standing Moisture
Moisture likes to hide, especially in hard to reach and barely thought of places like basements and attics. Purchasing a dehumidifier for the areas and checking them when necessary (usually once a day in the summer and every three days to a week in the cooler months) is an easy way to mitigate any standing water.
With these new changes happening in Clemmons, fears and concerns can be overwhelming. All of these steps should help fix any water damage concerns before they start. However, even with the best preparation, water damage can still happen. When it does, don’t hesitate to call our IICRC certified restoration professionals at (336)-776-3630. We offer premium water damage services to our community in North Carolina, including Clemmons.
