Although you may go decades without experiencing a flooded home, they can happen to anyone at any time. Not only do we have to be concerned about water intrusion from outside but we also need to worry about water intrusion from within. Read on to learn 5 easy ways to protect against water damage at your home.
Ways to Avoid a Flooded Home
Although we can never fully protect our homes from flooding, there are several ways we can shield our homes from potential water damage including the following.
- Gutter & Downspout Maintenance
- Proper Landscape Grading
- Sealing & Caulking
- Routine Roof Maintenance
- Turning Off Main Water Supply When You’re Out of Town
1. Gutter & Downspout Maintenance
Gutters and downspouts are designed to rapidly direct water away from your home’s roof and foundation. For maximum efficiency, gutters and downspouts must be free of debris. Failure to properly maintain your gutters and downspouts will lead to a flooded home.
An easy way to prevent water intrusion from failed gutters and downspouts is to routinely clean them. A good rule of thumb is to clean them in the early spring and late fall, especially in areas like Florida. To reduce your workload, it’s recommended that you install gutter guards. Gutter guards will reduce the amount of debris like leaves and twigs that become trapped in your gutters.
2. Proper Landscape Grading
If your landscaping or driveway weren’t properly installed, you may experience water intrusion during heavy rains. Keep in mind that you may not experience water intrusion during normal weather conditions or light rains but only when you’re experiencing severe weather or prolonged rain events. These rare types of events are better indicators of the efficacy of your landscape’s grading.
To prevent house floods, make sure that your landscaping and driveway slope away from your home. This will prevent water from seeping into your home during strong rain events. If it’s not something that you can handle yourself, you should call a professional landscaping company to come out and give your their expert recommendations.
3. Sealing & Caulking
Small gaps around windows, doors, and chimneys are notorious for water intrusion. You can prevent a flooded home by regularly inspecting these areas on an annual or biannual basis. Sunlight breaks down caulking and sealer causing cracks. If you notice that your caulking is cracked or is separating from the seams, remove it and replace it with a new bead. This will make water intrusion via wind-driven rain more difficult.
4. Routine Roof Maintenance
Regular roof maintenance is crucial. Especially in places like Florida or the Great Lakes region where heavy rain or lake-effect snow are common. Shingles that are cracked or peeling are warning signs that you’re due for a roof replacement. If you notice these issues, call a roofing company immediately to defend against a flooded home.
If your roof is still in good condition, maintain it by removing dead leaves, pine needles, sticks, or any other debris. If you have overhanging tree limbs, trim them back. Taking these simple actions will go a long way in preventing water damage.
5. Turning Off Main Water Supply When You’re Out of Town
This one practice is less obvious but it has prevented many flooded homes. When you’re going to be out of town for more than 1-2 days, it’s a good idea to turn off your main water supply. Many homeowners experience busted pipes when they’re on vacation or away visiting family. This is detrimental because it can allow your house to flood for many days before it’s discovered.
This one simple tip could be a lifesaver. Make sure you notify anyone who may be checking on your home while you’re gone that the water is turned off. Also, keep in mind how this might affect your pipes during the winter if you live up north.
Call Legacy Restoration, LLC If You Have a Flooded Home
If you live in the Southeast, Great Lakes, or Midwest, give us a call if you experience a flooded home. With over 75 years of combined industry experience, Legacy Restoration, LLC is your go-to property damage restoration company.
Call us 24/7 for water damage emergencies at 888-249-5867. Our crews are standing by and ready to respond!