We are now in the middle of fall and the rains have started. We are also dealing with all the fallen foliage that can clog gutters and spouts and contribute to a house flood. Here are 5 ways to prepare for fall rains and ultimately protect your property from flooding.
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Clean Gutters & Downspouts.
This is the time of year to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned and ready to do what they are meant to do, redirect water away from your foundation walls and into the city sewer system. Fallen foliage and other debris can clog your gutters and water can overflow and find its way down your home’s and basement’s foundation walls. Also, make sure you direct down spouts away from your foundation guiding water at a slope away from your property.
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Roof Inspection
As a water damage restoration company we don’t only deal with flooded basements. A leaky roof can result in quite a lot of damage. So before rough weather arrives we recommend a roof inspection. Check your roof of loose singles, soft spots and surface divots. Just a single crack in your roof can lead to a roof leak that can further damage your walls and ceilings.
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Inspect Basement Windows & Window Wells
Window wells can flood and water can find its way into your basement. It can be a result of an improper window installation or a clogged or missing drain. When basement windows are put in place a central drain is also installed to guide water down to the weeping tile system. If your window wells are gathering water then the first thing you should check is that there is no foliage or debris on top of the gravel in your window well causing water to pool. If after you clean the wells you are still finding water then you should have the window well drain inspected and repaired.
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Inspect Your Foundation
If you have an unfinished basement then you can inspect your concrete foundation walls and floors for cracks, fissures and other openings. Cracks on your foundation walls already is a sign of either a lack of a waterproofing system or damage to your waterproofing membrane. If you do not address cracks in your foundation, even if there are small, then water sipping in will continue eating away the concrete and create even bigger problems in the future. This exponentially increase your risk of a flood.
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Inspect Your Sump Pump
A basement sump pump’s main function is to pump water out of your basement and away from your property. A sump pump can reduce water damage in the case of a basement flood and if you don’t have one installed then you should seriously consider it. If you do have a basement sump pump then make sure to inspect it. Is it in working order? Is the battery full? Is the backup valve in working order too? You can also install a notification system to your sump pump that can alert you if it starts pumping, which means water has found its way into your basement.
Being prepared can save your home from flooding but sometimes water can still find its way into your home and cause water damage. Trax Restoration is a professional water damage restoration company serving the GTA, Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan and surrounding areas. Are emergency restoration crews are ready to dispatch 24/7. If you are experiencing a flood give us a call at: 905-882-3141