In the Northwestern States, we grudgingly accept the fact that we get late snowstorms postponing the April Showers and May Flowers. With that being said, spring is *almost* here. A couple more hard-hitting snow storms and we can start pulling out the shorts and flip-flops. Before you reach for the sunscreen, read on to protect your home from Spring Flooding.
When spring does finally come, the Honey-Do-List gets longer and longer with Spring Cleaning Chores. Things like dust the blinds and wash the windows make the list, but what about Spring Disaster Cleanup? I’m sure the last thing you want is for your To-Do list to get even longer, but a few simple things can help you protect your house from Spring Flooding and prevent a lot of cleanup down the road. Here are some useful tips and tricks:
- Check for standing water around your home’s foundation. If you find standing water around your foundation on the outside of your home, use landscaping materials to create a slope that gradually directs water away from your home and into your yard.
- Seal any leaks in your roof, windows, walls, or foundation. Moisture can lead to mold and weaken the structure and integrity of your home. If you see a wet spot and are unable to locate the source of the leak, ARS uses thermal imaging cameras to help locate moisture, hot and cold spots, and other potential hazards hiding in walls, ceilings, and floors.
Take a look at this Thermal Image. The area in blue is where moisture is hiding in the walls and ceilings and is not apparent to the naked eye.
- Check all sump pump pits, crawl spaces, basements, and cracks in your foundation to ensure they are dry. If you find moisture, call ARS as soon as possible to check for damage and help you determine if a sump pump or French Draining is needed or to start monitoring the ground water underneath your home. If you already have a sump pump, ensure it is working and it has a power source other than electricity in the event of a power failure. Also check to make sure when the sump pump turns on, it does not flip your circuit breaker or GFI. Install a moisture alarm in or near the pit in case the sump pump fails.
Below is a video of ground water bubbling in through the foundation. When ground water is higher than the bottom of your foundation, the water is going to try and force its way into your house. If detected early, the amount of damage it causes to your home is substantially less than if it goes undetected.
- Safely check your drains, gutters, and downspouts for debris, clogs, or holes. Ensure water is running away from your house. Use downspout extenders to send water into your home rather than next to your home. Shovel snow and ice away from your home.
Even though this isn’t a complete list, being proactive about Spring Cleaning and ensuring your house is ready for Spring Flooding can save you from lots of stress, a big mess, and lots of $$$ down the road!