The rainy days of spring can bring wet weather for days on end. If your basement is prone to flooding, you may get water damage that not only makes your carpets soggy but can become a breeding ground for mold. Here are some ways you can prevent water damage in your home.
And if you do experience water damage to your carpet or upholstery this spring, a call to a trusted water damage restoration company in Michigan is imperative.
Check Your Roof
Don’t wait until a spring deluge happens to check the condition of your roof. Start now. Take a look at your roof from the ground with some binoculars so you don’t have to risk your safety getting up there. Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or wear and tear, as well as sagging or signs of rot.
Check the Chimney
While you’re checking your roof, check the chimney at the same time. Look for any gaps or cracks, crumbling bricks, and mortar issues. If you have a chimney cap, make sure it is secure.
Clean Your Gutters
You can use a leaf blower or a trowel to scoop out leaves and other debris that may be clogging your gutters. Do this once in fall and once in spring. If you have trees close to the home, trim them back so the branches don’t overhang the roof.
Redirect Downspouts
Inspect your downspouts after you clean out your gutters. Make sure water runs unimpeded through the gutters and leave the downspouts in the proper direction. Water that pools at the foundation can cause leaks in the basement as well as erosion. Make sure they extend at least 10 feet away from the home in a sloping manner. To maximize drainage, add a splash block or hinged elbow to your downspouts.
Plan Before You Plant
Before adding new flowers, plants or bushes to your yard, take the time to plan out where everything should go. Don’t plant anything too close to your foundation and other critical areas, as invasive roots can crack not only the foundation but pipes, sprinkler lines, and septic tanks as well.
Test Your Sump Pump
Your best line of defense in a storm is an efficient sump pump. Check the sump pump every spring to ensure proper operation and protect your carpet and foundation.
Inspect Doors and Windows
Check out the areas around doors and windows to ensure a proper seal. If you see any peeling or bubbling caulking, add more. If you spot warped paint and discoloration around windows and doors, these indicate leaking is already happening, putting your home at greater water damage risk in the future.
Contact 1st Class Carpet Cleaning and Restoration
Have your carpets been damaged by a storm, flood or plumbing accident? Don’t wait. Call 1st Class Carpet Cleaning and Restoration right away at (248) 491-3088. Our powerful pumps can efficiently extract the water from your carpets and rugs thanks to our commercial strength systems. Our drying techniques are quick and ensure no moisture is left which could grow mold.
