Heavy rain can create several problems in the house. They can damage the structure, cause flooding and mold to grow, and also ruin your possessions. As a result, you might end up burning a hole through your pocket in repairs.
The ideal course of action is always to plan for protection before the rainy season begins. You can follow the climate to check when heavy rain is expected in your area. But, you can still find yourself in a wet situation if you’re unaware of the forecast or already existing damage in your home that could lead to flooding. So, if you’re caught off-guard, listed below are some steps you should take to restore damage to your home after heavy rainfall.
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1. Search for restoration services online
If the post-rain damage is substantial, you may not be able to manage restoration on your own. Therefore, look for restoration services such as Restoration Denver as soon as possible to minimize the damage. You can ask around in your neighborhood since they might be experiencing similar issues. Or you can run a quick search on Google to look for professional water damage repair services.
Calling a water damage advisor will help you get a better grip on the situation. Professionals will analyze your property, identify what needs to be fixed and suggest a course of action in case of severe flooding. In case there’s plenty of water in your basement, professional services will also be able to help you remove it with the help of specialized equipment.
2. Remove water from your home and basement
Now let’s suppose you prefer to take the DIY approach. Ensure your sump pump is functional to prevent water from accumulating in your garage, basement, and main floor during rainy seasons. Replace it if it’s faulty.
You should also identify the leak and block it as soon as possible. Common places include the roof, sidewalls, windows, and basement roof. Less water entering your property means less water to remove later. Many appliances now include automated shutdown valves to prevent leaks and additional water damage. Use buckets and bins to drain the water from your basement. You may also require hoses to drain large amounts of water. Use a wet vacuum to remove any lingering water and moisture from the carpets.
Foundation is the most critical part of a home. Most homeowners don’t understand those foundation problems are usually caused in or around the foundation. If water gathers around the foundation, it builds up and causes pressure, which pushes against the walls and can cause foundation damage. Foundation drainage collects the gathering water and carries it to a sump pit. Once it reaches the sump pit, water fills up and activates the sump pump, sending the water out of the home through discharge lines.
3. Dry your home
After using a wet vacuum, you’ll still have to dry the remaining moisture on the floor, carpet, upholstery, and in the air. Dehumidifiers can prove beneficial, especially in closed environments like basements. They function by sucking moisture out of the air. Because dehumidifiers don’t require you to actively clean, they’re convenient to use. Using the heating system in conjunction with the central air conditioning system or window units is another approach to dry out your space.
Moisture damages wood and other building components. It also helps mold to grow. Therefore, you must dry your place as quickly as possible. Doing so will prevent long-term structural damage and reduce the risk of illnesses caused by mold. Have roofing contractors in Cincinnati monitor the condition of your roof before the weather changes.
4. Sanitize the place
In addition to moisture and mold, rainwater can bring all sorts of muck and insects into your house. Therefore, a thorough sanitizing ritual is a must post every rainy season. You can either hire experts or do the cleaning yourself. Begin by identifying whatever’s permanently damaged and tossing it out. If the damage caused by flooding is significant, you may need to acquire a roll-off dumpster to dispose of a lot of stuff.
After disposing of the trash, sanitize all the water-damaged areas, furniture, and other items. Use a steam cleaner or a wet and dry vacuum cleaner to clean your mattresses, sofas, and other furniture. If you don’t have one, see if the restoration company offers that service or can help you rent one. Sanitize the floors with a water-chlorine bleach solution. Call in a pest removal squad if there are too many bugs.
5. Check for mold and repairs
Mold is a dangerous substance, so only let professionals deal with it. If left untreated, it might cause breathing problems. Mold spores are invisible to the naked eye and spread fast. After a house flood, call in the experts to investigate and remove mold that’s growing. But if you plan on taking the DIY approach, wear proper safety gear.
6. Prepare ahead of time
Once you’ve taken care of the immediate damage, it’s time to plan for the future. Preparing in advance can save your time and money when the rains come pouring down again.
Clean your water drainage system regularly so that water doesn’t flow backward and accumulate. Monitor the condition of your roof before the weather changes. Rainwater can enter your home through cracks in worn or damaged shingles. Ensure that any external drains in your home are clear of rubbish. Look for cracks along the sidewalls and basement. Check the condition of the windows and doors and caulk them properly. Paying attention to simple details in and around your home can prevent rainwater from wreaking havoc again.
Conclusion
Rain can be devastating for homes that are already falling apart. So, be alert and prepare your home ahead of the rainy season. If your house gets flooded, follow the tips mentioned above to drain the water and preserve your belongings. Timely action can prevent a home disaster that could cost you thousands of bucks in repairs.
Read also: Why Rainwater Tanks are an Underrated Home Improvement