How to Prevent Property Damage from Spring Flooding

Heavy rains and spring thaws can both create problems by flooding your home and property. When these events occur at the same time, homeowners may find themselves with their hands full trying to prevent property damage. There are some steps you can take to reduce the impact of heavy rainfalls and help prevent property damage from spring flooding.

Gutters and Downspouts

The gutters along your roof need to be free from debris that can block the flow of rainwater from your roof. The back up will release over the top of the gutter, creating a pooling at the foundation. Downspouts should extend five or six feet away from your home, extensions or splash blocks can be used to gain the length you need.

Landscaping

The right landscaping around your home can help reduce the potential for water to damage the foundation or enter your basement. One of the best choices is ensuring that you have the right slope or grade to draw water away from your home. The correct grade provides a slope of six inches over the first 10 feet.

While organic materials can be used for the top layer of soil, clay or a non-porous soil, should compromise the majority of the lower layers, especially near the foundation. Swales can also be created to draw excess rainfall away from your home. These small depressions or ditches act like miniature rivers to direct the water to a better location.

Foundation Drains and Backflow Prevention

Your home likely has a foundation drain around the perimeter that pulls excess water into your sewer drain system. This section of the drain system can become clogged with debris. A professional service can unclog the pipe to keep the water moving freely. You should also have a backflow system in place to keep sewer water from flowing into your home.

If sewer water does back up into your home, you need to use a professional restoration service. The potential health risks from cleaning up the problem yourself are too great. You also want to be assured that everything is clean and dry to eliminate the possibility of mold formation.

Sump Pumps

If you frequently experience water backing up into your basement, consider having a sump pump installed. For the best results, the installation should be done professionally. You also want to consider having a battery back-up power supply installed to keep the pump working in the event of a power failure.

Finally, make sure that you disconnect hoses from the outside hose bibs during the winter. If you can shut off the water from the inside, do so. If not, protect the bibs with foam covers or other insulating material. Leaking outside faucets can contribute to water damages.

September 2013 brought devastating floods to many areas in Colorado. A stalled storm front dropped 15 to 20 inches of rain in many areas. Emergencies were declared in 15 counties including Boulder, Denver, Clear Creek, Morgan, Pueblo, Jefferson and Logan. Unfortunately, if you live in a flood zone, even the best preparations may not protect your home from a major flood.

We offer the professional restoration and home repair in Colorado that you and your home deserve. We can help you with the home repairs you need to reduce the potential for property damage from spring flooding.

Our restoration services will help you get back to normal if you experience flood damage, call Professional Restoration for a free estimate on water damage repair at 303-922-4001.