Spring brings some of our favorite things: warm weather, blooming tulips & daffodils, and baseball season. But let's not forget about all those April Showers. Did you know a home has a four times greater risk of flooding than burning during the course of a 30-year mortgage? It only takes a small amount of water to cause significant damage; a single inch of water can wreak enough havoc that a property owner could need to replace flooring, drywall and belongings.
Here are a couple preventive measures to get you through the April showers so you can enjoy the May flowers instead of worrying about damage to your home.
Clear gutters and downspouts
When gutters and downspouts are full of debris, significant rain will flood over them and down the side of your home, causing potential damage to siding and landscaping and saturating your foundation.
- Safely remove leaves, sticks and other clutter from gutters and downspouts
- Check nearby storm drains to be sure they're not blocked either.
Sump Pump and Water Back Up through drains
- Keep an eye on your sump pump to ensure its properly working through the first stretch of rainy weather.
- Consider a pump alarm. They notify you the moment high water levels are detected.
- Evaluate your water back up coverage on your homeowners policy to ensure you have enough coverage should something happen,
Fix leaks before the rainy season
Leaky roofs and cracks in foundation can allow water to enter your home. Fix these issues as soon as you notice them and material is dry enough to repair.