Water damage can happen any time of the year, but certain seasons, particularly during heavy rainfall and storms, put your Leawood home at greater risk. Whether it’s from sudden flash flooding, prolonged rainfall, or even hidden leaks, water damage can cause significant problems, including structural damage and mold growth. Preparing your home for the water damage season can help prevent these issues and keep your home safe.
Experts at Fine Restoration, a trusted disaster restoration company serving Kansas City and beyond, have provided homeowners with tips on how to safeguard their property against water damage. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get your Leawood home ready for the upcoming water damage season.
1. Inspect Your Roof for Leaks
Your roof is one of the most important barriers against water damage. A small leak or missing shingle can lead to major problems if not addressed before heavy rainfall. Performing regular inspections on your roof, especially before water damage season, can save you from costly repairs down the line.
- Look for damaged or missing shingles: Check for any signs of wear, such as cracked, curled, or missing shingles. These can allow water to seep into your attic or walls, leading to leaks and moisture buildup.
- Inspect the flashing: Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights can deteriorate over time. Make sure that these areas are properly sealed to prevent water from penetrating your home.
- Clean the gutters: Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and pool near your foundation. Regularly clean out any leaves, debris, or other blockages to ensure proper drainage.
Many Leawood homeowners have turned to Fine Restoration for help with water damage caused by roof issues. Their team recommends addressing any roof problems before the rainy season begins to avoid leaks and water damage to your home’s interior.
2. Ensure Proper Drainage Around Your Home
One of the most common causes of water damage is poor drainage around the foundation of a home. When water doesn’t drain away from your home properly, it can pool near the foundation, leading to basement flooding or foundation damage.
- Grade your yard: Make sure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. This will help direct rainwater away from the house rather than allowing it to collect near the walls.
- Extend downspouts: Your downspouts should extend at least six to ten feet away from the foundation. If they don’t, consider adding extensions to direct water farther away from the house.
- Check your sump pump: If you have a sump pump in your basement, test it before water damage season starts to ensure it’s working properly. Sump pumps are critical for preventing basement flooding, especially during periods of heavy rain.
Fine Restoration has dealt with many cases of basement flooding caused by poor drainage in the Leawood area. Their experts recommend taking steps to improve drainage early in the season, as this is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from water damage.
3. Seal Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are common entry points for water, especially during heavy rains or storms. Even small gaps or cracks around windows and doors can allow water to seep into your home, causing mold and rot over time.
- Inspect seals and caulking: Check the caulking and seals around all windows and doors. If you notice any cracks, gaps, or signs of wear, replace the caulking or add weather stripping to create a watertight seal.
- Install storm windows: If your home is prone to water intrusion during storms, consider installing storm windows. These provide an extra layer of protection by shielding your windows from high winds and rain.
- Check for drafts: Even if water hasn’t entered through your doors and windows, drafts can indicate poor sealing, which may lead to leaks during heavy rains. Fine Restoration suggests addressing any drafts promptly to prevent future water damage.
4. Maintain Your Plumbing System
Leaks and bursts in your plumbing system can lead to significant water damage, particularly in areas that aren’t immediately visible, such as under sinks, behind walls, or in your basement. Ensuring your plumbing is in good condition before water damage season is another critical step.
- Check for leaks: Regularly inspect pipes under sinks, in basements, and around appliances like dishwashers and washing machines for signs of leaks. Address any issues you find immediately to prevent further damage.
- Inspect your water heater: Your water heater is another potential source of leaks. Check the area around the base of the water heater for any signs of water or rust, which could indicate a problem.
- Insulate exposed pipes: If your pipes are exposed to cold air, especially in the winter months, they can freeze and burst, leading to water damage. Consider insulating any exposed pipes to prevent this.
Many Leawood homeowners have avoided serious water damage by being proactive with plumbing maintenance. Fine Restoration often helps customers who experience unexpected plumbing issues, and they emphasize the importance of catching and fixing leaks early.
5. Install a Backup Power Source for Your Sump Pump
In Leawood, heavy rainstorms often come with the risk of power outages. If your sump pump relies on electricity and a storm knocks out power, your home could be at risk for flooding. Installing a backup power source for your sump pump ensures that it can continue working even during an outage.
- Battery backup system: A battery backup system keeps your sump pump running for several hours in the event of a power outage. This can be a lifesaver during prolonged storms when power is lost for an extended period.
- Generator backup: For longer-lasting protection, consider investing in a backup generator. This will not only keep your sump pump running but can also provide power to other essential systems in your home during an outage.
Fine Restoration has helped homeowners recover from basement flooding that could have been prevented with a sump pump backup. Their team suggests installing a backup system before the rainy season to keep your home protected.
6. Prepare for Heavy Rain and Storms
As part of your overall preparation for water damage season, it’s important to stay aware of weather forecasts and have a plan in place in case of severe storms.
- Monitor weather alerts: Sign up for local weather alerts or use a weather app to monitor incoming storms. Being aware of potential flooding or storm risks allows you to take action, such as clearing gutters or moving valuables to higher ground.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Keep an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, and important documents in a waterproof container. In the event of a flood or power outage, this will help you stay prepared.
- Have a plan for valuables: If you know a heavy storm is coming, move valuable items to higher floors or secure areas to avoid water damage. Elevating furniture, electronics, and other belongings can help reduce the impact of water if flooding does occur.
Fine Restoration recommends having a storm preparedness plan in place, especially for homes in flood-prone areas. This simple step can help minimize damage and keep your family safe during severe weather.
7. Know When to Call the Professionals
While preparation is key to preventing water damage, sometimes it’s necessary to call in the professionals. If you experience water damage despite your best efforts, professional water damage restoration services like those provided by Fine Restoration can help mitigate the damage and restore your home.
- Water extraction: Fine Restoration uses advanced equipment to remove water quickly and efficiently from your home, minimizing the risk of mold and structural damage.
- Drying and dehumidifying: Their team uses industrial-grade fans and dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry out affected areas and prevent further damage.
- Mold prevention: Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours after water damage. Fine Restoration’s technicians are experts in mold prevention and remediation, ensuring that your home is safe and mold-free.
By calling in professionals like Fine Restoration at the first sign of water damage, homeowners in Leawood can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Conclusion
Preparing your Leawood home for water damage season requires attention to detail and proactive maintenance. From inspecting your roof and drainage systems to addressing leaks and sealing windows, these steps will help protect your home from the risks associated with heavy rain and storms. And in the event that water damage does occur, Fine Restoration is ready to assist with expert water damage restoration services, ensuring that your home is restored quickly and effectively.
