Sadly, even with the best preparation, you cannot prevent catastrophic events. If you have been unfavourably affected by flooding, storms or heavy rains, take whatever action is needed to prevent you from suffering further damage and make sure that it is safe to do so. You can try covering up a damaged roof with a tarpaulin, or covering broken windows with plastic sheeting.
Water damage is the main suspect that weakens your home’s foundation and the very core that holds your house together. Just like the core strength of your body, water damage hits at the core strength of your house, eventually causing serious structural damage. Not only will damp wood opens its door for termites and carpenters, but it will also cause mould and mildew.
The reason this matter is because poor drainage weakens your foundation, causing cracks, uneven settling, and pathways for water to enter your home. You can start by cleaning your gutters regularly. A clogged gutter will send falls of water down the side of your house, causing damage to your siding and foundation. Then, you ensure your downspouts direct water 5 to 10 feet away from your house. In addition, make sure your yard is sloped at least 6 inches over a 10-foot span away from your foundation. That slope shields water from getting down alongside your foundation, where it could cause walls to lean, crack the masonry, and create leaks. Keep in mind that regarding the crawl spaces–keeping water away ensures that excess water is not all over underneath your floor, creating damp conditions that promote mould, rot, and insects. However, do not let the soil get too dry, either. Long droughts let the soil around your house dry out and shrink. A heavy rain may make the soil expand, adding pressure on your foundation walls.
The reason you should do this is because sump pumps usually emerge during storms. That is not when you want to recognise that yours is not working properly. You are suggested to check it at least once a year, and ideally perform several checks during heavy storm seasons. These are ways that you can do to test your sump pump: First, you fill the sump pump pit with water slowly. Second, test your backup pump with the main pump fist being unplugged. And if you do not have a backup pump or a generator, or perhaps you depend on municipal water, obtain one that runs on water pressure. If you are using well water, your only option is the battery kind.
You are advised to check for water leaks because persistent leaks can lead to mould and mildew, rot, and even termites. There may be no damage at all in the long haul if you fix a leak soon after it starts. The first step you can take is that you check for dark spots under pipes inside sink cabinets, stains on ceilings, toilets that rock, and of course, drips. In addition, conduct a roof inspection, at least once a year. Repair missing, loose, and damaged shingles. Lastly, fix any cracked caulking and check for leaks around flashing.
In the event you have a water damage, make sure you turn to a water damage specialist like Flood Services Brisbane. To find out more about our services, do not hesitate to contact us now.
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