With changing weather patterns and extreme conditions becoming more common across the globe, it only makes sense to take an extra measure of precaution when it comes to protecting your home against relentless precipitation. Before you find yourself underwater, here are some ways to be better prepared for the rain.
Review Your Home Insurance
It's important that you do not take your home insurance for granted. Take the opportunity to assess the changing conditions and check your coverage annually to ensure you have all your bases covered. As more geographical areas that were previously unaffected by flooding are experiencing catastrophic conditions, perhaps it may be time to consider additional flood coverage if it's not in your standard home insurance package.
Further, your home insurance agent is your advisor as far as what you need to protect what is likely your biggest investment. Bring your concerns and questions to your agent regularly to be sure you're properly covered to anticipate all the potential risks. Although you can't predict everything, there's much you can accomplish with open communication with your insurance agent.
Waterproof Your Basement
You don’t need to wait for storms to come to assess the moisture levels that may be present in your basement. The fact that this part of your home’s structure is situated underground is enough to tell you that this is one of the first places to inspect to mitigate the potential for water damage. Small moisture problems can become more serious if they're ignored for too long. In order to keep your property intact, look for a professional that offers waterproofing services.
Waterproofing your basement must be done professionally and up to code. Whether it's having a basement slab poured, foundation repairs, foam or epoxy injections, interior/exterior drain, tile systems or installing a sump pump, a professional job assures that only the best materials are applied. Also, with a professional, you can have peace of mind regardless of the weather conditions outside.
Mold and Mildew Treatments
Where there's moisture, there will be mold—and it's not always visible. Before you find yourself battling a respiratory illness from mold spores, it's advisable to have an inspection. If mold is found, there is a multi-step process that helps in removing the dangerous material and sanitizing the area to completely eradicate mold.
This could involve removing flooring materials and baseboards, because water and moisture have no boundaries. If drywall is affected, that must also be removed. You need professionals who have the proper equipment for the job, as well as the powerful chemicals necessary to kill traces of mold and mildew. It's a good idea to have the phone number of a qualified waterproofing company on hand to be sure a problem like this does not occur again in the future.
Concrete Wall and Floor Repair
It may not seem like much, but hairline cracks in concrete create ingress or entry for groundwater, insects and radon gas. While these fissures typically do not pose a structural threat, they're the natural result of the curing process. As water evaporates in the drying slab, it tends to shrink slightly. This is enough to produce these fine cracks.
The common patching and filling products might do a nice job of filling these cracks; however, over time, these can fail and leave you with the job of chipping them out and starting over. For the right products and proper methods to avoid future issues, be sure to consult with a professional waterproofing company. Also, if you detect large cracks or bulging walls in your home, you will want to consult the pros. These are likely indications of more serious problems.
As winter approaches, there is an increased risk of water damage occurring in your home. Rather than wait until you're in the middle of a serious storm, it's best to consult professionals in advance in order to be ready. There's hardly a greater comfort than being safe inside your home when a storm is raging outside, and it's an even greater comfort to be assured your home can take the punishment without damage.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger based in New Mexico. Her first passion is journalism, but she also loves hiking and gardening. Brooke recommends looking for a quality waterproofing service like Central Penn Waterproofing to protect your home. Find her on writer and Facebook: @BrookeChaplan; https://www.facebook.com/brooke.chaplan
