7 Tips to Prevent Spring Flooding in Your Home

Spring can be a welcome relief after a long winter of cold and snow. But it’s not always rainbows and butterflies, especially as warmer temps cause snow to melt in mass while also leading to rainier weather from up above. Before you know it, flooding is on the rise, and your home is at risk for water damage.

As you anticipate the blooming tulips and nesting robins, use the following tips to help strengthen your home’s fight against any spring moisture the season sends your way.

Here are 7 ways to prevent basement flooding or water damage to your home this spring:

1. Relocate snow

   The closer piles of snow are to your home, the easier it is for it to melt and make its way into your home. Clear snow away from around the foundation and and move it to be at least three to five feet away from the exterior.

2. Check gutters and downspouts

   When debris, such as leaves, sticks, and dirt, gets trapped in gutters, it can block the passage of water from flowing freely off of roofs and away from the home. Clearing out debris from both gutters and downspouts can help to prevent water from seeping into attics, walls, and foundations. If necessary, also add downspout extensions to ensure water is draining at least three to feet from the home’s foundation.
   

3. Inspect and mend foundation cracks

   Water can get in more easily when there are cracks in the foundation. For minor repairs, fill cracks with a concrete patch. For bigger concerns, it’s best to bring in a professional to make sure your foundation is repaired in such a way that it acts as a waterproof barrier between the interior and exterior.  

4. Grade the landscape properly

   If weather permits, regrade landscaping surrounding your home to make sure water drains away from the home instead of toward it. If necessary, pull plant material and add more soil where needed.

5. Install and maintain sump pumps

   Sump pumps help to send water away from the home in areas such as basements and below-grade rooms that tend to flood more easily. If you don’t already have one, consider installing a sump pump or investing in a more portable version. If you already have a sump pump, inspect it to make sure it is in good working order and is clear of debris.

6. Cover window wells

   Installing window well covers not only allows for natural light in below ground rooms but also prevents melting snow and rain from making its way into the home.

7. Home inspection

   Bring in a skilled professional to investigate your home in more depth than you might feel confident doing on your own. A professional will be able to specify vulnerabilities where water damage could occur as well as provide recommendations on how to mediate any concerns.

The unfortunate truth is that water damage can happen no matter what measures you take to reinforce your home. In the event of flooding, equip your home with tools to help you quickly respond to any potential damage, including: a generator, a wet/dry vac, fans, contact information for water damage restoration service professionals in your area, and National Flood Insurance, should your community participate.

A&J’s Water Damage Restoration Service for Madison, Milwaukee, and surrounding Southern WI areas

When you suffer from damage caused by a spring flooding, burst pipe, leaky dishwasher, flooded basement, or other water loss, saving time could make the difference in hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage. Call us for water damage clean up service and water damage restoration service immediately.

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800-727-8990