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Spring is upon us! April showers can make plants and animals happy, but they can also be a nuisance to your home if you aren’t properly prepared. Let’s look at 4 areas of your home that may carry a flood risk and ways to prevent water damage to your home.
Burst or leaking pipes and plumbing are common flooding issues. However, weather can also significantly impact your property’s overall structural integrity and energy efficiency.
Your roof is the first line of defense against rain and is a common entry point for moisture. Loose shingles, roof sagging, poorly sealed skylights, and your chimney can all allow water to seep in. The water entering from your roof can then affect your attic, causing condensation within to form fungi and mold.
Holes, warping, and damage to your siding are all indicators that water may be leaking into your home. There are different fixes, depending on your home’s exterior. If you’re unsure of what would work for your home, it’s best to call a professional.
Water pooling around the exterior of your home is the most common cause of a flooding basement or foundation. Inspect your basement’s interior walls, windows, and your foundation for any cracks or leaks. When these areas flood, it can affect much more than just the lower levels of your home. It’s best to call a professional to discuss other ways to move water away from your foundation or out of the basement, like using a backwater valve or sump pump.
Your yard can flood for a lot of reasons. Poor drainage in areas of the country that are generally affected by wet weather is a common cause for home flooding. If the ground slopes toward your home, you may have more issues with flooding in your basement or foundation slab.
Keeping up with seasonal maintenance ensures your home performs and looks its best. Plus, routine checks ensure small problems don’t become larger issues.
Grading your yard adjusts the slope. This allows water to flow away from your home prevents excessive water build up and a sogging yard. Rainscaping and rain gardens can be created within the natural depressions of your yard and make natural use of water runoff.
French drains are sloped trenches filled with piping and round gravel. They collect surface water and channel it way from depressions in your yard or foundation.
A sump pump is typically installed in a frequently flooding basement or crawl space. They are designed to drain water from the inside of your home to the outside, usually automatically kicking on when water reaches a certain heigh around it. A sump pump is helpful for preventing mold, water damage, and further flooding.
Your gutters are essential in channeling water away from your home. However, when they’re clogged with debris, water can overflow and damage your home. Experts recommend clearing them every three months if your home has a lot of trees, or twice a year otherwise. Gutter guards also help to manage debris build up. In addition, downspouts should carry drainage and run off at least six feet away from your home.
It may be time to upgrade your home to guarantee it’s safe from flooding and structural concerns. Homestead Funding has a diverse portfolio of renovation programs. Whether you’re planning energy efficient upgrades or a Standard 203(k), we have your back! Contact us to be paired with an experienced Loan Originator who will work with you to find your ideal home financing solution.
Homestead Funding offers exceptional customer service and a convenient mortgage process. Whatever your financing needs, our goal is to exceed your expectations.
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