The majority of homes today are built to withstand the freezing season. However, snow is one of the common causes of water damage at home. Snow and ice can quickly accumulate, and the added weight can harm your roof. Where else is the water from melting snow and ice to go into your basement after months of snowfall? What can you do, then, to stop basement flooding? Here are a few steps on how to manage this problem.
What damages will snow melt brings to your home?
Molds
One of the most frequent issues related to basement damage from melting snow is mold. Black mold might start to grow in your basement after a flood. This poses serious health hazards to all family members. Mold can start developing in just 48 hours at particular temperatures and moisture levels. To keep your house safe, you must handle this as an urgent concern. You can hire experts to deal with the mold and stop it from returning to ensure the task is done properly.
Structural Damage
Financially speaking, the resulting structural damage may far outweigh any mold-related expenses. Water has entered your basement via the walls, and when it does so, it erodes the materials and concrete. The worst-case situation involves moist walls collapsing. If this occurs, not only is your home unsafe to live in, but it will also be exceedingly expensive to replace. It is much more recommended to take preventive measures for this issue rather than spending so much on the damages.
Proper ways to manage water damage
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Caulk all wall cracks.
- Water seeps into your house through the fractures in the foundation and the walls. If the cracks are small, the fractures may be quickly and affordably sealed with an epoxy sealant, preventing water from getting inside your house. You ought to seek professional assistance for larger cracks. Although it won’t completely prohibit water from entering your property, sealing cracks will undoubtedly reduce the amount.
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Secure your items in waterproof storage.
- Use safe plastic totes or boxes to store personal belongings rather than cardboard cartons. Your possessions will have a much better chance of surviving a flood.
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Dry the flood ASAP!
- You should dry the area as soon as you can to prevent further damage to your possessions. It is recommended to utilize dehumidifiers in conjunction with air movers, similar to industrial fans. You can take advantage and open your windows to speed up the procedure if the outside air is generally dry.
- Call your Insurance company or water damage company
– Your homeowner’s insurance coverage is your last but most potent line of defense against snowmelt. Consider yourself already protected. You should make sure again, given how badly snowmelt water damage has been affected.
Protect your home from water damage caused by snowmelt.
Check your roof regularly
The main concern with snowmelt is the roof. Verify that no snow has accumulated on your roof and eaves. If there is, take care of it immediately. Use a roof rake to take it off your shingles, which you can purchase at your neighborhood home and garden store. Remember to cover your gutters first to prevent snow from being dragged into them. To avoid overflow from rain and snowfall, clean out the debris in your gutters. This will prevent the production of ice dams if the temperature falls again.
Extend Your Gutters
Debris and gutters with no leaks will remove snowmelt from your home’s roof. However, if the downspouts aren’t positioned correctly, this run-off may collect near the foundation and may seep into your basement. If downspouts are situated in a location with a lot of foot activity, this may necessitate a re-installation. Place a splash block (also available at a home and garden retailer) underneath the downspout if a distance of that size is not practical. A splash block can assist direct water away from your foundation and onto the lawn.
Invest In Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are a very effective defense against snowmelt water damage. Water from snowmelt that seeps into your basement drains into a sump pit. The pump will turn on and drain the water from your basement after it has gathered to prevent flooding. Some sump pumps are equipped with an alarm that will sound when the pump fails and the water level begins to rise. It’s up to you how much money you want to spend, but if you live somewhere where there is yearly snowmelt or a lot of rain during certain seasons, it could save you a lot of money.
Work With Experts To Repair Serious Damage
It can be challenging to solve foundational problems independently. Most people just lack the skills and resources necessary to do structural repairs. Please call a reputable home repair business if you are inspecting your house and have concerns about potential issue areas. Contact the nearest water damage company Overland Park and let them lend you a hand with this critical matter in this cold season. By seeking professional help, you can guarantee efficiency, and for its cost, it will for sure make you save more money than you think in the long run.
Create a flood plan.
Always plan. You will never know when a flood will occur. This should involve checking your sump pump, having your insurance information close at hand, and knowing how to reach qualified experts. If your property is not the only one that has flooded, these services may be in high demand, so move quickly. It’s also helpful to know where to find mold disinfectant and where to rent any necessary equipment locally so you can act promptly in an emergency and limit the damage. The best method to avoid significant flooding from snowmelt thawing is to act quickly.
