McDonough Water Damage Restoration: Preventative Measures

One of the most common locations in your McDonough home that requires water damage restoration is the basement or foundation. Since there is water all around our homes, it is no wonder why it can accumulate near your foundation. If too much water becomes present though, it will eventually begin to find and work its way inside where it can create some pretty severe damage. We want to help you keep your basement and foundation from needing water damage restoration, so here are some preventative steps you can take to reduce the risk of excess water finding its way into your home.

Water Damage Restoration in McDonough

1. If your yard or landscaping next to your home slopes toward it instead of away, it is highly likely that your basement will receive water damage. Water will always flow with the path of least resistance, so when water from rain, sprinklers, or any other external source is not directed away from your home, it will flow towards it instead. If the grade of the land around your home does not encourage water to flow down and away from your foundation, it will pool up right next to it.

   Slab leaks, foundation leaks, and basement water seepage are all water damage problems that can commonly be prevented by simply increasing the gradient of the slope of the lawn or landscaping around your home so that it runs away from your foundation.

2. We know it can be inconvenient and some houses require outsourcing this job to companies that have the correct equipment to do so, but be sure to have your rain gutters inspected and cleaned at least once a year, if not twice. Damaged rain gutters allow water to flow from the roof down the sides of your home where it will pool up against the foundation. Rain gutters with excess dirt, debris, leaves, sticks, or any other material that can cause blockages can cause water to overflow and pour down the sides of your home as well, resulting in pooling water near your foundation.

   If we have not already made it clear, water collecting around your foundation is bad news, and often results in water damage restoration. To prevent that from happening, water needs to be funneled, channeled, and directed a safe distance away from your home – hence the need for and purpose of rain gutters and downspouts. If downspouts are not directing water at least 3 feet away from your foundation, purchase extenders that can be easily attached and will channel water further away from your home.

3. If you have a sump pump, be sure that it is working properly. Sump pumps are a great asset when it comes to removing excess sub-level water and literally pumping it away from your home. If your home does not currently have a sump pump, consider getting one installed.

While we know that water damage, especially from exterior sources, cannot be 100% prevented, taking these recommended by the experts at Restoration 1 of McDonough steps can help greatly reduce the risk of it happening to your home.