Preventive Measures On Heavy Rainfall Water Damage

The rainfall season is here again and here at Alorair, we always advise your customers to prepare for the worst but hope for the best. The changing weather conditions have made rainfall fall more and more unpredictable.

What causes rainfall flooding?

1. Poor drainage - Today we have new states experiencing floods while a few decades in the same states flood were completely unheard of. Heavy rains can quickly oversaturate the soil around your home’s foundation causing the rainwater to pool around your home. If the rainwater is able to get into the house then it causes indoor flooding.

2. Poor sewer systems - Heavy rains can also quickly overwhelm the municipal sewage systems and storm sewers if they are installed. This can cause indoor flooding and cause extensive water damage.

 What areas are more likely to flood during heavy rains?

Floods can occur just about anywhere when there are heavy rains, however, It is true your geographical location can greatly increase the chances of you experiencing flooding.

The places most prone to flooding after heavy rainfall include :

· Near water bodies or floodplains – this includes people living near rivers, lakes, and ocean. This is because during the heavy rains there is an increase in the water levels.

· Areas before the sea level or Lowlands – people living in areas that slope downwards or live in between two valleys, they are more likely to flood during the heavy rain seasons.

· Near hills or mountains – people living below mountains and hills can experience flooding as the rainwater in the hills will flow downwards to them.

How do you avoid flooding in this heavy rainfall season?

1. Inspect and repair the roof – the roof should be inspected several times a year, to ensure there are no leaks to allow the rainwater to get into the house.

2. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are cleared out. – clean out any dead leaves or debris in the gutters and downspouts. - You can also fit the gutters with a protective net to ensure no leaves and debris get into the gutters. - Fitting an extension to the downspouts to ensure the rainwater is deposit over seven feet from the home’s foundation.

3. Improve the land spacing – the land space around your home could be the reason the rainwater is able to flood into your home. The landscape around the house should slope away from the house. This ensures that the rainwater drains further away from the house foundation. Decreasing the chances of rainwater flooding into the house significantly.

4. Fix all gaps and cracks – cracks in the foundation should be repaired as soon as possible. While all gaps in the home’s structure, especially gaps between the windows or the doors and the walls should be sealed. 

5. Waterproof the basement – In areas that are more prone to flooding it is recommended you waterproof the walls and floors of the basement or the crawlspace. This will protect your foundation from water damage.

6. Install a drainage system – You can install a sump pump in the basement or crawlspaces. These pumps help in pumping out the rainwater that may flood into these areas.

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