Heavy snow and rain can be more than just a nuisance. They can also do considerable damage to your home if you’re not careful. The number-one thing homeowners should do is protect their home’s foundation. This is the core of the house and what holds it together. An essential first step is ensuring good drainage by cleaning gutters regularly and placing downspouts so they direct water away from the house.
In addition, make sure to test your sump pump regularly, and if you don’t have one, consider having one installed. The sump pump is often the difference between a dry and flooded basement, so ensuring it works properly is important. It may also make sense to invest in a battery-operated pump which will still work in the event of a power outage.
Another preventative measure in protecting your home from water damage is checking regularly for leaks, especially after a particularly heavy storm. Ongoing leaks can lead to mold, mildew and rot. In some cases, wet wood can even attract termites and carpenter ants which do further damage. When doing your inspection, look for dark spots under pipes inside sink cabinets, stains on ceilings, toilets that rock and drips inside your home. You should also inspect your roof annually and repair any missing, loose or damaged shingles.
