Spring is storm season, and on top of all the rain that we will likely get, any snow and ice that is leftover will begin to melt as well. This means that your house’s ability to keep that water out will be pushed to its limit.
Make sure your house stays dry this spring by following these tips.
Beware of the Water You Don’t See
Just because you can’t see the water, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. During the winter, a lot of water is pulled into the ground, where it freezes. Once the spring hits, and the ground thaws, this water will be looking for a place to go.
This is why the grading around your house is so important. You want to make sure that you have a good slope leading away from your home. The water is going to look for the path of least resistance, so give it a reason to run off in the opposite direction of your foundation.
Watch Your Gutters
Before the heavy rains hit, there are several things that you want to make sure of:
- Your gutters should be clean and free of debris
- Your downspouts should direct water far enough away from your foundation (at least 8 feet)
- The slope of your gutters should be at enough of an angle to allow water to flow steadily (if they are not angled enough, water will move too slowly through them and they will overflow)
- If trees are located right up against your home, their branches should not be hanging over or into your gutters
If your gutters are still overflowing, you may need to upgrade to larger gutter system, which will allow more water to flow through them.
Invest in a Sump Pump or Drain Tile
While most of the fixes for basement flooding take place on the exterior of your home, you can’t stop all the water from getting into your basement. If necessary, make sure to invest in a sump pump and/or drain tile system that will help keep your basement dry.
Repair Your Roof, Windows and Siding
Water will do whatever it can to get under your roof, and siding shingles and through any cracks in your windows. Before the rainy season starts, do a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior to make sure that everything is in good shape. If you are unsure of what to look for, contact our team of roofing, windows and siding contractors here at Schmidt Roofing. We will help you assess your home and give you a free quote on any work that needs to be done.
Give us a call before the rain begins to fall!
