Quick Tips from SERVPRO of North Garland to prevent Water Damage

10/4/2016 (Permalink)

We have the necessary equipment for any loss, especially water. Call us if you need us, 972-496-2441.

Remember last year, May 2015, when the whole month it rained and the DFW area was flooded? 2015 was the wettest year on record for the DFW area. In the entire year, we had 62.61 inches of rain; in just the month of May we had a new record high of 16.96 inches of rainfall! And now we are close to the end of 2016 and the rain doesn't seem to end. And all that water didn’t just disappear, oh no it went into our roads, parks, buildings and even into our homes with our families. Here are some tips to prevent water damage the next time mother nature decides to run out of tears.

To prevent water damage, follow these tips to avoid costly repairs:

#1. Ensure good drainage:

• Clean your gutters.
• Direct downspouts 5-10’ away from the house.
• Slope your yard away from the foundation.

Your maintenance costs would be very little. Cleaning the gutters is a no-cost DIY project, but if you would like to hire someone to do the dirty works, the costs would be between $50-$250. To slope your yard away from foundation, there will have to be some additional top soil to create a slope.

If you were to put it off, the foundation could settle cracking the basement walls and the cost to stabilize would be around $15,000-$40,000.

#2. Test your sump pump:

• Check your sump pump once a year.
• Test more frequently during storm season.

To test your sump pump is free. But if you need a new one, including installation costs, would be around $150-$350.

If you were to put it off, the basement could flood, ruining everything you own including drywall and flooring. Some insurances don’t cover flooding and if you keep putting it off, you run the risk of mold and mildew which can turn into a very expensive problem very quickly.

#3. Fix water leaks:

• Repair any noticeable dripping pipes.
• Check for dark spots under pipes and on ceilings.
• Repair any cracked caulking.
• Inspect the roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles.

Maintenance costs could be to contact a plumber would be $250 or for a roof repair a few hundred dollars to $1,000.

If you were to put it off, water drips will ruin the cabinets under the kitchen sink and run down the floor sheathing and joists underneath, so structural repairs plus new kitchen cabinets and flooring will be needed. If the roof rots, a new roof will need to be in place as well as repairs in the rooms directly beneath.

Following these three steps is a good start to preventing water damage. For some extra tips or in need of some repairs due to water damage, contact us, SERVPRO of North Garland at 972-496-2441.