Skip To Content

5 tips to protect your home from water hazards

Here is some useful advice individuals should consider when it comes to protecting their property from the destruction of excess water. A storm does not necessarily have to grow to the caliber of “Katrina” or “Sandy” while still destroying basements, foundations, roofs, and interiors that seemed to be protected from the elements. The average water damage between 2008 and 2014 for a worst – case flood totaled more than $38,000, according to National Flood Insurance Program data.
1. Block Water From Entry Points:
• Roof shingles should be checked occasionally to ensure there are no curling shingles or rusted nails which can be an indicator of some damage already existing.
• Gutters & downspouts should be checked/cleaned periodically and downspouts should be checked that they have the correct pitch. [meaning that they allow water to be dispersed a safe distance away from the home and its foundation]
• Windows & Doors with broken glazing will most likely allow moisture in and should be repaired or replaced.
• Foundations, basement floors, and cracked walls are also sources of excess water influx.
2. Put in a Second Line of Defense:
• Sump pumps collects water then send it away and should be cleaned periodically to prevent buildup of silt waste which comes from yard waste.
• French drains gather water along the perimeter of a home and then direct it to the sump pump.
• Interior drain tiles help to direct water that gathers under the floor & pumps it out.
• Boilers & Furnaces should be elevated off the floor to prevent them from being flooded.
• Window wells should drain properly and be accessible for the removal of debris.
3. Buy the Right Insurance:
• Whether or not you live in a ‘flood-zone’ you should understand the importance of why having the rite coverage is important.
• It might be wise for others who live near water, whether a creek or an ocean, to consider purchasing some sort of flood insurance coverage.
• Perhaps look into a policy that covers all possibilities including “sudden water damage”.
4. Act Fast if Water Pours in:
• It is important to note that water damage should be dealt with IMMEDIATELY to avoid more costly issues. Time is your greatest enemy, don’t wait!
• Turn off pipes once water starts flowing.
• Call a damage restoration company; they can advise you where the water has gone, where it’s headed, and even help stop the flow completely.
• Prioritize people & pets, never touch any wires, the importance here is to get your family & pets to safety.
5. Protect Your Pipes:
• Insulated pipes do not freeze or burst in cold weather. Remember master water valves should be turned off at a vacation home or in your residence if you happen to leave your home and travel somewhere warmer for a short period of time.
• Open cabinet doors to allow in warmer air and let your faucets drip, both of these techniques held prevent freezing if the temperatures become frigid.

Rahul and Smitha Ramchandani are a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson/Sales Representative Team with Keller Williams in New Jersey. They are Buyer Specialists and Home Marketing Experts. Their team specializes in North Central New Jersey including towns such as BoontonChathamChesterConvent StationDenvilleEast HanoverFlorham ParkHanoverHarding Twp.MendhamMontvilleMorristownMorris PlainsMorris Twp.Mountain LakesParsippanyRandolphRockawayWhippany
www.SRRealEstateGroup.com | www.MorrisHomes.com | www.TheTownhouseExpert.com | www.NortherJerseyRealEstate.com

Trackback from your site.

Leave a Reply

*
*

About our blog

Our agents write often to give you the latest insights on owning a home or property in the local area.

Archives