Top 3 Ways to Prevent Flooding & Standing Water

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

Be prepared and know who to call when disaster strikes

Unexpected flooding is a particularly common disaster over the winter, when the chances of precipitation and inclement weather increase dramatically. Destroying roofs, causing house leaks, and ruining drywall, it’s certainly on the list of homeowners’ worst fears—but there are ways to prevent it. Below, SERVPRO of Burlington / Middlebury, Vermont’s leading water extraction and mold remediation team, would like to explain some of the most important ways you can protect your home from accidental flooding.

Top 3 Ways To Prevent Flooding & Standing Water Damage

1. Prepare Your Pipes For Winter

Over the winter, the portions of your plumbing that are above ground are more prone to freezing, and the pressure difference this creates sometimes causes pipes to burst open. You can avoid this by insulating your pipes with foam and by keeping your kitchen and bathroom cabinets open so heat can reach the pipes. On particularly cold days, it’s also smart to let all your faucets run at a trickle, which will help relieve the pressure difference created by frozen pipes. By preparing your plumbing, you’ll also prevent potential water damage from occurring when the ice thaws.

2. Regularly Clean Out Gutters

One of the most common, yet easily preventable, sources of standing water is blocked gutters. When left full of debris, your gutters will end up spilling onto your roof, cause ceiling leaks when the water seeps through the shingles. Sometimes, clogged gutters can also cause foundation damage.

3. Schedule Regular Roof Inspections

One of the most important home maintenance tasks you can do is schedule annual roofing inspections. This inspection will allow you to keep track of potential leaks, shingle damage, and other problems that could lead to accidental flooding or standing water damage. Wouldn’t you rather replace a few shingles than replace your entire roof deck? Don’t let widespread standing water damage force you to do the latter.

As much as we try to prevent water damage, it may still happen anyway. If you experience accidental flooding and need immediate water damage remediation, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Burlington / Middlebury at (802) 497-1101. For details about the Vermont-based professionals and their 24-hour emergency services, visit them online.