Summer is here! As much as everyone enjoys the sunshine and longer days, it’s not the only type of weather you have to look forward to. With summer come rainstorms, hail, and flash flooding. While you’re daydreaming about fun in the sun, don’t let your home get caught in the watery aftermath of a summer storm. Learn how to prevent water damage in your home from the water damage restoration experts at California Steam Clean.

Divert Water

The first step to protecting your home from water damage is to divert water in the first place. Water damage restoration often becomes necessary after long-term exposure to groundwater or from high water tables, puddles, or flash flooding during a storm. If you divert water from the home’s proximity, your risk of water damage decreases. Check out these common culprits that create the need for water damage restoration in a house:

• Gutters

Every home has gutters, but not all gutters have leaf guards or receive regular maintenance. Leaking or clogged gutters allow water to collect and cause moisture damage in and around the home.

• Walkways

Sidewalks and walkways provide a clear path of drainage for overflowing water. If your sidewalk is littered with furniture, toys, or debris, water will not divert correctly.

• Driveways

Driveways, like walkways, provide a clear line of travel for water. If driveways are ill-kept or crowded with objects, water won’t flow away from the home.

Check Your Drainage Assets

Homes generally have drainage built into their landscape and design. However, most homeowners don’t know that outdoor drains exist, much less how to care for them. 

• Drains

Outdoor drains provide a means of direction for excess groundwater. They usually connect to a sump pump or other plumbing system. Overgrown grass, leaves, or outdoor toys are common causes of clogged drains that can lead to backflow or flooding into the home.

• Retaining Walls 

Does your home have a retaining wall or solid fence around the perimeter? If so, there’s likely drainage built in to prevent water build-up. Look for small holes or slits in the fence or wall (sometimes called weeping holes). These holes allow water to flow out past the walls, but they do often clog from debris. Clean them regularly to prevent the need for water damage restoration.

Seal Your Home Early With Expert Water Damage Restoration Techniques.

If someone tells you to “seal your home” against water, they aren’t being metaphorical. If you have a basement or sub-surface floor in your home, it needs to be sealed against water damage. Basements and foundations are often the spots that require water damage restoration, because they naturally experience more exposure to groundwater and other moisture. 

• Seal the Basement

If you haven’t sealed your basement against water damage or can’t remember the last time it was done, call a water damage restoration expert to get it done before storm season hits. Sealants help prevent water or humidity from invading the basement during heavy rains. 

• Seal the Foundation

Cracked foundations cause all sorts of problems for your home, but they are preventable and repairable with foundation sealing. Most water damage restoration services recommend you seal foundation cracks when they appear to protect your home from future water damage.

Let Our Water Damage Restoration Experts Help!

If you’re looking to protect your home from the rains of summer, let California Steam Clean help! Our experts work with you to find the best waterproofing or water damage restoration methods to suit your needs. We’re available 24/7 to help you take on water damage. Don’t wait; give us a call today at (707) 755-7190.