Help for the Rainy Season

The thought of water inside a home is one of the top concerns for every homeowner.  Besides the cost of cleanup and repairs which can skyrocket out of control, the mere fact that something beyond our control might invade our private space is unsettling.  But, with a bit of preparation and precaution, you can limit the possibility of disaster.

Having personally lived on the Gulf Coast for most of my adult life, I have been up close and personal with the plywood suggestion.  We remained in our home during Ike (I don't recommend this to anyone!). Even though we live about a mile from where Ike made landfall in Clear Lake, we had no damage, thanks in large part to plywood.  Every window in our home has cut-to-fit plywood coverings which take only a few hours to install on preset posts.  (Thankfully, no rising water threatened our home.)

According to Barbara Ballinger, contributor to Realtor Magazine, there's no need yet to acquire an ark, but water certainly has become a bigger menace in many parts of the country.  To prevent damage and avoid large out-of-pocket expenses, homeowners should stay on top of maintenance and repair needs.  The average water damage insurance claim between 2008 and 2012 for a worst-case flood event, totaled more than $38,000, according to National Flood Insurance Program data.  Here are a few steps that all homeowners should consider to protect their property from the ravages of water.

• Roof shingles that are missing, torn, curled or cupped should be replaced now.  Rusty nails can also allow water to seep in.
• Make sure gutters and downspouts are performing properly before the rain starts.  Remove all debris and verify that fits the house property.  According to Wayne Owczarzak, owner of Mr. Handyman in Wheaton, IL, improperly fitted gutters and spouts can actually do more harm than good.
• Fix any broken or cracked glass in windows and doors.
• Warning signs of seepage problems at the foundation include white haze, baseboard warping, and cracking paint.
• If you use a sump pump, be sure to give it a spring cleaning before clouds gather.
• French drains should be cleared of all winter debris as well.
• Though we don't have many boilers in the south, Jeffrey Colle of East Hampton, NY, suggests elevating boilers, furnaces, as well as hot water heaters to save them from flood hazards.  Locally, hot water heaters on the ground floor must be elevated 18" above the floor.
• Don't forget your window wells.  A quick cleaning of accumulated debris can save $$$ by allowing the wells to drain and not fill with water.
• Pre-cut plywood is a staple on the Gulf Coast.  This take advance preparation, but is priceless in its ability to save window and doors in a hurricane.  
• Buy the right flood insurance before you need it.