This is the time to prepare your house for summer storms so you don't run into issues with flooding later on this year. Here are some easy suggestions for protecting your house from flooding this season!
Clean Your Gutters-
We just recently posted about how to clean your gutters yourself. It only takes a little bit of time and is a great way to protect your home from flood damage this summer. CNN's article on protecting your house from flooding states "The most important step you can take to prevent flooding is to make sure your gutters are free of leaves and dirt and sticks. Poor roof drainage is the number one cause of basement leaks and a clogged gutter will cause massive problems by concentrating roof runoff water at your house's corners, close to the foundation"
Check Your Downspouts-
Downspouts are tubes that extend from the end of your home's gutters and should release water about 3-4 feet from your home's perimeter. Downspouts should be pointed away from your home. To check your downspouts, run water through a hose through your gutters for 10-15 minutes. If your downspouts are dumping water less than 3 feet from the perimeter of your home, you may want to invest in extenders that you can obtain at any hardware or home improvement store.
Waterproof Your Walls-
The most basic way to keep water out of your home and protect yourself from flood damage is to waterproof your home's walls. The same article by CNN suggests the following, "You can apply special waterproof coating to the interior or exterior walls in your basement. This coating will penetrate several inches into concrete and close off chinks and minor cracks by forming crystal when water appears. Waterproofing paint is most effective when you put it right onto the cement and not on painted areas."
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