Tips for Checking Your Home After a Storm

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

Now that the winter storms are here, it’s important to remember to check your house after a large storm.  An over-abundance of rain water can overwhelm your home’s gutters and downspouts and saturate the soil around your foundation.  An easy way to remember how to inspect your home is to “Start From the Bottom and Work Up.” 

1. Start in the Basement – The first thing you should check after a heavy rainstorm is your basement or crawlspace.  Make sure there is no standing water.
2. Pull Back Carpets, Rugs and Floors – If any of these items are wet, remove them from your floors immediately and begin to dry these areas as soon as possible.
3. Check Your Walls – Look for stains or discoloring on your walls, bubbling paint or peeling wallpaper. These are all signs of moisture leaking into areas where it shouldn’t be. 
4. Inspect Your Attic – Make sure that your shingles are all secure and that there is no structural damage. Also check to be sure that your insulation is dry. 
5. Check Gutters/Downspouts – Leaves and other debris can clog gutters and lead to drainage issues. Be sure to inspect these areas after a big storm to avoid this problem.  

Your home should be a haven from a storm.  Use these tips to make sure you keep the water outside and the warmth in.