Minimizing water damage during heavy rain in Bentonville, AR

Water damage remains one of the most common and costly forms of property damage in Northwest Arkansas. Now, this summer, severe weather is brewing and homeowners are preparing once more. If you’re worried about water damage occurring from flash flooding or a roof leak, preparing now is a smart move. You can protect your largest investment against water damage with the right advice from the experts. Then, you can avoid scheduling water damage restoration unless absolutely necessary.

Prevent Basement Water Damage

Your basement, if you have one, is one of the most at-risk areas of your home for water damage. Being so low, and with numerous entry points, water can easily begin to flood in and accumulate. Here’s how to prevent basement water damage:

• Resealing – A lot of the water we see in basements is due to cracks in the foundation or floor slabs. If you spot water seepage following particularly heavy rain, despite there never being trouble before, it means your flooring is deteriorating. You can reseal the area for a strong foundation.
• Drainage – Much of the water damage caused to homes today could be easily avoided with proper drainage in place. If your home’s drainage system is inadequate, dirty, or clogged, the water has nowhere to go but into your home. On occasion, clean the system.
• Backwater Valve – Perhaps less common than storm-related water damage, a sewage backup is both messy and disgusting. To prevent basement water from a sewer backup, consider installing a backwater valve.

Protect the Exterior

The next step is to protect the exterior of the home. When torrential downpours happen, it’s your home’s exterior that stands as the first line of defense. If there is even a single weak point, the entire home is at risk.

• Occasionally, look over your windows for signs of aging or damage and caulk and seal them as necessary.
• Inspect the roof often for signs of damage and missing or loose shingles, and make needed repairs promptly.
• Check the downspouts around your home for signs of debris or damage that may have accumulated. Downspouts should be positioned facing away from the house.
• Your sprinkler and irrigation system needs to be properly placed away from the home to avoid erosion and water damage to the exterior. During a severe storm and in the winter, turn off the system and drain the faucets to prevent frozen pipes.
• To ensure you never have to worry about clogged gutters, consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris from entering the line.

If you end up with water damage in your home after a severe storm, call Restoration 1 of Northwest Arkansas. Call us for 24-hour water damage restoration in the area.