Clean Up After A Storm

The late months of summer and early months of fall typically have the most thunderstorms and heavy rainfalls associated with them in Preston, Idaho, so it is important to know how to deal with the storms when they occur. Storms with heavy moisture can result in water damage, so here are some tips for dealing with this kind of weather as we head into it.

Mud Flow

Depending on what your yard situation looks like, the aftermath of a storm could be very different for you than for your neighbor. If there is a flash flood from a high volume of rain in a short period of time and your yard is graded downward toward your home, you could be dealing with mudflow that will trespass into your house. Cleaning this up can be a huge undertaking and can potentially be dangerous depending on how much mud there is. It is unlikely that any one person could do an efficient job on his or her own, and this typically will require a crew from Sierra Restoration. This water damage clean-up crew will shovel the mud out, discard or clean the flooring depending on the damage and dry everything inside and out.

Fallen Branches

Roofs are common casualties of summer storms. If the storm you are experiencing is extremely windy, there is a chance that you could have large branches or even whole trees fall onto your roof, piercing holes into it as it comes down. In most windstorms, you will know right away if your roof is leaking because it is typically raining at the same time, but if you do have a wind storm that is dry, make sure to check your roof out after it passes but before the next rain storm to avoid more water damage.

Foundation Leaking

Even though your foundation should be a solid concrete block, over the years it can settle and crack. The cracks within the foundation might not be a big deal, but sometimes it can lead to water damage because the water is able to seep through. Basements many times will be victims of water damage because it is not sealed properly. So, if you find that your basement is flooding, you should have it dried thoroughly and sealed before the rainy season. Even if you don’t use your basement as a living space, it is still important to keep it free from moisture to keep mold and mildew and bay. 

Of course, the best way to avoid water damage is not to deal with it as it comes, but to be prepared and prevent issues from happening when they come up. In the ideal situation, you would make sure that your yard is correctly graded downward away from the home and that your gutters and drainage systems are always clear from debris. You may want to have some trees checked out to see if there is a high potential for falls on your home. Otherwise, in a storm, stay safe and keep your eyes open for signs of potential damage as they come. If you find anything, contact Sierra Restoration to help you repair your property.