What You Can Do About the Damaging Effects of Heavy Rainfall

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO here to help with water damage

Rain, rain, go away…that could never be a more true mantra when heavy rains fall. While water damage is typically associated with situations like flooding or plumbing malfunctions, heavy rain can bring its own set of challenges when it comes to household water damage.

While any moisture level can be damaging, heavy rain is considered rainfall at more than 0.3 inches per hour. This persistent rate can work its way into much smaller vulnerabilities in your home. To help you better prepare and avoid water damage, consider how rapid rainfall rates can cause these issues...

Household Water Damage from Heavy Rains

• Leaky windows and doors. Windows and doors should be sealed against Mother Nature’s elements, but their weatherproofing can age and deteriorate over time. Water can find its way into minuscule cracks and cause damage during a heavy rainfall.
• Inadequate foundation drainage. Heavy rains can build up against the base of your home and cause leaks in your basement or crawl spaces. This can be especially common in homes at the bottom of a hill without adequate drainage around the foundation.
• Vulnerable chimneys and skylights. Chimneys and skylights tend to be more vulnerable to heavy rains. Though they are attractive home features, seals where they meet the roof can weaken over time and be susceptible to leaking when rainfall is heavy.
• Seeping water around the roof. Roof leaks are a leading consequence of heavy rainfall that can sneak up suddenly. Something as minor as a missing shingle or weak spot can let unwanted rainwater seep in.
• Clogged gutters. Gutters clogged with debris can’t properly drain rainwater, which means leaks from puddles as the water is left standing against the roofline. This is why clogged gutters can cause significant home damage after heavy rains.
• Malfunctioning sump pumps. Regular maintenance is critical to homes with sump pump systems. If issues go undetected, the pump system can get overwhelmed and cannot effectively move water away from the home.

Rain + Water Damage = Mold

The unfortunate result of heavy rains is water damage. And the unfortunate result of water damage in homes is a possibility of mold growth. In fact, mold can begin growing in as little as 48 hours after water damage has occurred. That’s why it’s important to stay safe and get excess water cleaned up professionally to minimize the chance of mold growth. Our Team at SERVPRO of Southeast Milwaukee County is ready at a moment’s notice to help with any of your water mitigation emergencies—simply call 414-421-3500.

Count on SERVPRO in Dry Conditions, Too

Rainfall and other causes of water damage aren’t the only threats to your home or business. Thankfully residents and businesses throughout Southeast Milwaukee County rely on our SERVPRO team for everything from air duct cleaning and fire damage restoration to commercial cleaning and home disinfecting. Discover what we can do for you—contact us for a complimentary consultation and estimate today!