Tips to Avoid Water Damage to Your Hamilton County Home

4/28/2017 (Permalink)

The arrival of warm weather each spring is a welcome change after a long, cold Indiana winter. Unfortunately, the change in temperatures means your home could be at risk for flooding, especially with spring's heavy rains and unpredictable storms.     

There are some steps you can take to safeguard your home from a water damage.

1. Inspect, clean and repair your rain gutters. Gutters clogged with leaves or other debris may not be functioning properly and may not be channeling water away from your home. This can cause water to accumulate next to your home's foundation and eventually make it's way inside. Also, be sure water is draining away from your home to storm drains and not accumulating on your property.

2. Check your sump pump to be sure it is working properly. You may also want to consider a backup generator. If your home loses power, this will keep your sump pump functioning and water out of your basement.

3. Visually inspect your outside pipes for leaks and damage. 

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Hamilton County

SERVPRO of Hamilton County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Call the experts at SERVPRO of Hamilton County at 317-773-0422 for 24-hour emergency service.