How To Prevent Water Damage This Storm Season
Summer weather is unpredictable, especially in Queensland. During summer you’ll frequently find that it can be a perfect day with clear blue skies one minute and then the next you’ll be facing a severe thunderstorm. The key to feeling safe when wild weather hits is being prepared and understanding how you can prevent water damage from occurring in your home.
There are numerous ways you can prepare your home for the upcoming storm season and prevent water damage from ever occurring in the first place. Keep reading to find out what water damage is and the simple things you can do to prevent your home from being severely impacted this summer.
What Is Water Damage?
Water damage is the damage that occurs to your home when it’s exposed to a sudden infiltration of unwanted water in places it shouldn’t be. Water damage can occur from various sources such as:
- Leaks
- Flooding
- Burst Pipes
- Storms
- Blocked Gutters
- Poor Drainage
Water damage can be caused by several different issues but no matter the cause it’s important to always have your property checked by a professional when you first notice signs of dampness. Many people attempt to deal with the water damage themselves but what they don’t know is that there are different types of water that are not only harmful to your home but to your family too.
When water damage occurs due to flooding, a leaking dishwasher, or a burst pipe in your bathroom this can be harmful water known as greywater or black water. Greywater is wastewater from domestic use such as from your washing machine or dishwasher. This water isn’t completely toxic but isn’t safe for consumption as there is plenty of bacteria in the water that can easily spread throughout your home affecting the health of your family.
Blackwater is the most dangerous type of water and can contain toxic contaminants such as chemicals and sewage, having detrimental effects on your property and the health of those living there. Whether you can identify the type of water or not, it’s always important to contact professional help immediately to contain the damage and ensure the safety of your family.
How Do Storms Cause Water Damage?
When a summer storm rolls in hard and fast it can cause water damage in various types of ways, depending on the type of storm and where your property is situated. The most common form of water damage caused by storms is due to heavy rain or hail. When hail or heavy rain occurs, it can weaken your roof, causing holes and therefore leading to water seeping into your home.
If your home is situated close to water, an unexpected large downpour can cause water to rise quickly which in turn can infiltrate your home, especially if a high tide coincides with the storm. Flooding is also common in low-lying areas of Queensland throughout the storm season so it’s important to understand what usually happens in your local suburb to see if that is something your home may be susceptible to.
So, What Can You Do to Prepare Your Home for Wild Weather?
Check That Windows and Doors Are Secure
Windows and doors are the gates to your home, so ensuring that they are nice and secure is the first step to preventing water damage. Inspecting your windows and doors for cracks can help you identify where issues may be and correct them before storm season. It’s also important to check if any areas are flimsy because during storms winds can pick up dramatically which flimsy areas may not be able to withhold and if they give out water will come straight into your home. To help water from creeping in underneath your door you can also purchase a weatherstrip which helps keep unwanted water out of your home.
Give Your Home a Good Clean Before Storm Season
Keeping your home tidy can decrease your chances of water damage occurring drastically. The first thing to tidy up is your outside gutters. Checking that gutters are clear, and clearing them if they are not, helps water exit your property quickly and efficiently without any severe impacts. If drains are left with debris in there then this allows water to sit and build up, eventually overflowing and damaging your home. Cleaning up any green waste from your yard will also allow water to leave your property easily without causing any flooding.
Think Ahead
Thinking ahead is the simplest and the most cost-effective way to prevent water damage. Completing a thorough inspection of your home will ensure you will know what needs more work when it comes to protecting your home. For example, it’s important to thoroughly check your roofing prior to storm season. Whether you complete it yourself or have a qualified professional check it out, it’s important to check that there aren’t any existing holes in the roof that water can seep through without your knowledge
My Property Has Been Affected by Water Damage, What Do I Do?
No matter how large or small the area that has been affected by water damage is, it will always need professional attention. Water damage can cause serious impacts on the structural integrity of your home, as well as cause health impacts on those living there if it’s left long enough to begin growing mould.
Our water damage experts here at South QLD Restoration will be able to identify the kind of water that has infiltrated your home and deal with it the best way possible. We have an emergency line available 24/7 to ensure you are able to get the help you need when you need it.
After the initial assessment, our team will quickly devise an action plan to prevent any further damage, clean up your home and have it restored to the condition it was in prior to the water damage. Reach out to us today for more information about our water damage restoration service.
