The Risk of Water Damage in Downriver
The Downriver region in Michigan gets as much water poured from above as much as there is underground. The record-breaking heavy rainfall by the river mixes with the rainwater and turns into floods, causing major inconvenience to the residents. Besides the flood, heavy rains also heighten the risk of water damage to properties.
If you live in the downriver region, here’s how the risk of water damage can affect your home and the steps you can take to avoid it:
Seepage in Basement
Your home’s basement has the highest chances of getting affected by water damage. As more than half the basement structure is under the ground level, the basement is prone to receiving water seepage.
Heavy rains increase the quantity of water available on the surface and the ground absorbs as much as it can. This results in increased water pressure in the ground.
The water in the ground applies this pressure on the basement walls. If the basement walls are not thick enough and not well maintained or have cracks and gaps, the soil’s water pressure can lead to water seepage in the basement.
Once the water has seeped into the basement, it can lead to all sorts of issues. The walls of the basement can continue to get damaged. The seepage can spread to within the structure of the basement walls too.
To avoid seepage in the basement, ensure regular maintenance of your home’s basement. Seal any cracks you find in the basement walls or vents with cement.
Weakened Foundation
Similar to the basement, your home’s foundation is also prone to receive water pressure from the ground. Any cracks and gaps in it can lead the underground water onto your home’s foundation. The water can continue to increase if it goes unchecked, resulting in the collapse of the entire home.
While the foundation of any home is its strongest feature, it requires as much maintenance as others. Regular maintenance of your home’s foundation can save it from all kinds of damage and keep it standing.
Overflowing Indoor Plumbing
The sewage system in Downriver can easily get affected. Firstly, the high tides in the river can raise water levels in the ground and the sewage pipelines.
Secondly, heavy rains can also fill up the sewage lines and affect the overall sewage system. Unfortunately, most of the time, both reasons for overflow of sewage lines take place simultaneously.
There are a few steps that you can take to counter this tricky situation:
- Install wider pipes in your home
- Install heavy-duty pipes in your home
- Keep your home’s sewage system clean and blockage-free
- Install a tank under the ground to stop the overflow
Installing heavy-duty pipes is essential as weak pipes can burst and spill their contents into the surrounding area. Heavy-duty pipes don’t burst and hence lower the risk of water damage in your home.
Damaged Roof and Walls
The roof and walls of your home are your primary layer of protection against heavy rains. As they face the rain, they are likely to receive water damage. If your home’s roof and walls are not maintained, the damage they receive can easily transfer inside your home too.
Heavy rainfall can especially break or misplace the shingles on your home’s roof. The missing shingles can leave the roof’s structure exposed which can be further damaged for various reasons. Most importantly, it can lead the rainwater directly into the house and affect the floor and belongings.
Walls with cracks and gaps can also lead the rainwater inside. If the exterior of the walls gets damaged, it can dampen the inside of the wall structure, including the drywall and insulation. Damp insulation and drywall can collapse the walls’ structure, whereas damp and swelled-up insulation can also result in mold growth.
To reduce water damage through roof and walls, inspect their exterior and interior for any holes or cracks. Sealing the window and door frames and replacing any missing shingles can especially help keep the water and water damage out of your house.
Mold Growth
While water damage can ruin your home in several, it can have even adverse effects on your and your family’s health. Water damage in any nook or cranny of your house and can lead to mold growth.
Mold can easily grow on any damp surface where it can receive a constant supply of oxygen. From the basement to the rooftop and from wall insulation to wooden furniture, it can grow anywhere. Mold growth can spread fast and can go unnoticed for a long time.
Mold exposure can cause various health issues in humans. If inhaled, mold growth can lead to flu-like symptoms that cannot be treated until the mold is removed. In severe cases, mold exposure can also cause dementia or prove to be fatal.
However, mold growth can be tackled in various ways. The most effective solution against mold is keeping the home dry. For this purpose, you can run a dehumidifier in your home. Keep moving the dehumidifier in various rooms, including the basement, to keep the entire house dry and mold-free.
If there are signs of water damage in your home despite all the measures, seeking professional help can be useful. Many restoration services, such as the 911 Restoration of Downriver, offer water damage cleanup and restoration even in emergencies!
