The recent heavy rains have been good for the state's water supply, but the bad news is many homes have been damaged by fallen trees and floods. If you live in an area that's prone to heavy downpours, you should regularly check and make sure your home is protected.
"Water damage weakens your home's foundation. It is always best to take preventive measures and never too late to take steps to protect your home from water damage," says Denise Welsh, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.
Welsh shares the following water damage preventive tips from the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors that will help protect your home the next time heavy storms hit your area.
1. Foundation. Walk around your property and check the foundation. Look for any cracks and holes. If your foundation has cracks wider than 1/4-inch, plug the cracks with an epoxy to prevent water from seeping into your house.
2. Check gutters. Dirt and debris can clog your gutters and cause rain water to back up in the gutters and damage boards and windowsills. Clear your gutters regularly so your home is safe the next time rain is in the forecast. Gutter maintenance is the key to preventing water damage.
3. Check downspouts. Downspouts, like gutters, are critical to ridding the roof of water and away from your home. While it is raining, keep an eye on your downspouts to make sure they are channeling rain water where they should be. Purchase downspout extensions to direct the water five to 10 feet away from your foundation.
4. Slope your yard. Your yard can only absorb so much water. To prevent water from accumulating on your foundation, your yard should be designed to ward off water. Check with a professional landscaper or someone who is familiar with landscape construction if your yard is absorbing too much water close to your home's foundation.
5. Roof. Inspect your roof regularly, especially after a heavy rain or storm. Look for missing or worn-out roofing materials, like cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing, missing or broken shingles. Inspect the underside of the plywood beneath your roof for watermarks or mold. It is always best to get a professional assessment if you find any of these signs, especially is your roof is old. Installing a rubber roof underlayment, a waterproof barrier that goes under the shingles, protects the roof from water intrusion.
"The key to protecting your home against water damage is maintenance. Keep your home in good repair. Do not procrastinate," says Welsh.
In case a flood is imminent, follow the following safety tips from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
Take the following precautions during a flood:
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.