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Summer Water Damage

The seasons bring with them their own unique challenges and hazards. In the summer, springtime thaws and floods give way to hot, sunny days and different forms of water damage. The snow has melted and your home isn’t in danger of suffering from frozen pipes, but other hazards exist ranging from flash floods in the desert and hurricanes in the Atlantic states to damaged foundations, mold, and condensation.

Flash floods are short term flood events that can affect areas far from the original rainstorm or water release (such as a dam breaking). These floods arrive in a flash, wiping out roadways, homes, and anything else in their paths. Slow moving summertime thunderstorms are often to blame for flash floods. Water damage can occur to homes that are in a flood plain as well as to homes in low-lying areas. Storm drain systems often can’t keep up with the floodwaters and become backed up, further adding to the potential for damage. Homes in low-lying areas, downstream from dams, and in areas near water are particularly at risk.

Summer storms, including hurricanes in the Atlantic states and monsoons in the southwest, bring with them heavy rainfall, high winds, and storm surges in coastal communities. These events can cause flooding as well as water damage from backed up storm drain systems and blown out windows and rooftops.

In the summer, humidity rises and thus, the potential for mold growth increases. If a home floods for any reason during periods of high humidity, the clock is ticking faster than ever. The sooner you can mop up the mess and start drying out the home, the better! It’s worth spending extra for an emergency response because doing so often prevents more costly damages.

While flash floods, hurricanes, monsoons, and high humidity cause plenty of water damage during the summer months, we can’t blame Mother Nature for it all. Other summertime water damage occurs due to plumbing problems, above ground pool collapses, air conditioner condensation, and even overwatering the lawn.

Now is a good time to tinker around the house, making sure that all plumbing is well maintained and repairing any leaks. Pay special attention to areas where condensate collects, such as the drip pans under your central heater, air conditioner unit, water heater, and refrigerator. Empty these pans and check them periodically to ensure that they do not overflow and cause damage to your walls, floors, and other structures. In addition, mold can form in these environments, so keep these areas dry.

If you live in a humid area, your home could be prone to water and mold damage due to condensation. Look for signs of condensation such as foggy windows and water droplets on the walls. Rooms that are most likely to suffer from condensation-related water damage include the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry areas. Steamy showers are fairly obvious, but did you know cooking and doing laundry also contribute to indoor humidity? Consider investing in additional exhaust fans or a humidity control system to combat this problem.

You’ll also need to do some work outside to combat the potential summertime effects of water including cleaning out those rain gutters (clogged rain gutters are notorious for causing water to seep under the roof or into the home’s walls), repairing broken sprinkler heads, and perhaps even re-grading the slope of your yard so that groundwater flows away from your foundation.

Summer’s here and water damage is lurking. Are you prepared to prevent it?

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