Fall Is Here. Is Your Home Ready?
Rain season is back in the Lower Mainland. So are the wind storms, the atmospheric rivers and the odd cold snap that catches everyone off guard. Most water damage we see in fall and winter is preventable. A few hours of prep now can save you thousands later.
Here's where to start.
1. Clear your gutters and downspouts
Clogged gutters are the number one cause of water getting where it shouldn't. Leaves and needles pile up fast. Water overflows, pools at your foundation and finds its way inside. Clean them in October and again after the leaves drop. Make sure downspouts drain at least 1.5 metres away from your home.
2. Check your roof
Look for missing, cracked or curling shingles. Check the flashing around chimneys, skylights and vents. Moss is common here, and it holds moisture against your roof. Small fixes now beat a ceiling leak in January.
3. Test your sump pump and perimeter drains
If you have a sump pump, pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it kicks on. If your home has perimeter drains, consider having them inspected or flushed. Heavy rain overwhelms blocked drains quickly.
4. Protect your pipes
Cold snaps don't last long here, but they do damage. Disconnect garden hoses. Shut off and drain outdoor taps. Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls. Know where your main water shutoff is. Everyone in the house should.
5. Seal the gaps
Check caulking around windows and doors. Wind driven rain gets into gaps you'd never notice in summer. Fresh caulking and weatherstripping keep water out and heat in.
6. Trim trees and secure the yard
Wind storms bring down branches, and branches bring down power lines and punch through roofs. Trim anything hanging over your home. Secure patio furniture, bins and anything that can become airborne.
7. Watch your grading
The ground around your home should slope away from the foundation. If water pools near your walls after a rain, that's a sign to fix it before it becomes a basement problem.
8. Prep for power outages
Storms knock out power. Keep flashlights, batteries, water and a charged power bank on hand. If you rely on a sump pump, a battery backup is worth every penny.
9. Review your insurance
Read your policy before you need it. Many standard policies don't cover overland flooding or sewer backup without added coverage. Know what you have. Take photos or video of your home and belongings now so you have a record if you ever file a claim.
If Water Gets In, Act Fast
Water damage gets worse by the hour. Mould can start growing within 24 to 48 hours. Shut off the water source if you can, move valuables to a dry spot, take photos and call a professional.
That's where we come in. [Company Name] provides 24/7 emergency restoration across the Lower Mainland. Fast response. Full cleanup. Help with your insurance claim, start to finish.
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