ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT POTENTIAL FLOODING THIS SPRING???

Due to the large snowfall we have had this winter; the locals say “If you don’t get water leaking into your basement this spring, you probably never will!” That isn’t such great news for most of us!

If you are not so lucky and you experience flooding, what kind of damage can you expect?  Ruined belongs; potential for mold growth, onset of health issues, damage to building, financial and time strain, to name just some of the possible problems.

For many who work in related fields, the consensus is that everyone will need to take some precautionary steps to minimize flooding damage.  Did you know?

• A steady rain over several days will severely increase the water content of the snow.  Removing as much snow as possible from around the house may be required.  A cubic foot of drifted, compacted and piled snow may contain as much as 2 to 4 gallons of water.  Melting of the snow may cause wet basements if the water is allowed to pool near the foundations. Moving snow three to five feet away from the house will greatly reduce the problem.  Creating channels for the melted snow to travel away from buildings, driveways and pathways will reduce water load near the foundations.

• Try to open the rain gutters and drains to ensure that water flows away from the house.  Rain gutters should empty several feet away from the house.  Approximately 2,500 gallons of water can come from a roof that measures 1,000 square feet with one foot of snow across it.  Consider that the average bungalow roof is twice that size.  This amount of water may cause issues if rain gutters are full or drains are plugged.

• Uncover and test your sump pump(s) to ensure that it is working properly!  Chances are it will be used often over the next few months.

• Clean and prepare your dehumidifier.  Generally, recommended indoor relative humidity levels are between 30 and 50 %. Cardboard storage boxes and building materials will become breeding grounds for biological allergens.  For example dust mites and/or mold, thrive in warm damp environments with a food source such as paper, carpets, etc.

• The ground that is in contact with the foundation is usually not frozen due to heat loss through the cement walls of the foundation.  This ‘not frozen’ zone can become saturated with snow melt or rain.  Because the surrounding earth is frozen, there is no where for the water to go and hydrostatic pressure can develop.  Often this pressure is enough to force water through even the smallest of cracks.  If your foundation is visible, inspect and repair any interior cracks that you may find.

• Prepare your wet/dry vacuum for use in the wet mode so you are ready to react quickly to water that has appeared.  Thoroughly clean and dry water damaged carpets and building materials within twenty four hours or consider removal and replacement.  Carpets and building materials will harbour mold and bacteria.  It is very difficult to remove biological contaminants.

Only Mother Nature knows for sure how this spring will unfold but hopefully with everyone being proactive we can avoid personal hardship and minimize potential damage!