Home Tips With Heavy Rain Approaching.

This year we, in Northern Illinois, we have seen a lot of snow over a two week period recently we are now going to have warm weather with up to 3 inches of rain. With the ground being frozen still and heavy rains in the forecast the water has nowhere to go. I have provided some tips for your home to prepare it for heavy rainfalls.

1. Clear drains around your home. During heavy rainfall, stairwells and window wells can act as catch basins where water can collect and sit without properly draining. Checking and clearing any drains will help reduce the risk of water building up and causing pressure on the foundation of your home.

2. Sump pump checks.

When it rains hard your sump sees a lot of rain in a very short period of time. Check your sump pump discharge line and be sure it isn't obstructed and ensure that is in a place where the water is being directed away from your home.

3. Gutter downspouts

This is an important and DIY friendly one. Make sure all of your gutters have downspouts and extensions if needed. Be sure they are free flowing water thru them and away from the house. This is important because you want the water directed away from the house and you do not want it to pool near the foundation. Clogged gutters can have the water spill over the gutters and down the side of the house to the foundation.

4. Water Accumulation

If you notice at any time that your foundation is leaking or you are seeing water inside your home call a professional immediately! Water coming in from the outside can spell disaster on your home and cost you a lot of money in damages from your flooring, walls, insulation, and anything else that shouldn't get wet. A professional will address the problem and have it fixed quickly.