5 Tips On How To Prevent Storm Damage

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

5 quick tips from SERVPRO of Des Moines SW & East on how to prevent storm damage to your home this summer

Clean your gutters. - Clogged and damaged gutters are what often lead to roof leaks and foundation leaks. When your gutters are full of leaves and debris it prevents the water from draining down the down spout and away from your house causing water to pool on the roof and around the foundation.

Check your foundation. - If you have cracks or large gaps in your foundation water could seep into your home during a heavy rainstorm causing water damage. Water is crafty and will find any source inside it can. Its also a good note to check the drain in basement egress windows this can become clogged with debris and act like a bucket filling with water and leaking around the window.

Pack up all outdoor furniture. - Often times outdoor furniture is made from light weight materials and in a strong wind guest can rip it right off your patio and launch it into your home or vehicles causing significant damage.

Know how to shut off your utilities. If storm damage happens to your home you may need to shut off the utilities. It’s a good practice to locate all utility shut offs and know how they work before a storm hits.

Inspect your property - Look for dead or damaged trees often times in a storm the trees can get knocked down or limbs torn off that are damaged or dead. Call a licensed arborist for help with this inspection.