Rainfall is a normal part of life in York, PA however, when the rain starts to get heavy, it can cause a lot of problems. When rainfall is greater than 100 mm in 24 hours, you’re dealing with heavy rainfall which can lead to flooding, landslides, and other issues. It can also cause water damage in both residential homes and business establishments.
Understanding the Risks of Heavy Rainfall
Heavy rainfall can lead to various types of water damage, including:
- Flooded Basements: Excessive rainwater can seep into basements through cracks in the foundation or poorly sealed windows and doors, causing flooding and water damage to flooring, walls, and belongings.
- Roof Leaks: Heavy rainfall can overwhelm roof drainage systems, leading to leaks and water intrusion through damaged shingles, flashing, or roof vents.
- Sewer Backups: During heavy rainstorms, sewer systems may become overwhelmed, leading to backups and sewage spills into homes through drains and toilets.
Water damage caused by heavy rain can be an expensive problem, and if you don’t know how to deal with it, it can lead to bigger and more expensive problems. Let’s look at what causes water damage, what you can do about it, and the steps you can take to prevent it.
Causes of Water Damage from Heavy Rainfall
A little rain might seem harmless and sometimes even welcome to quell the heat. However, when there’s heavy rain water can accumulate in places in your home which can lead to some serious damage. One of the most common causes of water damage during heavy rainfall is roof leaks. Heavy rainfall can cause rainwater to pool on the roof and this can seep through cracks and gaps in the roofing material and leak inside your home. If not taken care of, this seemingly harmless leak can lead to significant damage to your ceiling, walls, and floors. Moisture and wood can also cause mold growth which is another costly issue if leaks are not addressed properly.
Another cause of water damage is poor drainage systems. We’ve established that heavy rainfall means a lot of water coming down from the sky and without proper drainage systems, water can accumulate and pool around your home’s foundation which can then cause leaks and other major damages.
This can also lead to basement flooding which is one really massive problem that you don’t want to have. Having an excess of water pooled in the basement can cause major damage to your home’s structure and foundation and can really lead to even more problems and expenses.
Signs and Symptoms of Water Damage from Heavy Rainfall
Water damage from heavy rainfall can manifest in many ways. A common sign of water damage from heavy rainfall would be mold growth. Damp and humid environments can cause mold growth which can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. It can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems.
Other indicators of water damage are water stains and musty odors. These may appear on walls, floors, and ceilings, and could mean that there is an underlying problem that caused it like a leak.
You should also be on the lookout for any changes in appearance or textures in your home. Are your floors warped? Have you noticed your walls bubbling? If you’re seeing these signs, then you have water damage and you’ll need to act fast if you want to stop the damage from getting bigger and start on the repairs right away.
Steps to Take When Heavy Rainfall Causes Water Damage
If your home or business establishment has suffered water damage due to heavy rainfall, you’ll need to act fast to keep the damage sustained from getting worse. If you’re inexperienced in dealing with water damage from heavy rainfall, it is best to call a professional restoration company to do the job. These professionals have the expertise and proper equipment to do the job safely and effectively. For smaller-scale water damage, here are some steps that you can take:
Emergency Response
Before you do anything else, make sure to turn off the power to the affected area. We all know that water and electricity are not a good mix and you don’t want to go anywhere near the affected area if there’s power running.
Water Extraction
The next step is to extract all the water that has pooled or accumulated in the affected area. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess water. Once the water level has gone down, you can use a mop to extract the remaining water until the affected area is just damp instead of soaking wet.
Structural Drying
This next step is crucial to prevent mold growth as mold thrives in damp spaces and can spread quickly. Mold can also be hazardous to your health so this step should not be skipped. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected area.
Mold Remediation
If after structural drying you still see mold, you’ll need to hire a professional to take care of it. As we’ve established, mold can be hazardous to your health and can lead to some serious complications, so it is best left with professionals.
Prevention and Maintenance Tips
Preventing water damage from heavy rainfall is crucial in protecting your home or business from costly repairs and health hazards. Here are some prevention and maintenance tips to help keep your property safe:
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Regular inspections of your property’s roof, gutters, and drainage systems can help identify potential problems before they turn into costly repairs. Hire a professional contractor to inspect and maintain your property’s exterior regularly.
Improving Drainage Systems
Improving your property’s drainage systems can prevent water from pooling around your home’s foundation. Consider installing French drains, a dry well, or other drainage systems to redirect water away from your property.
Basement Waterproofing
Waterproofing your basement can prevent basement flooding and other water damage. Consider installing a sump pump, interior or exterior drainage systems, or applying a waterproof sealant to your basement walls and floors.
Conclusion
Heavy rainfall in York, PA can cause severe water damage to homes and businesses if not taken care of properly. It can cause roof leaks and flooding, which can turn into serious water damage. You’ll need to keep an eye out for the telltale signs of water damage and act on it as soon as you see it. However, the best solution is always taking the proper steps for prevention. Well-implemented preventative measures not only save your home from water damage, but they can also save you from huge expenses.
Remember to do regular inspections and maintenance and do the proper waterproofing on high-risk areas of your home or business establishment to prevent water damage from even happening. If you’re unsure of what to do or are inexperienced in dealing with water damage, it’s best to call a reputable professional water damage restoration company to do the job.
