RAINY DAYS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

PROTECTING YOUR HOME AGAINST WATER INTRUSION 

It has been pretty wet and soggy since Halloween which means the ground has remained relatively saturated. When the rain water can no longer seep into the soil it will remain on the surface until it finds somewhere to go. This can often result in huge puddles and flooding as the water tries to find somewhere it can go. Here are a few ways you can help protect your largest investment, your home...

1) Ensure your gutters are free of leaves and other debris. If full or clogged the water will just spill over the sides as opposed to traveling to the downspout. This puts water directly around the foundation of your home which can let water into the crawlspace, window wells and also increase water pressure along the foundation wall which over time will create leaks into your basement. 

2) Check and make sure your downspout extensions are not clogged, are properly connected and extend far enough from the home for the water to drain away from the house. 

3) Many contractors and landscapers will advise you to ensure that the ground along your foundation slopes away from the home so that run off water does not move towards the foundation. In the early stages the water will still move down the mound of dirt next to the house but once saturated this will help alleviate some of the water pooling around the home. 

4) Have your crawlspace or basement inspected for water, moisture, humidity and damage at least every two years to help protect your home and proactively catch small issues before they become major hassles. 

If water in your basement and crawlspace is already an issue: 

1) Have your sump pump serviced annually to ensure the pump and all of it's parts are functioning properly. 

2) If you have been living with shelves in your basement and an unfinished space due to occasional water in the basement, is it time to get it fixed for good? 

3) Exterior French drains are prone to fill with sediment and often roots from surrounding trees. Once clogged they are useless. It is for this reason that we do not advocate for exterior trench drains. If you do have one of these drains though you can attempt to snake out the drain and the pipe every two to three years (hopefully that does not involve having to dig it out of the ground). 

If you are concerned call us today for a free inspection and estimate. Be proactive and be prepared. It will be a wet winter. 

Request your free inspection and estimate!