You don’t need a river in the vicinity for your basement to flood suddenly. Local heavy rains can overwhelm the sewer system quickly – then masses of water penetrate the house from above and below at the same time.
Many property owners and tenants underestimate the risk. Since we have quite a bit of rainy and snowy seasons, you must be prepared for the challenges that the weather might toss at you.
For thousands of years, the Louisville area has been prone to floods. In the winter and spring, low-lying ground along the Ohio River is covered regularly. Usually, Ohio River floods occur over days or weeks, with rivers rising very slowly.
Louisville is also vulnerable to flash floods from tidal waterways. Heavy rainfall along local streams can also cause severe flash floods. It can be easy to flood and slow to drain vast expanses of flatlands, lowlands, and former swamplands. There is sometimes flash flooding within a brief amount of time, often in just a few minutes.
If you would like to read up on the history of flooding in Louisville and surrounding areas, you can read the article here. To ensure that you are prepared for such an event, continue reading, and we will answer the question “Does homeowners insurance cover water damage from rain” below.
Property owners and tenants can prevent or at least limit massive rain damage with a few simple construction measures. Low-lying windows and doors should always be sealed, and dangerous substances should be stored above ground. House entrances can be raised with steps or thresholds.
Sewage pipes with backflow protection – which should be checked regularly – will keep the basement dry. The rain from above and the wastewater pushed back from below can cause enormous damage during heavy rainfall.
If the water managed to make its way into your home, there are still a few things that you can do to mitigate further damage. To avoid a short circuit, the heating system and all electrical devices must be disconnected from the power immediately. That’s why it’s good to know where the electrical panel for the whole house is.
While roofs are made to repel water during heavy rains and storms, the age or poor waterproofing can make the home vulnerable to water damage. You can spot these flaws by looking for broken tiles or slates, loose corrugated iron, and rusty gutters.
A damaged roof allows water to seep into the ceiling cavity and drip onto the walls and ceiling of your home. All of this often results in dark yellow spots and makes the house susceptible to mold. Moisture can also cause rotting of the wood and extensive damage to the roof structure, ceilings, floors, and walls. If you are curious about what happens when you have a water damaged ceiling, you can read this How to fix water damaged ceiling article. Always do your best to keep your gutters clean.
If you notice small problems like little stains or mold appearing on your ceiling or walls, it might be the time to call a professional water damage restoration company. Small faults should be repaired before they turn into significant damage.
Having the right insurance policy is critical when it comes down to paying for the repairs caused by water damage. While most homeowner insurance policies cover accidental and sudden water damage, you might need to purchase additional insurance to protect you from flood or sewage backup from the outside.
Typical homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage that may occur in your home. It also does not cover the damage that would be a result of unresolved maintenance issues. Flood damage insurance can be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program.
If your property is located in an area that’s prone to flooding, purchasing an additional insurance policy that protects you from flood damage is a no-brainer. If you get hit by a flood and do not have the right insurance policy, the cost for water mitigation and water damage restoration services can place a substantial burden on your shoulders.
If you have experienced water damaged due to heavy rainfalls, flooding, burst pipes, or any other unfortunate event, do not hesitate to contact Orange Restoration. We are available around the clock and will dispatch our highly experienced professionals to your location as soon as possible!
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