Protect Your Home from Storm Water Runoff

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

All that water has to go somewhere! Here are several ways to direct storm water runoff away from your home.

In the natural environment, storm water runoff is absorbed by soil, evaporates into the atmosphere or flows into bodies of water, such as streams, lakes or rivers. But on your property, storm water runoff can quickly overwhelm natural and man-made systems, leading to flooding repair and property damage.

Some ways to manage storm water runoff on your property include planting trees and other vegetation, building rain gardens and installing rain barrels or cisterns to collect roof water. Consider these additional aspects of managing runoff, which can point to some long- and short-term improvements to your home and yard that can prevent expensive water damage after a storm.

Evaluate Your Property

During or right after a storm, go outside and observe how water flows on your property. Note the different grades and slopes and whether they divert the flowing water away from your home. Look for low spots where water pools and identify any steep slopes that show signs of surface erosion.

Add Permeable Surfaces

Rain that falls on roofs, driveways, patios, roads and other impervious areas moves at greater speeds and can pool, eventually flooding your home. Consider replacing impervious areas with water-absorbing surfaces, such as permeable paving stones or pavers.

Direct Water Away from Your Home

Your roof gutter downspouts, driveways, walkways and patios should direct runoff away from your house to areas that can absorb or slow the surface flow, such as landscaped areas. If your driveway or other impervious surfaces have a negative pitch back toward the house, consider installing trench or area drains to divert water away from the house.

Keep Your Basement Dry

Basements that are prone to water intrusion should have a water collection system in place, such as a sump pump system with a battery backup. Consider elevating your home’s mechanical systems or installing curbs around finished areas and storage areas.

Be Aware of High Water Tables

Have your sewer or septic system checked by a professional. If the groundwater rises too high, it can affect the efficiency and operation of the system, which may lead to a sewer backup or waste leaching above the ground or back into the house.

Seal Your Envelope

Make sure that your house’s exterior—its envelope—is maintained, including roofing, flashings, weather barriers, windows, doors and sealants.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836

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The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) any time.

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If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836