Is Your Georgia Home Ready for Heavy Rain?

A hard rain can tell you a lot about your house. So, is your Georgia home ready for heavy rain?

Gutters overflow. Water collects around the foundation. A roof leak suddenly shows up. A crawlspace gets wet. Water finds its way through a window or door… before now it’s never been an issue.

Most of the time, the rain is not the entire problem, but it exposes something that was already there.

When it rains, the water needs somewhere to go.

If your gutters are clogged, they can send water over the edge of the roof instead of through the downspouts. Downspouts that empty right beside the house can dump gallons of water against the foundation. Low areas in the yard can hold water instead of carrying it away.

Inspect your property thoroughly during or right after a good rain. Is water flowing away from the house or is it collecting beside it and pooling up?

Other things to check include your roof. Roofs do not always have to be visibly damaged to leak. Loose flashing, worn seals, damaged shingles and small openings around roof penetrations can let water in during periods of heavy rain in Georgia.

The first sign may not be water dripping from the ceiling. It may be a stain in the attic, damp insulation, bubbling paint or a musty smell that shows up a few days later.

Heavy rain can also create problems around crawlspaces, basement walls, windows, doors and exterior drains.

If you see standing water where you normally do not, damp building materials, staining or moisture coming through a wall, don’t assume it will just dry on its own. Moisture left behind can also create conditions for mold growth.

You can’t control the weather, but you can pay attention to how your property handles it. These small warning signs are much easier to deal with before they turn into a full water loss.

If heavy rain leaves water inside your home or business, First In Restoration can help locate the affected areas, remove the water and properly dry the structure.

When disaster strikes, call First In Restoration at 678-483-7284.