Trappe, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/17/2022 --Kelly Insurance works with residents of Phoenixville, PA, Limerick, PA, Royersford, PA, Skippack, PA, Collegeville, PA, Trappe, PA, and surrounding areas to help them understand how heavy rain can weaken the protection your home provides from the elements. With a little maintenance and a lot of vigilance, it's easy to stay safe and dry.
Spring rainstorms are a fact of life in many areas of the country, and they help keep things green, even if they keep you inside. But when they get heavy, it's time to start thinking about the potential impact all that water has on your home. The first step is finding and fixing any immediate problems as soon as it's safe to do so. Then, you'll want to take measures to prevent those problems from happening during the next downpour!
Where is all that rain going?
Your roof and gutters form a key line of defense for your home – and in a storm, they're vulnerable, because so many things can damage them. Trees, hail, and other objects can create weaknesses that might lead to leaks in your roof, so check for missing shingles and other issues. And keep your gutters clear so all that water drains properly.
Are you checking everywhere?
Water dripping from the ceiling is hard to miss. Water in your crawl space, however, can easily go undetected because hardly anyone ever checks there. Don't forget to look down there after a storm (or have a professional do it) to make sure everything is nice and dry. If you do see moisture, you'll want to get it out with a sump pump as soon as possible.
And don't just look up – another place to check is your home's exterior, whether it's siding, brick, or another material. Weak spots can be hard to see, so look at various times of the day in different lighting conditions. Of course, you'll want to make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed to keep the elements out, too.
What about around your property?
Storm water must go somewhere, and if your property doesn't drain well, or if runoff goes toward your foundation, you could have problems. Watch for patterns, and grade property so it drains away from your home if possible. Always be wary of hillsides and tilting trees after heavy storms because the land might not be stable. And don't forget to keep storm drains clear of leaves and other debris. This can prevent flooding both on the streets and your own property.
What should you do during the storm?
During powerful storms, stay inside. This is not the time to check your roof, your exterior, or your property unless there's an emergency and you know it's safe to go out. Monitor your interior, making sure no water is getting in. If it is, do what you can to alleviate the situation in the moment, even if it means just placing something under a leak to collect the water. For more serious problems, though, remember that safety is the most important thing. If your basement is flooding, for example, don't go down there – you could be trapped and risk drowning.
Thankfully, powerful storms only hit occasionally. Preparing for them, however, should be on your mind a lot more frequently.
Released with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.
About Kelly Insurance Group
Since 1984, Kelly Insurance Group has been helping residents of Pennsylvania find the right insurance for their needs. This family-owned agency understands that providing quality risk management solutions for their clients is an important job, and they are honored to do it. Kelly can be reached online at www.kellyins.com or by calling 610-489-9442.
Heavy Rain? Be on the Lookout for Heavy Damage