San Diego Water Damage Prevention : Winter Storm

San Diego Water Damage Prevention

San Diego Water Damage Prevention and Response – As the first significant winter storm bears down on San Diego, it is important for San Diego homeowners to take precautionary measures to limit the risk of water damage to their homes – and also to know how to respond if flood or water damage does occur. Rain and storm-related San Diego water damage prevention in some situations.  This is especially important if you consider that most home insurance policies do not cover much of the damage that could occur during a winter storm.  Exterior intrusion from floodwaters, roof leaks, and seepage from pooled up water are scenarios that usually are not covered by the average homeowner’s policy.  A quick inspection is all it takes to insure that your home is as prepared as possible for a major rain event.  Walk the perimeter of the house to ensure that drains are cleared, and inspect for any possible water-entry points, such as cracks in stucco or deterioration of window caulking. Some handy homeowners may be able to make quick weather-proofing repairs, or others may prefer to call in a handyman or contractor to inspect potential problem areas. Make sure gutters are clear of leaves and debris, and if you feel comfortable venturing onto your roof – safety first! – check the state of waterproofing around vents and flashing. Cracking or crumbling of old weatherproofing may be a sign that a new application of an elastomeric sealant such as Henry’s 208R is in order. Roof leaks can cause expensive water and mold damage and are typically not covered by your insurance.

If you know that your home is prone to flooding due to poor drainage or improper sloping of landscaping or patios, be prepared to combat the entry of flood waters into your home with sump pumps, or even door threshold barriers. If you know your roof may be compromised, have tarps at the ready. Sandbags are an extreme precaution that we don’t often experience the need for here in San Diego Water Damage Prevention, but may be necessary if heavy rain is anticipated in your neighborhood, and your home is in a flood-prone area.

Once the rain begins falling, be vigilant for signs of leakage. Roof leaks initially manifest in the form of light to dark staining spreading across your ceiling. Check your doors and windows for pooling water. Otherwise grab a good book and light a fire – this is as close to winter weather as we get in San Diego!

If you happen to find yourself the unfortunate victim of water damage during or immediately after a storm, quick response is key to limit damages. If you observe obvious water damage, do not wait to call your insurance company, who may not cover the damage anyway.  Rather, you should immediately call your preferred San Diego Water Damage Prevention or flood restoration company.  Online review websites such as Angie’s List and Yelp can help you find a reputable local company with excellent reviews. Also check your local BBB chapter. Remember that any professional San Diego water damage prevention and restoration company can work with your insurance carrier on your behalf, if the damage does happen to be eligible for coverage. You do not have to use a company recommended or “pre-approved” by your insurance carrier. These providers are dispatched by your carrier for the cost savings they receive at the corporate level. Instead, hire a company you trust to work on your behalf for your best interests to inspect, diagnose, and mitigate any San Diego Water Damage Prevention from storm rain or flooding. Any professional structural dryout can be billed to your insurance carrier after the fact, but delaying quick action and dryout measures in the hopes of receiving an answer from your insurance carrier may only lead to worse damage as soaked materials deteriorate and become moldy. A mold remediation is much more costly than a clean water flood dryout.