Be Proactive to Avoid Flood Damage
9/14/2021 (Permalink)
For businesses in Marble Hill, GA, it is more a matter of when not if flooding will happen. While it may not be possible to protect structures from flood damage, taking a proactive approach can help minimize losses and make dealing with the aftermath a little smoother.
Ways to Minimize Damage
Storm damage means trying to keep unwanted water from entering the building. Unfortunately, water can be tricky and find its way in through various means. Before the next storm starts brewing, consider the following to reinforce known areas of saturation:
- Keep drains and ditches free of leaves, mulch, and debris. If there is a storm drain nearby, ensure it is not blocked. Regularly clear debris from drains and ditches.
- Downspouts and gutters can easily get clogged, which means improper drainage onto the foundation. Regularly check them and keep them clean.
- Improper grading can lead to water accumulating around the foundation. Ensure the ground slopes away from it. Additional dirt or sod may be needed to get the right grading.
- The foundation itself can eventually have seal issues or small cracks. A regular foundation inspection makes it easier to find those small issues before they become a big one.
- If located in an area prone to floods, keep sandbags stored on the property that can be used to block rising waters.
Consider a Few Upgrades
If your business has experienced flood damage, you don’t have to deal with the cleanup alone. A water damage and restoration expert can help get your business back to “Like it never even happened.” Once your business is returned to normal, it may be worth considering adding a few upgrades to avoid a repeat. Flood skirts and barriers can be attached to windows and doors. There are also a number of flood detection systems on the market, including smart devices, that feature sensor and alarms when water is detected.
Dealing with flood damage can be a costly and time-consuming situation. Although it may not be possible to entirely avoid, staying ahead of the game by being prepared can make a big difference.