According to the National Weather Service, the rainy season in South Florida has officially begun. Florida doesn’t go through the traditional seasons that other states experience; the climate is mostly sunny and humid throughout the year, with hurricanes and frequent downpours during the rainy season.
Rain and the possible flooding that is associated with it can be a significant source of water damage during the hurricane season. Prevention is better than cure, so it’s best to prepare ahead of time. ServiceMaster by Reed has compiled these tips about avoiding costly water damage during the spring rainy season in Florida.
Categories of Water Damage
The water that can damage your home or building comes in different categories. The IICRC Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration (IICRC S500) divides water into three categories:
- Category 1 – clean water, or water that is safe for and is not a threat to humans. This type of water can come from faulty appliances or sink overflows.
- Category 2 – gray water. This indicates that the water is contaminated and could cause illness if consumed. This water is teeming with microbes. Broken toilets, sump pumps, and seepage all have the potential to create Category 2 water.
- Category 3 – black water. This type of water is unhygienic because it contains germs and other pathogenic microorganisms. Blackwater damage may be caused by sewage problems or the contamination of standing water.
How to Prepare Your Home to Prevent Water Damage
Repair roof leaks
- Roof leaks are a sign of a damaged ceiling, which would only worsen during the rainy season.
- Get roof damage repaired by a licensed roofer to prevent heavy rain from flooding your home and ruining your valuables.
Inspect the sump pump
- Sump pumps are not popular in Florida, as most homes do not have basements. A sump pump is equipment designed to prevent basement flooding.
- If your Florida home has a sump pump, check it often to ensure that any existing damage is repaired ahead of the rainy season.
Clean gutters and drains
- Working gutters and drains prevent pooling by directing water away from the house.
- Clogged gutters can cause attic and roof water damage, while clogged drains can cause a flood. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from your drainage system regularly.
Close holes and cracks
- Water can enter your property through cracks and breaks in your structure.
- Caulk small holes and consider weather-stripping your windows and doors.
Install storm shutters
- Rain can sometimes be accompanied by heavy winds which can send loose items and debris flying and crashing onto your glass doors or windows.
- Installing storm shutters will protect your property throughout the rainy season.
Signs of Water Damage
Be vigilant to notice water damage indicators. Although not all indications are the same, there are a few that you should be aware of in your house. Keep an eye out for the following signs:
1. Dark and Wet Spots
Water spots appear on the ceiling or walls as a result of leaks occurring anywhere. Discoloration may vary from minor shade differences to more noticeable marks. If you have a slow leak, it will likely start off as light spots and deepen as the water accumulates. Some leaks begin outdoors, so check the outside of your house as well.
2. Cracking, flaking, or bubbling
Paint should not peel, bubble, or crack unless your ceiling or walls haven’t been painted in a long time. Waving or peeling wallpaper is an indication that moisture is present.
Excess water seeps through the walls, lifting the paint with it. Paint and wallpaper will ultimately start peeling or bubbling if there is too much moisture behind the walls and ceilings. As a consequence, water damage to drywall may rapidly spread.
Take note of any cracks in the walls or ceilings. Cracks may appear in a spiderweb pattern or as a straight line.
3. Puddles or Pools of Water
As the leaks continue to flow, a pool of water will develop. If you clear up a water puddle and it reappears, you have a leak. If you find a leak, clean it up right away and cover it with a bucket or container. If more water spills, you’ll be able to find the source while avoiding more damage.
4. Pay attention for the Leak.
Some leaks follow the line of wall studs and are virtually undetectable, while others are simpler to hear and identify.
If you hear a ‘popping’ sound in your home’s wall, it’s possible that your pipe has burst. As a homeowner, you may not hear the bursting pipe, but you will hear the aftermath noises of cascading, rushing, or falling water.
5. Utility Bills Have Increased
Keep track of your monthly water expenses. Water bills have some seasonality, but if you see a significant spike in water costs, a leak is most likely to blame. A toilet that isn’t flushed properly might waste up to 200 gallons of water every day. All of this will ‘trickle down’ to your water bill.
6. Humidity or unusual dampness
The corner of a ceiling is beginning to peel, indicating increasingly subtle signs of water damage.
You could see a leak before you notice it. Dampness has an unique odor that is difficult to ignore. You have water collecting if you detect a musty or moldy odor. If your nose smells dampness, search the area for the source.
Schedule a Water Damage Inspection in Miami, Florida
Once you have identified you have a water issue, it is vital to address it right away to prevent further damage and fix the problem. Turn off the main power and close the water main source. For a fast response to your water damage emergency, ServiceMaster by Reed is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (954) 799-4420. We service residential and commercial properties in Miami, Florida, and surrounding areas and counties.
You may also connect with us online to schedule an appointment or email us at smreedoffice1@aol.com. Our office is located at 1210 Stirling Rd. Unit # 8A Dania Beach, FL 33004.
An independent franchise business licensed to serve you by ServiceMaster Restore®.