The Last of the April Showers -- Be Careful of Flooding

Over the last few days, we've gotten crazy amounts of rain in our area. In fact, while today seems to be a beautifully sunny day, this morning there are still flood warnings in Camden County, Cumberland County Gloucester County, Ocean County and Salem County.

Travelling around Buena, Hammonton, Millville and Vineland the past few days, I've seen many homes with hoses running out of the basements. As I've posted in the past, water isn't kind to homes, as a home inspector, I'm constantly telling my clients, friends and family to be sure they take the necessary steps to move rainwater away from the foundation of their homes. (See my previous posts on gutters and downspouts, rainwater drainage systems and waterproofing for basements.)

Today, I thought it would be important to share how important it is to do a thorough clean up after flood damage and make the necessary repairs to prevent flooding from happening again.

Below is an article provided by InterNACHI, the international certification board for home inspectors (to which I am a member). It provides great information for what I'm looking out for when doing an inspection in a flood damaged building along with advice for homeowners (and home buyers).

April Showers Bring May Flowers... Be Sure Your Gutters & Downspouts are Ready for the Rain

April's reputation as the cruellest month is probably a little unfair. In fact, it is a great time to check your homes' rain gutters and downspouts to ensure you have proper drainage away from your home.

First, be sure your gutters are clean. Leaves can build up in your gutters which can cause water to leak into your home along your roof under the shingles, at the fascia or soffit boards, or eaves.

Next, check your down spouts to ensure rain water is draining properly --away from the house.

Gardens and planters can pose potential problems for diverting water away from your home's foundation. 

One of the best online resources we've found that shows the problems rain can cause to your home along with currently available solutions is a video produced by NDS Drainage Systems.

NDS Drainage Systems: How to fix your downspout problem

We frequently recommend that our clients install pop-up rainwater drainage systems. Water can be the source of all kinds of trouble for homes: bugs and insects, mold, foundation and basement cracks, and more.

This video highlights the  problems with puddling rainwater and what you can do to remedy the problem.


Please Note: I am an independent, self-employed home inspector. I am neither affiliated with NDS nor do I receive any compensation for this or any of my blog posts. I encourage all of my clients do their due diligence and check out any product or service before making a purchase.  Unless otherwise noted, the opinions expressed are my own. My blog posts are a value-added service I provide to my clients. Occasionally, I will share my experience with and knowledge of different products that my clients may find useful.