Our homes are known for being specifically designed to resist harsh natural elements. Whether it’s heavy rain, hurricanes, strong winds, and even hailstorms, many houses and living spaces can usually hold on their own regarding natural disasters and harsh weather conditions.
But it’s also important to consider that the strengths of certain forms of home designs are ultimately dependent on the prevalence of weather conditions. For instance, homes in low-lying areas will usually place a lot of emphasis on flood-proofing since these homes are more susceptible to damage from flooding.
But even though most homes will place a lot of emphasis on the use of construction materials for strong winds, hurricanes, and hailstorms, water damage will always be one of the most prevalent forms of structural damage. However, many homeowners might think that water damage is only a mild annoyance and a trivial matter. It can chip away at the structural integrity of many suburban homes and apartments for hundreds of years.
In fact, some studies done by industries would suggest that around 14,000 households in the United States experience major and widespread problems due to water damage. Water damage is also known for being so prevalent that it affects approximately 98% of basement structures in the United States alone.
Although many types of structural damage can be remedied and repaired, water damage will often result in long-term and permanent damages, leading to a staggering amount of financial consequence.
Standing and ponding water is most frequently known for being one of the most common types of water damage that will usually cause permanent damage to both your home’s support structures, your roofing, and your foundation. That said, we must find ways of addressing standing and ponding water. Here’s what you must know when keeping your home in pristine condition from water damage.
Identifying the Source
But right before discussing what important ways of addressing standing water, you need to identify the water sources that are ponding. This is an effective way of ensuring that you’re more mindful of addressing water damages and problems caused by standing water.
- Debris — When looking for standing water, you should look at how they can get trapped on various materials and furniture. If you have debris, pots, and equipment outside your home, there’s good chance water can accumulate in certain areas. As soon as possible, you should drain ponding water and dispose of this debris. Not only will this cause biological pollutants to form, but this can also cause the proliferation of pests that can cause diseases, like mosquitoes.
- Gutter systems — Another reason water is trapped in hard-to-reach areas is clogged gutters and downspouts. There are various causes for gutter systems clogging up. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow towards areas that could inadvertently cause damage to your home’s foundations.
- Nooks and crannies — Ponding and standing water can also accumulate on roofing and seep through cracks. When there’s a buildup of trapped water and moisture, this can lead to the formation of molds and rotting among wooden surfaces. These molds will usually compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Minding Your Drainage Systems
One of the most effective ways of addressing ponding and standing water is by effectively managing your drainage systems. Normally, your gutter and drainage systems are designed to redirect water towards the proper storm-efficient drains that won’t cause any damage to your home’s structure. However, these waterways, pipes, and gutters can also inadvertently cause more harm than good if they are clogged.
Clogging can be caused by various factors, including the buildup of debris, dead leaves, and other types of trash. Not only will this lead to water overflowing, but this can cause a buildup of pressure. In more extreme cases, waste can come back up and cause even more problems. The same can be said when it comes to sinks, toilets, and storm drains.
Still, it’s important to consider the fact that the process of maintaining these waterways will require professional help and supervision. Fortunately, you won’t have to look anywhere else since professional drain cleaning services can ensure that your drainage systems work in optimal condition. Whether it’s cleaning pipes, storm drains, or sink drains, having professionals do it for you can ensure that you won’t have any future problems.
Cutting Down Foliage
Another effective way of stopping ponding water in its tracks is by ensuring that tree branches and foliage close to your gutters are trimmed and cut. This will ensure that no debris and dead leaves will fall to your roof and your waterways.
Standing water can cause a variety of problems for roofing, your home’s foundations, and the general integrity of your home. Although water damage might seem like a trivial matter, it’s still known for causing extensive damage to homes, especially if not addressed as soon as possible. Whether it’s keeping your waterways clear, cleaning up your gutter system, or regrading your lawn, these are just some of the effective ways of minimizing damage from standing and ponding water. Remember: safety should always be your first priority, and the best way of doing that is through prevention.
