2016 has seen a series of intense flooding for the Houston area, with record-setting amounts of rainfall. The huge amounts of water sweeping across the area have caused massive damage to a variety of things, from roads to vehicles and building. Unfortunately, some of the damage from the flood may not be fully seen for years to come. That’s because standing water can damage the foundation of a home, causing failure as it weakens.
When flooding reaches high levels, there may not be a way to keep water from reaching your home’s foundation, but there are steps that you can take in the wake of flooding near your home.
Keep an Eye Out for Foundation Damage
Time is critical if your home’s foundation has been damaged. There are a number of signs that can indicate foundation failure, and quickly repairing the damage can save a lot of trouble and money in the end.
Signs of foundation damage can include:
- Sticking windows that won’t open easily
- Cracks, especially around doorframes and the corners of rooms
- Jamming doors that don’t seem to line up with their frames properly
If you spot any of these issues in your home, or you suspect foundation failure, it’s important to consult with foundation repair specialists as soon as possible to have your home evaluated.
If water has entered your home, be sure to dry everything as thoroughly as possible. Leaving moist carpet padding, curtains, or flooring not only poses a safety hazard in the form of molds and mildews, but it can cause long-term damage to your home.
Prepare for Future Floods
In an area like Houston, floods aren’t commonplace, but they are an inevitable hazard of the area. While it may not be possible to remove all possibility of flood damage to your home, there are some steps than can reduce the possibility of serious harm. For instance, many homes can be raised to a higher elevation. If your home will need to be raised to repair current foundation failure, it may be a good time to explore the option of keeping it elevated. Structures such as floodwalls can also be used to direct or reduce floodwaters that could reach your home.