With hurricane season coming up, it’s important to be prepared if you live in South-East Texas! Some key knowledge during this season can help your home outlast any weather.
Staying waterproof during the rainy season can be tough, especially if you’re living in an older home. It’s important to move fast if water does get in. So what are some usual causes for interior water damage?
- If the wet patches are on the ceiling, wall, or on the corners, there may be a drainage block near that area causing the water to seep into the walls.
- If the wet patches are starting from the floor it indicates that moisture is being absorbed by the ground or from some faulty plumbing below it.
- If the wall is just damp and you’re not sure where it started from, it indicates that the room has excess moisture build-up. Here, poor ventilation causes condensation to take place all over the walls.
Now that you know the probable cause of damp walls, here are the best ways to prevent further leaking.
- Use sealant, putty, or grout to cover cracks on pipes and walls.
- Opt for waterproofing coating on the exterior walls to create a barrier from rain and moisture.
- Invest in a damp-proof course, an impervious material built into the brick wall to create a barrier between the ground and wall. This prevents water from the ground level to cause any damage.
- You can also opt for silicon paints for indoor walls that have high water-resistant properties.
And further, to help you stay prepared, The American Red Cross recommends having these items in your hurricane supply kit:
- At least a 7-day supply of non-perishable food and water. One gallon of water per person per day is recommended
- Battery-powered portable television or radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First Aid kit and manual
- Sanitation and hygiene items such as instant hand sanitizing gel, moist towelettes, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products
- Whistle
- Kitchen accessories, cooking utensils, and manual can opener
- Cash
- Extra clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Photocopies of identification, insurance, prescriptions, household inventory, credit cards, and your latest utility bill
- CD or photocopies of important documents such as birth/marriage certificates and titles
- Prescription medications, eyeglasses, contact lens solution, and hearing aid batteries
- Formula, baby food, diapers, and pacifiers
- A good map showing county roads and highways
- Tire repair kit, booster cables, pump, and flares
- White distress flag
- Toys and games for children
- List of family phone numbers and addresses outside the area