What kinds of water loss are most common in this town?
Storm water through low doors and foundation gaps is the most common call after a heavy rain. Crawl-space pooling follows, especially on the lower lots, and split lines in a cold snap make up most of the winter calls.
Ceiling stains after ice storms are the third common type. They usually come from a roof or an upstairs line, and the crew checks the path rather than the stain.
How do older and newer houses differ for water?
Older houses with crawl spaces and raised floors can hold water under the floor for longer, and their framing takes longer to dry. Newer houses with slab or shallow foundations can have water running along the slab edge and into the wall at the base.
The drying plan is set to the house, and the readings decide what comes out. The crew does not assume the same approach for every house on the same street.
What should the homeowner do in the first hour?
Shut the main if a line is running, keep clear of standing water near outlets and the panel, and move valuables up and out of the way. Photograph the water line and the damage, and write down the times.
If the water is coming through a ceiling, keep everyone out from under it. The crew will release the water in a controlled way when it arrives.
How do I keep the next storm from doing the same damage?
Clear the gutters and make sure the downspouts carry water well away from the house. Check the grading on each side and cover or clear any window wells and vents.
Keep a record of each storm and the damage it caused. A simple note of dates and places is the most useful thing to hand a contractor.
How do older and newer houses in Black Mountain respond to water?
Older houses with crawl spaces and raised floors hold water under the floor, and the framing takes longer to dry. Newer houses on shallow foundations can take water along the slab edge and into the base of the wall.
The drying plan is set for the type of house, and the readings decide what comes out. The same storm can produce a very different scope on two streets.
What should be done in the first hour of a loss?
Shut the main if a line is running, keep out of standing water near outlets and the panel, and move valuables up. Photograph the damage and write down the time.
If water is coming through a ceiling, keep everyone clear. The crew will release it in a controlled way when it arrives.
