We are lucky here in Wisconsin that we do not experience a lot of the extreme weather that many other places in the US have during the summer months.
While we don’t get hurricanes like the southeast, extreme heat like the southwest, or the number of tornadoes that we see in the middle part of the country, Wisconsin is no stranger to some pretty severe weather and thunderstorms.
It is easy to forget when the sun is shining and the sky is blue that strong thunderstorms that can cause massive amounts of flooding and damage are a real possibility and we always seem to get at least a couple of big storms each year.
That is why it is so important to prepare your home for Wisconsin summer storms and water damage. It is important to know what to do and how to protect your home from water damage before the next storm comes through.
Why Milwaukee Public Adjusters See Water Damage As One Of The Most Common And Costly Claims
Water damage is the most common type of homeowner insurance claim seen by Milwaukee public adjusters. Not only is it the most common, but it is also the most costly.
The reason it is so common is that water can find its way into the smallest crack or crevice. It is really easy for water to find its way into your home, no matter how secure you think you are. Just one little issue with your gutters, downspouts, sump pump, or something else can cause your entire home to take on water.
And once water has made its way into your home… it is really hard to get it out. Water damage is notoriously costly to repair because it takes a lot of time and effort to fully get rid of it and even after you do, you are stuck having to replace everything from carpet and drywall to other possessions that might have been in the area as well. And just to add a cherry on top, long-lasting problems like mold and mildew make it a problem you might be stuck with long after the flooding takes place.
All of this is why you need to take action now before you’re left filling a hefty insurance claim that might take months to have resolved.
Types Of Potential Water Damage
Roof Leaks
One form of water damage that can be very problematic but is very easy to prevent is a leak in your roof. Generally speaking, this type of water damage is less common but is still something that you need to keep your eye on in the summer months, especially if your roof is older.
Roof leaks that are left unchecked can lead to big problems because not only does the water get into the attic of your home if you have one, but it continues to flow down into all the levels of your home including the ceilings and walls. If it goes unnoticed, you could be dealing with electrical issues, wood rotting, damaged drywall, and possibly mold.
To prevent this, take some time each year to inspect your roof for leaks and replace any damaged shingles. Your rook should be replaced every 30 years or so, so check the date that your home was built and keep up with the schedule.
Basement Flooding
Perhaps the most costly and most common form of water damage in Wisconsin is basement flooding.
When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense why this is more common. When it rains a lot really quickly, water continues to soak through the ground and can build up around the foundation of your home. That increased pressure is what can cause water to push through into your basement.
If you have a situation bad enough, the water can cause so much pressure that it can damage your home’s foundation leaving behind huge cracks that make whole walls cave in – a massive and expensive repair.
Even without it, most people use their basements as either an extra living space or storage, meaning that there is a big opportunity to ruin many of your possessions.
Preventing basement flooding really comes down to maintenance and fixing problems quickly. It is important to replace your sump pump every 5-7 years to make sure you can move water away from the foundation of your home. Other things like making sure downspouts are clear, making sure your yard is graded away from your home, and keeping an eye out for any new cracks are all things you should do to keep that basement dry.
Other Forms Of Water Damage
While the roof and basement damage are the most common, there are a few other types of water damage to keep an eye out for:
- Cement driveway cracks and unleveling
- Garage flooding
- Sewer and plumbing backups
- Rusting
- Hail damage
All of these forms of water damage can be easily prevented, but are things to always keep in mind.
Knowing how to prevent water damage in Wisconsin is an important part of owning a home. While this type of damage is common, insurance companies like making filing claims extremely difficult as they try to find ways to pay you as little as possible in your settlement. If you experience water damage this summer, make sure you document or work with Milwaukee public adjusters so that you have as much evidence as possible to get a better settlement.
And of course, please contact us at any time so that we can help you get a better settlement for your water damage claim!
