April showers bring May floodproofing tips
May 4, 2011 10:46AM
Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM
April showers brought May floods for many area homeowners.
April was the rainiest month on record in the Chicago area, pouring down about 7.45 inches of water on area residents. The average April shower total is 3.38 inches.
“It was a monster month,” said Frank Karkazis, a Deerfield resident and owner of National Building Resource Group in Chicago, a commercial building maintenance firm.
Homeowners, in particular, are being hard hit by flooding and backed up sewers, said Deerfield residents Scott and Ryan Weitzman owners of Reconstruction General Contractors, RGC, in Northbrook.
“Especially in Deerfield, where there are an abundance of trees, leaves tend to block drains and window wells,” said Scott Weitzman, who along with his brother took over the business from their father Steven almost three years ago.
Scott Weitzman said April showers often develop into major problems in May, as homeowners discover their basement or attic have sprung leaks. The April, May, June season is their business’ busiest flood season as the thaw of winter leaves cracks and entry ways into homes.
The Weitzmans specialize in disaster renovations, construction and maintenance and they’ve seen the worst this spring has to offer.
Here are some of their tips.
Make sure sump pump is in order. Fill well with five gallons of water. Turn on the pump. Shake the white PVC pipe and feel if water is flowing through the pipe.
Caulk perimeter of the house, particularly around the drains and window wells.
Clear and then cover your window wells because water tends to collect.
Walk the perimeter of the house, seeking gaps between the ground and the house’s foundation. Buy foam insulation kit if needed to fill holes.
Hire a full service emergency investigative company to search for mold with infra-red cameras and scopes.
Karkazis added another tip. Test a back-up generator and sump-pump for extra security.
Scott Weitzman said last spring was his company’s biggest year, but this year may be even better for the company but worse for area homeowners.
“If you go by what forecasters are telling us, we’re in for a lot more storms ahead too,” Weitzman said.
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